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Form NM02 UK: Company Name Change Resolution Guide

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Part ofCompanies House Forms UK

Written by Brad Askew Solicitor (non-practising)
Brad is on the roll of solicitors of England & Wales but does not hold a practising certificate and does not provide legal advice.
Updated June 2026 · England & Wales
If you run a limited company and you've decided the current name no longer fits, Form NM02 is one of the routes Companies House offers to make the change official. It's the form you use when the name change has been approved by a special resolution of the shareholders, rather than by a method written into the company's articles. Getting the paperwork right matters, because the new name only takes legal effect once Companies House has accepted the resolution and issued an updated certificate of incorporation. This page walks through when NM02 is the right form, how the special resolution process works, and what to send to Companies House. I'm Brad Askew, Legal Tech Founder at LegalDocuments.co.uk, and I've written this as a plain-English overview for directors and company secretaries who want to understand what they're actually filing.

What this document is

Form NM02 is the Companies House filing used to notify a change of company name where that change has been approved by a special resolution of the members. A special resolution means at least 75% of the votes cast by shareholders (or members, for companies limited by guarantee) are in favour of the proposed name.

It's the most common route for private limited companies, community interest companies, and companies limited by guarantee that want to rebrand or correct a name that no longer reflects what the business does. The NM02 itself is a short form confirming that the resolution has been passed and setting out the new name.

It must be accompanied by a copy of the special resolution, signed and dated. Companies House will check that the proposed name complies with the rules on sensitive words, similarity to existing names, and other restrictions in the Companies Act 2006.

If everything is in order, a new certificate of incorporation on change of name is issued, and only from that date is the new name legally effective. The old name continues to bind the company until the certificate is issued.

How to use this document

  1. Check the proposed name is available and permitted. Before calling a meeting, search the Companies House register to confirm no other company holds the name or a name too similar to it. Check the restricted and sensitive words list on gov.uk, as some names need approval from a government body or professional regulator before they can be used.
  2. Call a general meeting or arrange a written resolution. Give shareholders the notice period required by the company's articles and the Companies Act. The notice must clearly state that a special resolution to change the company name will be proposed, and should set out the exact wording of the proposed new name so members know what they're voting on.
  3. Hold the vote and pass the special resolution. At the meeting, or by written resolution if that route is used, members vote on the proposal. A special resolution requires at least 75% of the votes cast to be in favour. Record the result accurately, including the date the resolution was passed, as this date must appear on the paperwork filed at Companies House.
  4. Prepare Form NM02 and the written special resolution. Complete NM02 with the company number, existing name, new name, and confirmation that the resolution was passed. Produce a clean copy of the special resolution itself, signed by a director or the company secretary. Both documents are filed together, either on paper or through the Companies House online service where available.
  5. File with Companies House and wait for the new certificate. Submit NM02, the special resolution, and the filing fee to Companies House. A fee applies, and expedited same-day processing may be available for a higher fee. Check gov.uk for the current amounts. Once accepted, Companies House issues a new certificate of incorporation on change of name, and that is the date the change takes legal effect.

Common questions

If you're dealing with this kind of situation, speak to an experienced legal adviser who can walk you through it — from £149.

Common questions

Q When should I use NM02 instead of NM01 or NM04?
NM01 is used where the articles of association permit the directors to change the name without a members' vote. NM02 is used where the change has been approved by a special resolution of the members, which is the most common route. NM04 covers changes made by other means permitted in the articles, such as a conditional resolution. Pick the form that matches how the decision was actually made.
Q What percentage of shareholders need to agree to the name change?
A special resolution requires at least 75% of the votes cast by members entitled to vote to be in favour. This can be done at a general meeting or, for private companies, by written resolution. Bear in mind it's 75% of votes cast, not 75% of all shareholders, so turnout at the meeting or responses to the written resolution both matter.
Q How long does Companies House take to process NM02?
Standard processing through the post typically takes several working days once the form is received. A same-day service is usually available for an additional fee if the documents are submitted by a set deadline. Timescales and fees change from time to time, so check gov.uk for the current position before you file if timing is important to your rebrand plans.
Q Does the new name take effect from the date of the resolution?
No. The name change only has legal effect from the date shown on the new certificate of incorporation on change of name issued by Companies House. Until then, the company must continue to use its existing registered name on contracts, invoices, websites, and signage. Using the new name before the certificate is issued can cause confusion and legal problems.
Q Do I need to tell anyone else after the name change?
Yes. Once the new certificate is issued you should update HMRC, your bank, insurers, suppliers, customers, licensing authorities, the company website, letterheads, invoices, and any contracts or public filings that reference the old name. The company retains its original company number, so registrations tied to the number (such as VAT) usually stay in place, but records still need updating.
Q Can Companies House reject a proposed new name?
Yes. Names that are the same as, or too similar to, an existing registered name will be rejected. Names containing sensitive or restricted words may require prior approval from a specified body. Names that are offensive, that suggest a connection with government, or that imply a regulated status the company doesn't hold can also be refused. Check the rules before filing.
Q Does a name change affect existing contracts the company has signed?
No. The company remains the same legal entity with the same company number, rights, and obligations. Contracts signed under the old name continue to bind the company in the new name. That said, it's good practice to notify counterparties and, where appropriate, record the change by side letter so there's no confusion in future correspondence or disputes.
If you're dealing with this kind of situation, speak to an experienced legal adviser who can walk you through it — from £149.

Sources

This guide is based on primary UK law and official guidance.

Brad Askew, Solicitor (non-practising)

Written & reviewed by

Brad Askew Solicitor (non-practising)

Brad is on the roll of solicitors of England & Wales but does not hold a practising certificate and does not provide legal advice. LegalDocuments.co.uk is not a law firm and does not provide regulated legal advice.

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Legal disclaimer
This article is for general information only. It is a tool to help you find your way — not legal advice, and not a substitute for speaking to a qualified adviser about your situation.