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Registrar's Powers RP Forms UK: Fix Company Register

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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 something has gone wrong with what Companies House holds about your company, the RP series of forms is usually how you put it right. These forms sit under what are known as the registrar's powers, a set of statutory tools that let the Registrar of Companies amend, remove or replace information on the public register in specific circumstances. They are not everyday filings. Most directors and company secretaries will never touch one, but when you do need them, using the correct form matters because the registrar will only act within the scope each form allows. This page walks through the main RP forms, what each is for, and when a company officer might reasonably reach for one. If you are unsure which form fits your situation, a short conversation with an experienced legal adviser can help you think it through before you file.

What this document is

The registrar's powers are the limited statutory abilities given to Companies House to change what appears on the register after a document has been filed. Ordinarily, the register reflects what companies themselves have submitted, and Companies House does not verify the underlying facts.

The RP forms exist as a controlled route for companies, directors or affected third parties to ask the registrar to step in where something on the register is wrong, was filed in error, or was placed there without proper authority. Each form addresses a different scenario.

Some are used by companies to replace defective filings or correct obvious mistakes. Others let a director or other affected person ask for material to be removed, for example where their personal information appears without their consent. A few allow objections or second filings where an earlier document needs to be supplemented rather than replaced.

Because the registrar can only act within the grounds set out in the Companies Act 2006 and the related regulations, choosing the right RP form and explaining clearly why the registrar should act is essential.

How to use this document

  1. Work out what is actually wrong. Before picking a form, be precise about the issue. Is a document defective and needs replacing, is a specific entry inaccurate, or is there material on the register that should not be there at all? The answer determines which RP form you need, and getting this wrong is the most common reason these applications stall.
  2. Match the issue to the correct RP form. RP01 covers replacing a document that did not meet filing requirements. RP02A and RP02B cover rectification of name, status or registered office entries. RP03 is for objecting to a rectification request. RP04 handles a second filing where an earlier document stands but needs supplementing. RP CH01 corrects a director's date of birth. RP06 asks for removal of material about a director. RP07 deals with a disputed registered office address.
  3. Gather the supporting information. The registrar will usually want to see why the change is justified, not just that you would like it made. That can include evidence of the underlying facts, confirmation from the company or affected individual, and reference to the original filing. Thin applications with no supporting context tend to be rejected or queried.
  4. Complete and submit the form to Companies House. RP forms are generally filed on paper rather than through the online service, and a fee may apply for certain rectification applications. Check gov.uk for current fees and the correct postal address before sending. Keep a full copy of what you submit, including any exhibits, in case the registrar comes back with questions.
  5. Wait for the registrar's decision and respond promptly. Companies House will consider the application and may ask for further information, notify other parties, or, in contested cases, invite objections. If your application is accepted, the register is updated. If it is refused, the reasons will be set out and you can usually address them and try again.

Common questions

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Common questions

Q What does 'registrar's powers' actually mean?
It refers to the statutory powers given to the Registrar of Companies under the Companies Act 2006 to make changes to the public register in defined situations. These powers are limited. The registrar cannot simply edit the register on request. The RP forms are the route through which companies, directors or affected third parties formally ask the registrar to exercise one of these powers, such as replacing a defective document or removing incorrect material.
Q When should I use RP01 rather than just refiling a document?
RP01 is specifically for replacing a document that was accepted onto the register but did not meet the requirements for filing, for example because it was incomplete or internally inconsistent. If your original document was rejected outright, you usually just submit a corrected version in the normal way. RP01 is for situations where the defective document is already on the public record and needs to be replaced there.
Q Can I use RP06 to remove anything I do not like about myself from the register?
No. RP06 is narrow. It is used where material about a director has been entered on the register without their consent, for instance where someone has been named as a director without authority. It is not a general privacy tool and cannot be used to remove information that was properly filed, even if the director now regrets it. Separate rules apply for suppressing a residential address.
Q What is the difference between RP02A and RP02B?
Both ask the registrar to rectify the register, but they cover different categories of entry. RP02A is used for rectification relating to a change of company name or status. RP02B deals specifically with rectification of a change of registered office address. Using the wrong one of the two is a common reason for applications to be sent back, so check the exact scope of each before filing.
Q Is there a fee for filing RP forms?
Some RP applications attract a fee and others do not, depending on what the registrar is being asked to do. Fees can also change, so it is worth checking the current position on gov.uk before submitting anything. If a fee is payable and is not included, the application will not be processed until the correct payment is received.
Q How long does Companies House take to deal with an RP application?
There is no fixed statutory timescale and timeframes vary depending on the type of application, the complexity of the issue, and whether third parties need to be notified or given a chance to object. Straightforward replacements may be dealt with relatively quickly. Contested rectifications, particularly involving registered office disputes, can take significantly longer.
Q Do I need a solicitor to file an RP form?
No, there is no legal requirement to use a solicitor. The forms are designed to be filed by companies, directors or their representatives. That said, because these applications ask the registrar to exercise a statutory power and often involve a dispute or an error with consequences, many people find it useful to talk the situation through with an experienced legal adviser before filing so they understand what the registrar will be looking for.
If you're dealing with this kind of situation, speak to an experienced legal adviser who can walk you through it — from £89.

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.