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Form NM06 UK: Company Name Change Comments

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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 your UK company wants to adopt a new name that includes a sensitive or restricted word, Companies House may need you to seek comment from a specified body or government department before the change can be registered. Form NM06 is the vehicle for doing this. It accompanies a name change application where the proposed name triggers extra scrutiny, and it gives the relevant regulator or representative body an opportunity to raise concerns. Getting the submission right first time avoids delays, rejected filings, and wasted fees. On this page I'll walk you through what NM06 is for, when you need it, what to put in it, and the common pitfalls directors run into. If you'd rather talk it through with someone who deals with this regularly, you can book a call with one of our experienced legal advisers.

What this document is

NM06 is the Companies House form used when a company wants to change its name to one that includes a word or expression considered sensitive or restricted under UK company law. Certain words, think terms like 'bank', 'charity', 'university', 'royal', or 'trust', cannot simply be adopted without evidence that an appropriate person or body has been consulted and has had the opportunity to comment.

The form is the record of that consultation. You complete NM06 to show Companies House that you have approached the relevant specified body, explained the proposed name, and invited their view. It sits alongside the main name change paperwork (typically NM01 where a special resolution has been passed, or another appropriate NM-series form depending on how the name change was authorised).

Without NM06, where it's required, the registrar will not process the change. It's a regulatory checkpoint rather than a formality, and the body being consulted can object, raise concerns, or confirm they have no issue.

How to use this document

  1. Check whether your proposed name is sensitive or restricted. Before doing anything else, compare your proposed name against the Companies House guidance on sensitive words and expressions. If the word you want to use appears on the list, you'll usually need to write to a specified body or government department for their comments before you can file the name change. 2. Write to the relevant specified body or regulator. Identify who you need to approach, for example the Charity Commission for 'charity', the Office for Students for 'university', or the Prudential Regulation Authority for banking terms. Send them a clear letter explaining your proposed new name, what your company does, and why you consider the name appropriate. Ask for their comments. 3. Wait for their response and keep a copy. The specified body will either respond with no objection, raise concerns, or ask for more information. Keep every letter, email, and attachment. You'll need to evidence the consultation when you file NM06, and Companies House may want to see the correspondence if anything is queried later. 4. Complete Form NM06 accurately. Fill in the company's registered number and existing name, the proposed new name, the body you wrote to, the date of your letter, and a summary of any comments received. Attach copies of the correspondence where the form asks for it. Double check every detail against your Companies House record, typos here cause rejections. 5. File NM06 with the accompanying name change form. Submit NM06 together with the main name change paperwork (for example NM01 following a special resolution) and the applicable filing fee. Once Companies House is satisfied the consultation requirement has been met, they'll issue a certificate of incorporation on change of name, and the new name takes legal effect from that date.

Common questions

If you're dealing with this kind of situation, speak to an experienced legal adviser who can walk you through it — from £89.

Common questions

Q When do I actually need to file NM06?
You need NM06 when your proposed new company name includes a word or expression that requires you to seek the view of a specified body or government department. The list of sensitive words is maintained by Companies House and covers terms suggesting official status, regulated activities, or protected categories. If your proposed name contains none of these, a standard name change form without NM06 will usually be enough.
Q Which body do I need to write to?
It depends entirely on the word triggering the requirement. 'Charity' typically points to the Charity Commission, 'architect' to the Architects Registration Board, 'dental' or 'dentist' to the General Dental Council, and banking terms to the Prudential Regulation Authority or Financial Conduct Authority. Companies House publishes guidance listing which body corresponds to which word, and it's worth checking this carefully before you write.
Q What happens if the specified body objects to my proposed name?
An objection doesn't necessarily end the matter, but it makes approval much harder. You can try to address the concerns raised, amend the proposed name, or in some cases proceed and let Companies House weigh the objection. In practice, if a regulator formally objects, most companies choose a different name rather than fight it, because the registrar gives significant weight to regulator comments.
Q Is there a fee for filing NM06?
Filing fees apply to the overall name change process, and the amount depends on whether you file on paper or electronically and whether you use the same-day service. NM06 itself is submitted as part of that application. Check gov.uk for the current amount before you file, as fees are reviewed periodically.
Q How long does the whole process take?
The consultation stage with the specified body is often the longest part, because you're waiting on a third party who sets their own timetable. Some regulators respond within a fortnight, others take considerably longer. Once NM06 and the name change form reach Companies House, standard processing is typically a few working days, with a same-day option available for an additional fee.
Q Can I use the new name before Companies House registers it?
No. The change of name takes legal effect from the date on the certificate of incorporation on change of name issued by Companies House. Trading under the new name, updating contracts, or changing signage before that date can cause problems, particularly if the name is ultimately rejected. Wait for the certificate before making external changes.
Q What if I filed the name change but forgot NM06?
Companies House will normally reject the application and ask you to resubmit with the missing consultation evidence. This is one of the more common reasons for name change rejections involving restricted words. If this happens, don't panic, gather the correspondence with the specified body, complete NM06, and file the full package again.
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.