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EW01 Form UK: Withdraw Directors' Register Election

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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
When a company originally decides to keep its register of directors on the public record held by Companies House rather than at its own registered office, that decision can later be reversed. Form EW01 is the notice used to tell the registrar that the company wants to end that arrangement and resume keeping its own register internally. This often comes up when a company is tidying up its statutory records, changing how it manages compliance, or moving its registered office. Reversing the election is straightforward on paper, but the practical consequences matter: once the notice takes effect, the company picks up responsibility for maintaining the register from that point forward. This guide walks through what EW01 is, when it applies, and the steps involved in submitting it correctly.

What this document is

Form EW01 is the Companies House notice a company files when it wants to withdraw an earlier election under section 167A of the Companies Act 2006. That earlier election allowed the company to keep its register of directors on the central public register maintained by Companies House, rather than in its own statutory books.

Filing EW01 cancels that arrangement. From the moment Companies House registers the notice, the company must resume keeping and maintaining its own register of directors under section 162, and it must tell the registrar about any future changes to that register under section 167 in the usual way.

The form itself is short and requests basic company identifying details along with the signature of an authorised officer. It does not affect any other elections the company may have made, for example those covering the register of members or persons with significant control.

Those are handled by separate notices. The withdrawal is governed by section 167E of the Companies Act 2006.

How to use this document

  1. Confirm the election is currently in place. Before filing EW01, check Companies House records to verify that the company actually made a section 167A election to keep its directors' register on the central register. Withdrawing something that was never elected causes confusion and wasted time. A quick look at the company's filing history or public record will usually confirm the position.
  2. Gather the company details needed. You will need the full registered company name and the company registration number exactly as they appear on the Companies House record. Any mismatch, for example an abbreviation or a missing suffix, can lead to the form being queried or rejected. Have the registered office address and details of the authorised signatory to hand as well.
  3. Complete the EW01 form. Fill in the form carefully, whether you are using the paper version or filing online. The form is brief, but each field matters. The signatory must be a person authorised to act for the company, typically a director, the company secretary, or an equivalent officer. Double check everything before signing.
  4. Submit the form to Companies House. You can file online through the WebFiling service, which is usually faster and provides an electronic confirmation. If you prefer the paper route, post the signed form to the Companies House address shown on the form itself. If posting, keep proof of postage such as a certificate of posting in case any dispute arises about timing.
  5. Start maintaining the register internally from the effective date. Once Companies House registers the notice, the withdrawal takes effect and the company must resume keeping its own register of directors. You will also need to notify the registrar of future changes, such as appointments and resignations, using the usual forms like AP01, AP02, TM01, and CH01. Update your internal compliance records to reflect the change.

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 What does form EW01 actually do?
Form EW01 tells Companies House that the company no longer wants to keep its register of directors on the central public register. Once the registrar processes the notice, responsibility for maintaining the register shifts back to the company itself. The company must then keep its own register of directors and notify Companies House of changes in the normal way, using the relevant appointment and termination forms.
Q When does the withdrawal take effect?
The withdrawal takes effect at the point Companies House registers the notice, not when you sign or send the form. That means there can be a short gap between filing and the election actually ending. During this gap the existing arrangement still applies. Keep this in mind if the timing of the change matters, for example if it ties in with a registered office move or a broader compliance review.
Q Do I have to re-enter old director information after filing EW01?
Yes. Once the election is withdrawn, the company must make sure its own register of directors contains all the information that would have been recorded there had the original election never been made. Practically, this means bringing the register up to date with current and historic directors so it reflects the full position required by the Companies Act 2006.
Q Can I file EW01 online?
In many cases you can file through the Companies House WebFiling service, which tends to be quicker and gives you an electronic confirmation of submission. If you prefer, a signed paper form can be posted to Companies House instead. Check the current filing options and any fees on gov.uk before choosing your route, as online services and paper options can change over time.
Q Who can sign the EW01 form on behalf of the company?
The form needs to be signed by someone authorised to act for the company, typically a director, the company secretary if one is appointed, or a person of equivalent standing. The signatory is confirming that the company is withdrawing its election. If you are unsure who holds the right authority in your company, your articles of association or internal governance arrangements will usually clarify it.
Q Does EW01 affect other central register elections?
No. EW01 only deals with the election relating to the register of directors under section 167A. If the company has made separate elections for other registers, such as the register of members, directors' residential addresses, secretaries, or persons with significant control, those remain in place unless withdrawn using the appropriate notice for each one.
Q Is there a fee for filing EW01?
Fees for Companies House filings can change, and some notices are free while others carry a charge. Rather than rely on an outdated figure, check the current position on gov.uk or in the Companies House guidance before submitting. If you are filing several related forms at once, it is worth confirming the fees for each so you know what to expect.
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.