What Is a Registered Office Address and How Do You Change It?

What it is

Your registered office is the address where Companies House, HMRC and other official bodies send legal documents. It is public. Every UK company must have one in the same part of the UK as it is registered, for example England and Wales.

The rules

• It must be a physical address where someone can deliver and receive documents.
• A PO Box is not allowed.
• It must be an "appropriate address", meaning post sent there will reach someone acting for the company.
• The address appears on the public register and on company documents.

Your home or a business address

Many directors use a home address, but it then becomes public. Alternatives include your accountant's address, a virtual office or a serviced office, so long as they will pass on official post. Do not use an address that will ignore official letters.

How to change it

1. Decide the new address.
2. File form AD01 online through Companies House (it is free), or update through your software.
3. The change takes effect when Companies House registers it.
4. Update your letterhead, website, invoices, bank and HMRC.

Companies House does not charge a fee for the online change.

Mistakes to avoid

• Using an address that will not forward post. Missed notices can lead to penalties or a strike-off.
• Forgetting to tell HMRC separately about the correspondence address.
• Using someone else's address without their permission.

Linking it to your filings

Your registered office is also confirmed in your annual confirmation statement. See our confirmation statement service.