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Companies House guide

How to change a company's registered office address

Companies House must be told when a registered office changes, and the address becomes part of the public company record.

Last reviewed
18 July 2026
Sources checked
18 July 2026
Reading time
5 minutes

Written by Business Sorted editorial team

Business Sorted provides general educational information and organisation tools. It is not Companies House, HMRC, a solicitor, an accountant, a tax adviser or a regulated professional adviser. Check official sources and get professional advice where your circumstances need it.

Direct answer

To change a company's registered office address, use the Companies House online service or form AD01 where appropriate. Companies House guidance says you must tell Companies House within 14 days of the change taking place.

Key facts

  • Companies House says the registered office change must be reported within 14 days.
  • The online route normally needs the company authentication code.
  • A home address used as registered office will be publicly available.
  • Some companies may need to use paper filing rather than the online service.

Deadline to report the change

Companies House guidance for form AD01 says you must tell Companies House within 14 days of the registered office address change taking place.

The registered office is where official notices can be sent, so an outdated address can create practical risk if Companies House letters are missed.

How to update it

Companies House says you can use the online service to update the registered office address quickly. You will need the company authentication code.

Paper filing may be needed for some companies, including where the company has been defaulted to the Companies House address, is in liquidation, is applying to be restored, or is an unregistered company.

Think about public address visibility

Companies House guidance says if you use your home address as the company’s registered office address, it will be available to the public.

Before changing the address, consider mail handling and who can access the address. This is general information, not advice on which address your company should use.

Frequently asked questions

Can I change the registered office on the confirmation statement?

No. Use the registered office change process rather than waiting for the confirmation statement.

Do I need an authentication code?

Companies House guidance says you need the company authentication code for the online registered office change service.

Related guides

What information must a company keep up to date?Understand the main company information directors must keep current with Companies House, including officers, PSCs and registered office details.What is a company authentication code?Understand what a Companies House company authentication code is, why it matters and how directors should protect it.How to get or replace a Companies House authentication codeLearn how Companies House sends company authentication codes, how long delivery can take and what to check if the code is missing.How to file a confirmation statementLearn the usual steps for filing a Companies House confirmation statement and what UK directors should check before they submit it.

Useful next steps

Keep company updates organised

Keep important company updates and responsibilities organised. BusinessSorted helps you see the tasks that need your attention.

Relevant feature: Company change reminders.

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