Changing the name of a UK limited company is relatively straightforward, but it is more than a branding exercise. The legal company name appears on official records, contracts, invoices, accounts, bank records and the Companies House register, so the change needs to be handled properly. For most private limited companies, the process involves choosing a compliant new name, obtaining the required shareholder approval, notifying Companies House and waiting for the new name to be officially registered.

This guide explains how to change a company name at Companies House, including the rules for choosing a new name, the required resolution, online filing, costs, timing and what to do after the change is approved.

Important: Companies House rules and fees can change. The information below reflects the current UK process and official guidance available at the time of publication.

Can You Change a Company's Name at Companies House?

Yes. A UK limited company can change its registered name. A company can generally change its name either:

• By passing a special resolution, or
• By using a power contained in its articles of association that permits the directors or another mechanism to change the name.

For the most common private limited company scenario, the company members approve the new name through a special resolution and the company then files the change with Companies House. The important point is that the company does not legally have its new name simply because shareholders have approved it. The new name takes effect only when Companies House registers the change.

Why Would a Company Change Its Name?

Businesses change their legal names for many reasons. A startup might have outgrown the name chosen when it was incorporated. An established company may be repositioning its brand, entering a new market or changing its business model. Common reasons include:

• Rebranding
• Expansion into new markets
• A merger or acquisition
• Change in business activities
• Removing a founder's name
• Creating a more professional corporate identity
• Aligning the legal name with an existing trading brand
• Moving from a narrow business description to a broader one

For example, a company incorporated as London Web Design Solutions Ltd might later expand into software development, consulting and digital marketing. Its owners may decide that a broader name better represents the business. Changing the legal name can make sense, but it should be treated as a corporate change, not simply a marketing decision.

Step 1: Choose a New Company Name

Before filing anything, decide what the new company name will be. Your proposed name must comply with Companies House rules. For a typical private company limited by shares, the registered name will normally end in "Limited" or "Ltd", subject to the applicable rules and any exemptions.

Check the Companies House register

Search Companies House for similar names before committing to your choice. A name being technically available does not automatically mean it is a good commercial choice. Consider whether the proposed name is:

• Too similar to another company's name
• Easily confused with an established business
• Difficult to spell
• Difficult to pronounce
• Too restrictive for your future plans
• Likely to create trademark problems

Companies House registration and trademark protection are different issues. A name can potentially be accepted by Companies House while still creating intellectual property concerns.

Check the trademark position

If the name will become an important brand, conduct a separate trademark search. For a business investing heavily in a new identity, this is one of the most important checks to make before spending money on signage, websites, packaging and advertising.

Step 2: Check Whether the Name Is Restricted or Sensitive

Not every proposed company name can be registered automatically. Certain words and expressions are restricted or may require permission. Some names can imply that the company has a particular status, function or connection with government or another official organisation.

For example, a proposed name containing sensitive terminology may require approval from the relevant authority. This is why a company should not assume that a name is acceptable simply because a Companies House search does not show an identical company. The availability check and the legal suitability check are separate considerations.

Step 3: Obtain Shareholder Approval

Changing a company name commonly requires a special resolution. A special resolution normally requires at least 75% of the voting shareholders to agree, although the company's articles and particular circumstances should be checked.

Companies House explains that changing a company name is one of the decisions that usually requires a resolution. The resolution can often be passed at a meeting or, where permitted, as a written resolution.

What is a special resolution?

In simple terms, it is a formal decision approved by the required shareholder majority for certain important company matters. For example:

"That the name of the company be changed from ABC Consulting Ltd to ABC Group Ltd."

The company should retain a proper record of the resolution with its corporate records. If a special resolution is passed, the relevant resolution must be delivered to Companies House within 15 days.

Step 4: File the Company Name Change with Companies House

Once the required approval has been obtained, the company needs to notify Companies House. For a change of name by special resolution, the relevant filing is NM01. Companies House currently allows eligible companies to submit a change of name by special resolution online. The online process is generally preferable because it is faster and easier to track than a paper application. You will typically need information such as:

• Company number
• Existing company name
• Proposed new name
• Details of the resolution
• Filing credentials or the required authentication/identity information

Before submitting, carefully check the spelling of the proposed name. A one-letter error can create unnecessary delays and may require another filing to correct.

How Much Does It Cost to Change a Company Name?

As of the current Companies House fee schedule, changing a company name costs:

• £20 online
• £30 by paper filing
• £85 for the same-day service, where the service is available.

Companies House fees are periodically reviewed, so businesses should check the official fee schedule before filing. The filing fee is only part of the potential cost. A rebrand can also involve:

• New website and domain
• Logo and visual identity
• Signage
• Printed materials
• Packaging
• Advertising
• Legal documents
• Contracts
• Software accounts
• Professional fees

For a small company, the Companies House filing itself may be inexpensive while the commercial cost of the rebrand is considerably larger.

When Does the New Company Name Become Official?

This is one of the most important points to understand. The name does not officially change when shareholders pass the resolution. It becomes the company's legal name when Companies House registers the change. Companies House then issues a certificate of incorporation on change of name. Until that point, the company should continue to use its existing registered name where its legal identity is required.

Example

Imagine:

Old name: Greenfield Property Services Ltd
New name: Greenfield Property Group Ltd

The shareholders approve the new name on 10 August. The filing is submitted to Companies House on 11 August. Companies House registers the change on 12 August. The company legally becomes Greenfield Property Group Ltd from the registration of the change, not simply from the date of the shareholder resolution. That distinction matters when preparing contracts and official documents.

What Happens to the Company Number?

The company number normally stays the same. This is an important advantage of changing the name rather than creating an entirely new company. For example:

Old: ABC Digital Ltd
Company number: 12345678

After the name change:

New: ABC Technology Ltd
Company number: 12345678

The corporate entity remains the same. Its history does not simply disappear because its name has changed. This can be particularly important for companies with existing contracts, assets, tax history, banking relationships and trading history.

Does Changing the Company Name Create a New Company?

No. A company name change does not normally create a new legal entity. The same company continues to exist under a different registered name. That means the company's:

• Company number
• Existing liabilities
• Contracts
• Assets
• Debts
• Filing history
• Corporate history

generally remain associated with the same company. This is why a name change should not be confused with incorporating a new company.

What Should You Do After Companies House Approves the Name Change?

The Companies House filing is only the beginning of the practical work. Once the new name has been registered, create a post-name-change checklist.

1. Update your website

Change the legal company name where it appears in:

• Website footer
• Terms and conditions
• Privacy policy
• Contact pages
• Legal notices

If your trading name is different from your registered company name, make sure the distinction remains clear.

2. Notify your bank

Tell your business bank about the legal name change. The bank may request your certificate of incorporation on change of name and other supporting documents.

3. Update invoices

Your invoices and other commercial documents should reflect the correct legal entity information. Do not overlook recurring invoice templates.

4. Update contracts

Review:

• Customer agreements
• Supplier contracts
• Employment documents
• Partnership agreements
• Service agreements
• Purchase orders

Whether an existing contract needs formal amendment depends on its wording and circumstances, but counterparties should generally be informed.

5. Update HMRC and tax records where necessary

Companies House and HMRC are separate organisations with different responsibilities. Do not assume that every business record automatically changes simply because Companies House has registered the new name. HMRC may need to be notified depending on the circumstances.

6. Update insurance

Contact your insurers and check that policies display the correct legal company name.

7. Update payment providers

Consider platforms such as:

• Stripe
• PayPal
• Payment gateways
• Merchant accounts
• Accounting software

A mismatch between your legal name and payment records can cause verification issues.

Do You Need to Change Your Company Bank Account?

Usually, a company name change does not mean opening an entirely new bank account. The underlying company remains the same. However, the bank will normally need to update the account holder's name and may request evidence of the Companies House change. Speak to your bank before changing payment details so that customers and suppliers are not given incorrect information.

What About Your Company Website and Brand Name?

A legal company name and trading brand do not have to be identical. For example:

Legal company: Horizon Digital Ventures Ltd
Trading brand: Horizon

A company might therefore change its legal name while keeping its existing brand, or it might change both. If you are changing the brand as well as the registered name, coordinate the transition. Changing the Companies House record without updating customer-facing material can create confusion. Conversely, changing the brand before the legal company name has been registered can create an awkward period where your marketing says one thing but your legal documents must still use another.

What If Your Preferred New Name Is Already Taken?

You may need to choose another name. Do not simply add a minor variation to another company's name and assume it will be acceptable. Companies House considers whether names are the same or too similar under the applicable rules. Even where Companies House accepts a name, another business may have trademark rights or other legal grounds to object. A stronger process is:

Companies House search → trademark search → domain/social availability → commercial review → shareholder approval → Companies House filing.

This reduces the risk of having to rebrand twice.

Common Mistakes When Changing a Company Name

Treating it as a marketing-only decision

A legal name change affects corporate records and documentation.

Using a name without checking trademarks

Companies House registration is not trademark clearance.

Forgetting shareholder approval

Where a resolution is required, the company should obtain the correct approval before filing.

Assuming the new name is effective immediately

It is not officially changed until Companies House registers it.

Forgetting the 15-day resolution deadline

A special resolution must be delivered to Companies House within the required period.

Updating Companies House but nowhere else

Banks, insurers, customers, suppliers and tax records may also need attention.

Changing the name without considering the business strategy

A good company name should work not just today but also if the company expands into new products, markets or services.

Changing a Company Name When You Are Based Outside the UK

International founders can also change the name of a UK company. The process still centres on the UK company and its Companies House obligations. For overseas owners, however, administration can be more complicated because company correspondence, identity verification, banking and professional advisers may be located in different countries.

This makes accurate records particularly important. A UK company formation and management platform such as IncorpUK can be useful to global founders who need support with the practical administration surrounding a UK company. It does not, however, remove the directors' legal responsibilities for ensuring that company information and filings are accurate.

A Simple Company Name Change Checklist

Before filing:

• Choose the proposed new name
• Check Companies House availability
• Check trademark considerations
• Check restricted/sensitive words
• Review your articles of association
• Obtain the required shareholder approval
• Record the resolution
• Prepare the Companies House filing
• Submit the change
• Pay the applicable fee

After registration:

• Download and retain the change of name certificate
• Check the Companies House register
• Notify your bank
• Review HMRC records
• Update invoices
• Update contracts
• Update insurance
• Update payment providers
• Update website and legal notices
• Update accounting software
• Tell important customers and suppliers
• Update branding where applicable

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I change my company name at Companies House?

For the standard private limited company process, choose a compliant new name, obtain the required shareholder approval, normally through a special resolution and notify Companies House using the appropriate change-of-name filing. Eligible companies can file a change of name by special resolution online.

How much does it cost to change a company name at Companies House?

The current Companies House fee is £20 for an online change of name, £30 for a paper filing and £85 for the same-day service where available.

Do I need shareholder approval to change my company name?

Usually, yes. A company name change commonly requires a special resolution, although the company's articles of association may provide another mechanism for changing the name.

How long does a company name change take?

The time depends on the filing method and Companies House processing. Online filing is generally the quickest route. The new name does not become official until Companies House registers the change.

Does the company number change when the name changes?

No. Changing the registered name does not normally create a new company. The existing company number remains associated with the same legal entity.

Can I change my company name online?

Yes. Companies House provides an online service for eligible changes of name made by special resolution.

Do I need to tell HMRC about a company name change?

You should review your HMRC records and obligations separately. Companies House and HMRC have different responsibilities, so a Companies House update should not be treated as a universal update of every government or business record.

Can I use a company name that is similar to another business?

Not necessarily. Companies House has rules concerning names that are the same or too similar, and separate trademark or other intellectual property rights may also apply. Always investigate the name before committing to a rebrand.

Can I change my company name without changing the company?

Yes. A name change normally leaves the existing company and company number intact. The company's existing legal history, assets, liabilities and obligations continue.

Conclusion

Changing your company name at Companies House is a relatively simple filing, but getting the process right requires more than submitting a new name. Start by choosing a name that works legally and commercially. Check Companies House availability, investigate trademark considerations and review your company's articles. Obtain the appropriate shareholder approval, submit the required filing and remember that the new name becomes official only when Companies House registers it.

Then complete the second half of the job: update your bank, tax records where necessary, contracts, invoices, insurance, payment providers, website and other business records. Most importantly, remember that a company name change is not the creation of a new company. In the normal case, the same legal entity continues under a new name and retains its existing company number and corporate history. Handled properly, a name change can give a growing business a cleaner identity without disrupting the legal continuity that has already been built.