You incorporated your company as ABC Consulting Ltd. But six months in, your work has shifted from consultancy to software development. ABC Consulting Ltd no longer describes what you do. Or maybe you have just rebranded and need the registered name to match. Whatever the reason, changing your company name with Companies House is a straightforward administrative process. Here is exactly how to do it.

When You Can Change a Company Name

A limited company can change its name at any time after incorporation. There is no minimum waiting period. You can change it multiple times. There is no limit on how many times you can change the name, though each change costs money and requires paperwork.

The new name must pass the same checks as your original name. It must not be the same as an existing company name on the Companies House register. It must not be offensive. It must not suggest a connection with government or a regulated body unless you have permission. And it must not include restricted words like "Royal", "Bank", or "Insurance" unless you meet the conditions for using them.

You can check name availability on the Companies House name availability checker before you start the process. Do this first. It saves time.

Two Routes to Change a Company Name

There are two ways to change a company name. The route you take depends on what your company's articles of association say.

Route 1: Ordinary Resolution (Most Companies)

Most companies use an ordinary resolution passed by the shareholders. This requires a simple majority vote: more than 50% of the votes cast must be in favour. The directors propose the name change, the shareholders vote, and if the resolution passes, you file the paperwork with Companies House.

This is the standard route for companies with standard articles (like the Model Articles). It is the route we recommend for almost every client.

Route 2: Provision in the Articles (Less Common)

Some companies have a provision in their articles of association that allows the directors to change the company name without a shareholder vote. This is rare in practice. Most small companies use the Model Articles, which do not include this provision. If your articles give the directors this power, you can skip the shareholder vote and go straight to filing. Check your articles before proceeding.

The Step by Step Process

Here is the full process, from decision to completion.

Step 1: Check Name Availability

Go to the Companies House name availability checker. Enter your proposed new name. Check that it is not the same as an existing company. Also check for "too similar" names. Companies House will reject a name that is confusingly similar to an existing registered name, even if it is not identical. This includes names that sound the same or differ only by minor variations like "and" vs "&".

If you are unsure whether a name is acceptable, you can file a name application in advance. This costs £10 and reserves the name for 28 days. Most people skip this step and go straight to filing the name change, but it is an option if you want certainty before spending time on the resolution.

Step 2: Pass a Shareholder Resolution (if required)

If your company uses the ordinary resolution route, you need to pass a resolution. The resolution must state the proposed new name and be approved by a simple majority of shareholders. For most small companies with one or two directors who are also the shareholders, this is a formality. You can pass the resolution at a board meeting or by written resolution.

Keep a record of the resolution in your company's statutory records. You do not need to send the resolution to Companies House unless they specifically ask for it. The form you file later acts as the notification.

Step 3: File Form NM01 with Companies House

This is the main step. Form NM01 is the "Change of name by ordinary resolution" form. You complete it online through the Companies House WebFiling service or by filing a paper version. The online route is faster and cheaper.

The form asks for:

  • The company number
  • The current company name
  • The proposed new company name
  • The date the resolution was passed
  • A statement confirming the resolution was passed

If you are using the articles provision route instead of an ordinary resolution, you file form NM04 instead. The principle is the same: you notify Companies House of the name change and confirm the legal basis for it.

Step 4: Pay the Fee

As of 2025/26, the fee for changing a company name is £8 for online filing and £20 for paper filing. The online route is cheaper and faster. We always recommend filing online unless you have a specific reason to use paper.

Step 5: Wait for Confirmation

Online filings are usually processed within 24 hours. Paper filings can take 5 to 10 working days. Once approved, Companies House issues a certificate of incorporation on change of name. This is the legal document that confirms the new name. It replaces your original incorporation certificate.

Keep this certificate with your company records. You will need it when opening new bank accounts, updating contracts, or proving your company's legal identity.

What Happens After the Name Change

Once Companies House approves the name change, the new name takes effect from the date on the certificate. Your company's legal identity does not change. The same company number, the same registered address, the same directors and shareholders. Only the name changes.

You must update the following:

  • Your bank account. The bank will want to see the certificate of incorporation on change of name. They may also require a board resolution authorising the name change.
  • Your contracts and terms of business. Existing contracts remain valid, but you should issue a notice of name change to clients, suppliers, and partners. Some contracts may need to be formally novated, though most will simply accept a written notice.
  • Your website, email signatures, and stationery. The company name on your website and business stationery must match the registered name. You have a grace period to use up existing stock, but do not order new stationery with the old name.
  • Your accounting software and HMRC records. HMRC is notified automatically by Companies House. But your accounting software (Xero, FreeAgent, QuickBooks, Sage 50) will need manual updating. Check that your company name in the software matches the new registered name.
  • Your insurance policies. Notify your insurer. Failing to do so could invalidate your cover.
  • Your domain names and social media handles. If the new name is different, update these to match.

Common Questions and Pitfalls

Can I Change Back to the Old Name?

Yes. You can change your company name back to a previous name. The same process applies. You file a new NM01 (or NM04) and pay the fee. There is no restriction on reverting to an old name, provided the old name is still available on the register.

What If the Name Is Rejected?

Companies House can reject a name change if the proposed name is the same as an existing company, too similar, or uses restricted words without permission. If rejected, you lose the fee and must start again with a different name. This is why checking availability first is important.

Does Changing the Name Affect My Tax Position?

No. Your company's legal identity is unchanged. Your corporation tax reference, VAT number, PAYE reference, and company number all stay the same. HMRC is notified automatically. You do not need to re-register for any taxes.

What About the Company's History?

The company's history remains attached to the company number, not the name. Anyone searching your company number on Companies House will see the full history, including the previous name. The previous name appears on the company's filing history as a "change of name" event.

When to Use a Name Change vs a New Company

In most cases, changing the name is the right move. It is cheaper, faster, and simpler than incorporating a new company. But there are situations where incorporating a new company makes more sense:

  • If you want to split the business into two separate legal entities
  • If you are selling the old business and starting fresh
  • If the new name is already taken and you cannot use it
  • If you want to change the company's structure (e.g. from private to public)

For a straightforward rebrand, a name change is the better option. For a fundamental business restructuring, speak to an accountant or corporate lawyer first.

How We Can Help

As ICAEW qualified accountants, we handle company name changes for clients regularly. We check name availability, draft the resolution, file the NM01 online, and advise on the post-change steps. If you are changing your company name and want it done correctly the first time, we can manage the process for you.

We also handle the wider implications: updating your accounting software, notifying HMRC (though they usually pick it up automatically), and making sure your director's loan account and statutory records reflect the change.

If you are considering a name change and want to discuss the process, contact our team. We work with limited companies across the UK, from a one-person consultancy in Shoreditch to a growing team in Manchester's Northern Quarter.