How to Change your Company Address | Companies MadeSimple

There are many reasons why a company might need to change its registered address, from relocating to new offices to switching to a virtual office for privacy or flexibility.

Updating your company address with Companies House is straightforward and can usually be completed online in just a few minutes. The key is to follow the correct process and ensure all your business records are updated consistently.

This article explains when you might need to change your address, how to do it using the AD01 form, and what else you need to update to keep your business compliant and professional. Companies MadeSimple can assist with changing addresses and registered office updates to make the process even simpler.

Key Takeaways

• You must use the AD01 form to change your company's registered office address with Companies House
• Address changes are usually processed within 24 hours when filed online
• Your registered office must remain in the same UK jurisdiction (England/Wales, Scotland, or Northern Ireland)
• After updating Companies House, you should also inform HMRC, your bank, and other stakeholders
• A virtual office can be used as your registered address for privacy and professionalism
• Companies MadeSimple can handle address changes and provide registered office services

When You Might Need to Change Your Company Address

There are several common reasons why businesses update their registered address.

Moving offices

If your company relocates to new premises, you may need to update your registered office address to reflect the new location.

Switching to a virtual office

Many businesses move to a virtual office service to maintain a professional address without the cost of physical office space. This is particularly common for home-based or remote businesses.

Privacy concerns

Directors who initially used their home address may choose to change to a business address to keep their personal details off the public register.

Administrative updates

Your landlord or building may have changed address numbering, or you may be consolidating addresses across multiple companies.

Your registered office address must always be a physical location in the same part of the UK where your company was incorporated. For example, a company registered in England and Wales cannot move its registered office to Scotland or Northern Ireland without re-registering the company.

How to Change Your Company Address with Companies House

Changing your company address involves filing the AD01 form with Companies House. Here is the step-by-step process:

1. Log in to your Companies House account

Visit the Companies House WebFiling service and sign in using your company authentication code and presenter details. If you do not have an account, you can create one online.

2. Complete the AD01 form

Select the option to change your registered office address. You can complete the form online or download the AD01 form from GOV.UK if you prefer to submit by post.

3. Enter your new registered office address

Provide the full details of your new address, including postcode. The address must be a physical location, not a PO Box, and it must be in the same jurisdiction as your company registration.

4. Ensure the address meets legal requirements

The new address must be capable of receiving official correspondence. It should be a location where mail can be delivered and where statutory registers can be inspected if required.

5. Submit the form

Submit your completed form online or by post. Online submissions are processed much faster, usually within 24 hours. Paper forms can take up to 10 working days.

Once processed, Companies House updates the public register to show your new address. You will receive confirmation once the change is complete.

What the AD01 Form Is (and When You Need It)

The AD01 form is the official document used to notify Companies House of a change to a company's registered office address.

This form is required by law under the Companies Act 2006. Every time your company's registered office address changes, an AD01 form must be filed.

You can file the form online through Companies House WebFiling, which is faster and more convenient than postal submissions.

Companies MadeSimple can help file the AD01 form correctly and quickly, ensuring your company stays compliant and up to date.

Updating Your Business Address Across Records

After filing the AD01 form with Companies House, you should also update your address in other places to ensure consistency and avoid missed correspondence.

HMRC records

Notify HMRC of your new address for Corporation Tax, PAYE, and VAT purposes. This ensures all tax correspondence reaches you and helps avoid compliance issues.

Business bank accounts

Inform your bank of the address change to keep your account details current and ensure you receive statements and important notices.

Website, email signatures, and stationery

Update your address on your website, email signatures, business cards, letterheads, and invoices to maintain a professional image.

Insurance, suppliers, and contracts

Let your insurance providers, suppliers, and any parties with contractual agreements know about the address change. This helps avoid confusion and ensures all parties have correct contact details.

Updating your address consistently across all records ensures smooth operations and helps maintain your professional reputation.

Using a Virtual Office When Changing Address

Many businesses choose to use a virtual office service when changing their registered address.

A virtual office provides a professional business address that can be used as your company's registered office without the need for physical office space.

Benefits of a virtual office:

• Privacy: Keeps your home address off the public Companies House register
• Professional presence: Provides a credible business address, often in a desirable location such as London
• Mail handling: Mail forwarding services ensure you receive all correspondence without visiting a physical office
• Flexibility: Ideal for remote businesses, freelancers, and home-based companies

Using a virtual office is particularly useful if you work from home but want to maintain a professional image and protect your personal privacy.

Companies MadeSimple offers a Registered Office Address service that provides a central London UK business address for use as your company's official registered office.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Changing Address

Here are some common mistakes to avoid when updating your company address:

Forgetting to update the address everywhere

Changing your address with Companies House is not enough. You must also update HMRC, your bank, suppliers, and any other relevant parties to ensure consistency.

Using an address outside the company's incorporation jurisdiction

Your registered office must remain in the same part of the UK where your company was incorporated. Moving to a different jurisdiction requires re-registering the company.

Failing to use an authorised physical address

The registered office must be a physical location where mail can be received. PO Boxes cannot be used as a registered office address.

Not filing the change promptly

Address changes should be filed as soon as the new address becomes effective. Delays can lead to correspondence being sent to the wrong address, which could result in missed deadlines or compliance issues.

How Companies MadeSimple Can Help

Companies MadeSimple offers services to make changing your company address simple and stress-free.

Registered Office Address service

We provide a professional UK business address that can be used as your company's registered office. This helps protect your privacy while ensuring all official correspondence is handled correctly.

Company Secretarial Services

Our Company Secretarial Services can manage address changes, file the AD01 form on your behalf, and handle other Companies House requirements to keep your company compliant.

Ongoing compliance support

Whether you need to change your address once or manage multiple company filings over time, we can provide the support you need to stay organised and compliant.
Using Companies MadeSimple ensures your address change is handled efficiently and correctly, giving you peace of mind that your company records are up to date.

Conclusion

Changing your company address is a quick and straightforward process when you follow the correct steps.

Filing the AD01 form with Companies House updates the public register, usually within 24 hours if done online. After updating Companies House, remember to inform HMRC, your bank, and other stakeholders to ensure all your records are consistent.

If you need a professional business address or help managing company filings, Companies MadeSimple can support you with registered office services and company secretarial support.

Update your company address today with Companies MadeSimple and keep your business compliant and professional.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I change my company address with Companies House?

You can update your company address by filing an AD01 form with Companies House. This can be done online through your account or by post. Once processed, the new address will appear on the public register, usually within 24 hours.

What is the AD01 form and when do I use it?

The AD01 form is used to officially change your company's registered office address with Companies House. You can complete this form online or download it from the GOV.UK website.

Can I use a virtual office as my new company address?

Yes. Many companies use a Virtual Office service from Companies MadeSimple to maintain a professional business address while protecting their privacy. This address can be used as your official registered office.

How long does it take for my new company address to show on Companies House?

When filed online, address changes are usually approved within 24 hours. Paper submissions may take up to 10 working days. Once updated, the new address is visible on the public Companies House register.

Do I need to inform HMRC when I change my business address?

Yes. After updating Companies House, you should also inform HMRC, your bank, and any suppliers to ensure all business correspondence reaches your new address.

Can I change my company address to a different UK region?

No. Your registered office must stay within the same jurisdiction where your company was incorporated — for example, England and Wales, Scotland, or Northern Ireland. You can, however, change to a new address within that area.

What happens if I forget to update my company address?

If you don't update your company address, you may miss legal notices or official correspondence from Companies House and HMRC. This could result in penalties or compliance issues.

Can Companies MadeSimple help me change my company address?

Yes. Companies MadeSimple offers Company Secretarial Services to handle address updates, file the AD01 form, and manage all your Companies House requirements on your behalf.