Company Name Change: Do I Get a New Certificate of Incorporation?

No, you don't get a new certificate of incorporation when you change your company name. Instead, Companies House issues a separate document called a "Certificate of Incorporation on Change of Name," which sits alongside your original certificate rather than replacing it.

Key Takeaways

• Your original certificate of incorporation never changes. It reflects the details correct at formation and stays that way permanently.
• Instead, you get a Certificate of Incorporation on Change of Name, showing your old name, new name, company number, and the date the change took effect.
• Your company number stays exactly the same. Only the name changes.
• Your old company name still appears on the public register, under "Previous company names."
• Changing a company name requires a special resolution passed by at least 75% of voting shareholders, along with the correct form filed with Companies House.

What Happens to My Original Certificate of Incorporation?

Your original certificate of incorporation doesn't change, and you won't get a replacement version of it. It's a fixed record of your company's details at the moment it was formed, including its original name, and that never gets updated afterward.

This can be confusing if you're expecting a like-for-like replacement with your new name printed on it, but that's simply not how Companies House handles it. The original stays exactly as it was issued.

What Document Do I Actually Get?

You get a Certificate of Incorporation on Change of Name, a separate document that confirms the change has been registered. It shows your company number, your previous name, your new name, and the date the new name came into effect.

This certificate is available to download once Companies House has accepted the change, and it's the document you'd show a bank, client, or supplier as proof the name change is official. Your company number never changes throughout this process, which is what ties your old and new identity together on the public record.

Does My Old Name Disappear From the Public Register?

No. Your previous name stays visible on the Companies House register under "Previous company names," and the change itself is recorded in your filing history too. Anyone searching your company can see both the old and new name, along with the date of the switch.

How Do I Change My Company Name?

Changing your name requires a special resolution, agreed by at least 75% of your shareholders' voting rights, and the correct form filed with Companies House. If your proposed name includes a sensitive word, you'll also need supporting evidence, such as a letter of no objection from the relevant body.

Once Companies House approves the change, your new name takes effect immediately, and your Certificate of Incorporation on Change of Name becomes available. Our Company Name Change service handles the resolution, filing, and documentation for you, so you're not tracking each step yourself.

If you're still deciding on a new name, it's worth checking our guide on the difference between a trading name and a company name, since the two aren't always the same thing and it's easy to mix them up during a rebrand.

FAQs

Do I get a new certificate of incorporation if I change my company name?

No. You get a separate document called a Certificate of Incorporation on Change of Name, while your original certificate remains unchanged.

Does my company number change when I change my name?

No. Your company number stays exactly the same throughout the process, only the registered name changes.

Can anyone see my company's previous name after I change it?

Yes. It stays visible on the Companies House register under "Previous company names," along with the date of the change in your filing history.

How many shareholders need to approve a company name change?

At least 75% of the voting rights need to approve it through a special resolution before the change can be filed with Companies House.

What if my new company name includes a sensitive word?

You'll need supporting evidence, such as a letter of no objection from the relevant organisation, before Companies House will approve it.

How do I get a copy of my Certificate of Incorporation on Change of Name?

It's available to download from your Companies House filing history, or through your formation agent's online account, once the name change has been approved.

This article is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice. Companies House processes and requirements can change, so it's worth checking current guidance on GOV.UK or Companies House before making changes to your company.