What's a Director's Service Address, and How Do I Change It?

A service address is a director's official contact address for HMRC and Companies House correspondence, and it can be anywhere in the world. Changing it is free, and takes minutes if your company's set up with a formation agent, or a short online form directly with Companies House if not.

Key Takeaways

• A service address is the official contact address for a company director, separate from the company's registered office.
• It can be located anywhere in the world, and doesn't need to be where the director lives or works.
• It's shown on the public register, which is why many directors use a proxy address rather than their home.
• Changing it is free, whether done through a formation agent or directly with Companies House.
• Since November 2025, directors also need to verify their identity separately, a requirement that sits alongside the service address rules.

What Actually Is a Director's Service Address?

A service address is the official address Companies House and HMRC use to contact a company director. The only real requirement is that mail sent there reaches the director, whether directly or forwarded on.

It doesn't need to be where the director lives, works, or where the company operates from. This is different from a registered office, which is the company's own official address rather than a specific director's. Our fuller guide on registered office, service address, and residential address breaks down how all three compare if you want the complete picture.

Is a Service Address Public?

Yes. Since it's on the public register, using your home address as your service address makes that address publicly visible, the same as it would if used as your registered office.

This is exactly why many directors use a proxy address instead, such as a formation agent's address, rather than their own home. It keeps the public record intact while keeping a personal address private.

How Do I Change a Director's Service Address?

If your company is with a formation agent, changing your service address is usually a quick self-service update. With us, you'd select "Edit" next to the relevant director, tick "Change" under Service Address, add the new address, and save, with the change typically processed within a few working hours.

If your company isn't set up with a formation agent, you can change it directly with Companies House, either online through WebFiling or by post using form CH01. Changing your service address is free either way, regardless of the method.

What's Changed Since the Original Rules Around Service Addresses?

The core requirements around what counts as a valid service address haven't changed, but two related rules have shifted recently that are worth knowing. Since 13 October 2025, updating your service address online through WebFiling requires signing in through GOV.UK One Login rather than the previous standalone login.

Since 18 November 2025, directors also need to verify their identity with Companies House separately, a requirement that applies regardless of what service address you use. This doesn't change your service address itself, but it's a separate box you now need to tick alongside it. Our identity verification service can help you get this sorted if you haven't already.

FAQs

Can a director's service address be anywhere in the world?

Yes. There's no requirement for it to be based in the UK, unlike a company's registered office, which must be UK-based.

Is a director's service address made public?

Yes, it's shown on the Companies House public register, which is why many directors use a proxy address rather than their home.

Does it cost anything to change a director's service address?

No, it's free, whether you change it through a formation agent's account or directly with Companies House.

Can the service address be the same as the registered office?

Yes, many companies use the same address for both, though they serve different legal purposes.

Do I still need to verify my identity if I have a valid service address?

Yes. Since November 2025, identity verification is a separate requirement for directors and PSCs, on top of providing a service address.

This article is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice. Companies House rules and requirements can change, so it's worth checking current guidance on GOV.UK or Companies House before relying on the details above.