What Is a Registered Office Address?

A registered office address is a company's official correspondence address, where it receives statutory mail from Companies House, HMRC, and UK courts. Every UK limited company and LLP must have one, and it's shown on the public register.

Key Takeaways

• A registered office address is a legal requirement for every UK limited company and LLP.
• It's where official, statutory correspondence is sent, not necessarily where your business actually trades.
• It must be a physical UK address, and since March 2024, it can no longer be a PO Box.
• Your registered office is publicly visible on the Companies House register, which is why many people choose not to use their home address.
• You can change it at any time, provided the new address meets current requirements and stays within the same jurisdiction.

What Does a Registered Office Address Actually Do?

Your registered office is where Companies House, HMRC, and UK courts send official, statutory correspondence, things like tax notices, legal documents, and compliance reminders. Your business doesn't need to physically operate from this address; it's a legal and administrative address, not necessarily a trading one.

You provide it when you incorporate your company, and it stays the same for as long as you like, or you can change it whenever needed by notifying Companies House.

Is My Registered Office Address Public?

Yes. Companies House displays your current registered office on the public register, and any previous addresses remain visible in your filing history too. This is worth knowing before deciding whether to use a personal address.

What Can't a Registered Office Be?

It can't be a PO Box. Since the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023, your registered office must be a genuine physical location where post can be received and its delivery acknowledged.

Both residential and commercial addresses are acceptable, provided they're real, physical UK addresses. Our fuller guide on registered office address requirements covers exactly what qualifies, what doesn't, and what happens if Companies House deems your address non-compliant.

Can I Use My Home Address as My Registered Office?

Yes, but it will then be publicly visible on the Companies House register, alongside your other company details. Many people choose a commercial or registered office service address instead specifically to avoid this. Our guide on using your home address as your registered office covers the trade-offs in more depth.

What Should I Consider When Choosing One?

Location, professionalism, and cost are the main factors worth weighing. A registered office in a well-known business area can lend your company more credibility, while a home address is free but comes with less privacy.

Your registered office also has to stay within the same jurisdiction as your company. An England-registered company needs an England or Wales address, for example. If you'd rather not use a personal or rented address, our registered office address service provides a compliant commercial address, with mail handled securely on your behalf and use as your director's service address included at no extra cost.

FAQs

What is a registered office address used for?

It's where a UK company receives official statutory correspondence from Companies House, HMRC, and UK courts. It's a legal requirement, not necessarily your trading address.

Is a registered office address public information?

Yes. It's shown on the Companies House public register, along with any previous addresses in your filing history.

Can I use a PO Box as my registered office?

No. Since March 2024, a PO Box no longer meets the legal requirement for a registered office address.

Can I use my home address as my registered office?

Yes, but it becomes publicly visible on the Companies House register once used this way.

Can I change my registered office address later?

Yes, at any time, provided the new address meets current requirements and stays within the same jurisdiction your company was originally registered in.

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