How to Change Address with Companies House?

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Changing your company address might appear like a straightforward admin task, but for businesses registered in the UK, it’s a critical legal requirement.

Whether it’s your registered office, a director’s service address, or a residential address, failing to update Companies House in a timely and accurate manner can lead to non-compliance, financial penalties, and reputational risk.

This in-depth guide covers everything you need to know about how to change address with Companies House from what types of addresses exist, to step-by-step instructions, filing forms, privacy options, and how to keep your personal data secure.

Why Is It Important to Update a Registered Office Address with Companies House?

The registered office address is the formal legal address of a company, and it’s where official communications from government bodies such as HMRC and Companies House are sent. Every limited company or LLP must have one.

Failure to keep this address up to date can have serious consequences. Legal notices might go unseen, your business could miss critical filing deadlines, or you could even face compulsory strike-off proceedings.

The registered office also contributes to public transparency and is part of the UK’s broader effort to combat financial fraud and ensure businesses are accountable.

Moreover, any changes to your company’s registered address must be notified to Companies House within 14 days, or you’re in breach of company law.

What Are the Methods to Change a Company Address with Companies House?

You can change a company address using different methods, depending on the type of address being updated:

1. Registered Office Address

This is updated using Form AD01, which can be submitted online or by post.

Online via WebFiling: The quickest method. Changes are usually reflected within 24 hours.
By Post: Slower, typically takes 3–5 working days to process.
Via a Third Party: Agents like 1st Formations or Quality Company Formations offer secure platforms to make changes on your behalf.

2. Director’s Service Address

Changed to using Form CH01, which also allows you to update other personal details.

3. PSC (Person with Significant Control) Address

Use Form PSC04 to notify Companies House of changes to a PSC’s residential or service address.

All of these changes can usually be submitted free of charge, unless you are applying for privacy-related exemptions.

How Do You Update a Registered Office Address Step-by-Step?

The most efficient way to update a registered office address is online via Companies House:

Log in to the Companies House WebFiling portal using your company authentication code.
Select the Company you want to manage.
Fill in Form AD01 by entering the new registered office address.
Ensure the Address Is Valid it must be:
- A physical location (not a P.O. Box)
- In the same part of the UK as your incorporation (e.g., England & Wales)
Submit the Form and await email confirmation, which typically arrives within 24 hours.

In addition to updating Companies House, don’t forget to change your address on your website, stationery, and official company records.

What’s the Difference Between a Registered Office and a Service Address?

Many people confuse registered offices, service addresses, and residential addresses, but each serves a distinct legal purpose.

The registered office is the legal address of the company and must be publicly listed. It’s used for receiving legal documents and statutory mail.
A service address is the correspondence address for company directors, secretaries, and PSCs. This is also on the public record.
The residential address is where a director or PSC lives. It is not publicly visible unless used as a service or registered address.

When forming a company, directors and PSCs must provide both a service address and a residential address. While the residential address is kept private, the service address becomes part of the public record.

To protect their privacy, many company owners choose to use professional address services for their registered office and service addresses.

What Are the Companies House Rules and How Long Does the Process Take?

Companies House requires that:

Any change to a registered office address must be submitted within 14 days.
The new address must be situated in the same UK jurisdiction as the one in which the company was incorporated.
PO Boxes are not acceptable unless they form part of a full physical address.
The change becomes legally effective only when it is registered at Companies House.

If you submit online, the change is typically made within 24 hours. If submitted via post, it can take between 3–5 working days.

It’s also important to remember that even after the new address is approved, any documents served to the previous address within 14 days are still considered valid.

Who Else Should You Notify After Changing Your Company Address?

Changing the address with Companies House is just the beginning. To avoid disruption, you should also inform:

HMRC for VAT, Corporation Tax, and PAYE
Your bank and financial institutions
Insurance providers
Clients and suppliers
Website hosting and domain providers
Accountants and legal representatives

Also, ensure that your company address is updated on:

Contracts and invoices
Your business website
Business directories (e.g., Google Business Profile, Yelp)

What Are the Most Common Mistakes When Changing a Company Address?

The change-of-address process is straightforward, but errors can lead to compliance issues. Common mistakes include:

Submitting an address outside your original jurisdiction
Forgetting to update associated records, like your Confirmation Statement
Using a P.O. Box as the main address
Failing to update the service or PSC address simultaneously
Delays in informing clients and financial authorities

Another issue is using your home address for the registered office or service address. While this is allowed, it makes your private address publicly visible.

Many directors later regret this and seek to remove their address from the public register, which involves fees and additional paperwork.

Online Filing vs Paper Filing: What’s the Best Way to Update Your Address?

While paper forms like AD01 and CH01 are available, online filing remains the preferred method due to speed and efficiency.

Criteria	Online Filing	Paper Filing
Processing Time	Within 24 hours	3–5 working days
Convenience	High	Moderate
Cost	Free	Free
Risk of Error	Low	Higher due to manual entry
Confirmation	Email	Post

Which Addresses Might Need to Be Changed at Companies House?

Companies House keeps records of several different address types:

Registered Office Address
Directors’ Residential Address
Directors’ Service Address
PSC Address
SAIL (Single Alternative Inspection Location)

Each of these can be updated as circumstances change. The key is to act promptly and understand the right form to use for each address type.

How Do You Change a Director’s or PSC’s Home Address?

Updating a director or PSC’s home address is equally important. Even if your home address is not listed publicly, Companies House must still have the updated details on file.

1. Director Address Update

Use Form CH01 to change a director’s details, including:

Name changes
Residential or service address
Business occupation or nationality

Submit the form within 14 days of the change.

2. PSC Address Update

Use Form PSC04 for changes related to a PSC. This includes:

Residential or service address changes
Nature of control or nationality updates

Submit within 28 days of the change. You must also update your internal PSC register accordingly.

Can You Keep Your Home Address Private?

Yes, but only to an extent. While residential addresses are not public by default, if used as a service or registered address, they become visible.

To maintain privacy:

Use a professional address service for both your registered office and service address.
If your home address is already on record and you’d like it removed, submit Form SR01 along with a £30 fee.

If you’re at risk of harm or intimidation, you can apply for an exemption from disclosure to credit reference agencies. This requires strong evidence like police reports, documentation of threats, or employment with a sensitive organisation.

Contact Companies House at [email protected] to request the appropriate forms. A separate £100 fee applies for this type of application.

What Is a SAIL Address and When Should You Use It?

A SAIL address allows your company’s statutory records to be inspected at a location different from the registered office. This is useful if your registered office is virtual or located in a place unsuitable for record inspection.

To change a SAIL address, you must notify Companies House promptly using the appropriate form. The SAIL address, like the registered office, will be publicly listed.

Should You Change Your Address for Privacy Reasons?

Absolutely. Many businesses start off using a director’s home address as the registered office and service address. But once trading begins, the visibility of personal data can become a liability.

Reasons to switch to a professional address:

Protect your home and family’s privacy
Project a more professional image
Minimise the risk of identity theft
Avoid unsolicited mail or visits

Services from agents like Quality Company Formations allow you to use a commercial address that’s accepted by Companies House, with mail forwarding and document scanning included.

Why Is It Crucial to Keep Your Company Address Updated with Companies House?

Accurate address records with Companies House help ensure:

Legal notices are received promptly
Your company avoids penalties or late filing charges
Your brand and public image remain intact
Clients and regulators trust your compliance

Inaccurate address information can also prevent you from accessing loans, registering trademarks, or bidding for contracts.

Changing your address isn’t just about ticking a box. It’s about ensuring your company operates with full transparency, credibility, and legal protection.

Also Read: How to File Accounts with Companies House?

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between business and registered office address?

The business address is where work happens. The registered office is the official legal contact point with Companies House.

Do I need to inform HMRC separately after updating Companies House?

Yes. HMRC doesn’t receive automatic updates from Companies House.

Can I use a virtual office as my company’s registered office?

Yes, as long as it’s a valid UK physical address and not a PO Box.

Can I change my address during the confirmation statement filing?

Yes, but you must still file the relevant address change forms.

How do I remove my home address from public view?

Use Form SR01 and pay £30, provided the address is no longer used as a service or registered address.

What if I’m at risk and need extra privacy?

You can apply to restrict your data from credit agencies with supporting evidence and a £100 fee.

How quickly are changes updated?

Online: 24 hours. Paper: 3–5 business days.

How to Change Address with Companies House?

Why Is It Important to Update a Registered Office Address with Companies House?