Renaming a limited company in the UK is more straightforward than many business owners expect – but it must follow a specific legal process under the Companies Act 2006. Changing business name is a very important step and in UK, it happens under clear legal framework.
Whether you’re rebranding, expanding into new markets or simply want a more usable name, understanding the correct procedures to change company name in UK is essential.
This guide draws on Companies House guidance and the Companies Act 2006 to walk you through each step clearly. This guide is updated for 2026 and explains how to change your company name in the UK step by step.
If your business trades under a different name to its registered company name, you may only need to update your trading name – not go through the full Companies House process. A trading name (‘doing business as’) can be changed without amending the official company name on the register.
Key Takeaways
Name Change Legal Right: You can change your company name anytime after incorporation under the Companies Act 2006.
Methods for Name Change: Change via Special Resolution (75% shareholder approval) or through Articles of Association (directors’ decision if allowed).
Company Identity Stays: Only the name changes, not the company number, contracts, or legal responsibilities.
Approval Process: Ensure your new name is unique and doesn’t violate sensitive word restrictions (e.g., “Bank,” “Royal”).
Documentation: Submit Form NM01 (or NM04) to Companies House; £20 fee online or £30 by post.
After Approval: Update business documents, contracts, bank accounts, and notify stakeholders.
Certificate of Incorporation: Official confirmation of name change once approved.
Note : This article has been updated and republished on 04 April 2026 to include the latest information about Changing the Company Name in the UK.
Changing a business name in the UK
Understanding how to change your business name UK rules is important for limited companies.
Is it possible to change your company name?
Yes, you can change limited company name any time after you set up your company. UK law gives you this right under the Companies Act 2006.
Companies House records all company name changes to maintain accuracy and transparency on the public register. Your new name just needs to be different enough from other companies already registered with Companies House.
How to change the name of an existing company?
According to the government of UK there are two main ways to change company name for a limited company. Each one has different steps and paperwork involved when changing business name:
1. By Special Resolution
This is how most companies do it. Your shareholders need to vote on the change company name.
What you need:
- At least 75% of your shareholders must agree.
- You can vote in a meeting or by written agreement.
- Once everyone agrees, you tell Companies House about the change.
Documents needed:
- Form NM01: This tells the government about your name change.
- Copy of your vote results: This proves your shareholders agreed to the change.
How to file:
- Online: £20 fee, takes about 2 days (same day service costs £83).
- By post: Send the form with a £30 cheque.
2. Through your Articles of Association
Some companies have special rules that let directors change a business name without asking shareholders first. If your company has this rule, directors can decide on their own.
What you need:
- Just a decision by your directors.
- No shareholder vote needed.
Documents needed:
- Form NM04: This form is for name changes done through company rules.
- Statement about the change: This confirms you followed your company’s rules.
How to file:
- By post only: Send form with £30 cheque.
What are the effects of a company name change?
Here’s something important, changing business name doesn’t create a new business. Your company keeps the same:
- Company number
- Start date
- All debts and contracts
- Legal responsibilities
Only the name changes. When Companies House approves your new name, they send you a “Certificate of Incorporation on Change of Name.”
This paper makes the change official and shows when it started. You must keep using your old name until you get this certificate.
Register update note
Once your certificate of incorporation on change of name is issued, the Companies House register is updated automatically. You can check the public register to confirm your new name appears correctly.
Timeline / rejection warning
If Companies House rejects your application, you will be notified by email or post with the reason for the rejection. Make sure you address the issue and resubmit the correct form.
What are the problems with name change?
While it’s generally easy to change a company name in UK, it’s important to be aware of some potential problems:
Availability of name:
Your proposed new name must not be identical or too similar to any existing registered company. Companies House has the right to reject names that may cause confusion. Recent changes under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 Act have given the registrar even stronger powers to reject names that are designed to cause objectionable confusion or fraud.
Sensitive words:
There are some certain words and expressions such as “Royal,” “British,” “Institute,” or “Bank” – require prior government approval before use in a company name.
Updating information:
The biggest challenge comes after filing. You will need to update all your business documents and bank account and communications to the new name. This can be time‑consuming and requires notifying all relevant stakeholders – including customers, suppliers, and HMRC
What is the checklist for change in name of company?
To ensure a smooth transition, follow this simple checklist when changing business name:
- Check if your name is free: Use the Companies House website to see if another company already uses your chosen name.
- Get approval: Hold a meeting where 75% of shareholders vote yes, or have directors sign an agreement (if your rules allow this).
- Send your forms:
- Online: Use Companies House website (£20, takes 2 days).
- By post: Fill out Form NM01 or NM04 and mail it. You can change your company name by filing form NM01 or NM04 with Companies House.
- Wait for your certificate: Companies House will send official papers confirming your new name.
- Update everything: Change your name everywhere bank, tax office, contracts, website, business cards and tell everyone who works with you
VAT / HMRC impact
After a company name change, you must notify HMRC of this change via your online HMRC account or by phone. This affects your VAT, PAYE, and Corporation Tax records. Follow HMRC guidance to update your company name and keep your tax accounts accurate.
Sole trader disclaimer
If you are a sole trader, the process is different and does not involve Companies House. Sole traders can change their trading name directly without filing a formal company name change.
Conclusion
Changing business name in the UK is simple when you follow the right steps. If you plan ahead, you can finish it quickly without problems. You just need to follow the correct legal steps and meet Companies House requirements.
You have to make sure that no one else is using your name, get your team to agree to the change, and then change all your paperwork once it’s approved. Follow the process correctly, and your business can transition to its new name without disruption.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my company name at any time?
Yes, you can change your limited company’s name at any point after incorporation. The process is legal and regulated by the Companies Act 2006, ensuring proper recording and transparency.
What is a special resolution for changing company name?
A special resolution requires at least 75% shareholder approval, either at a meeting or written form. It is the most common legal method used to approve a company name change.
Can directors change the company name without members?
Only if your company’s articles allow it. In such cases, directors can pass a resolution and file form NM04; otherwise, a special resolution by members is mandatory.
Does the company’s legal status change with a name change?
No, changing the name does not affect the company’s legal identity, contracts or obligations only the trading name is updated while the company remains the same entity.
How long does it take to make a name change official?
Once Companies House processes your application and issues the Certificate of Incorporation on Change of Name, the new name is legally effective from that date.
What if my chosen name is rejected?
Companies House may reject names too similar to existing ones or containing sensitive or offensive words. You’ll need to pick a compliant alternative and resubmit your application.
Are there restrictions on words I can use in my company name?
Yes. Some words like Royal, British or Bank require prior government approval before use due to sensitive or regulated status.
What steps should I take after the name change?
Update all business documents, communications, HMRC records and notify suppliers and customers to reflect the new name and avoid confusion.
How do I change my company name?
You can change your company name by filing form NM01 or NM04 with Companies House, paying the fee, and waiting for your certificate of incorporation on change of name.
What is a company name change certificate?
The company name change certificate is the official document issued by Companies House, known as the Certificate of Incorporation on Change of Name. It confirms that your company’s registered name has been legally changed and should be kept with your company records.
How do I change my company name online?
Log in to the Companies House WebFiling service, complete Form NM01, and pay the £20 fee. The change is usually processed within two working days.
Can a sole trader change their business name through Companies House?
No. Companies House only handles limited companies. Sole traders can simply start trading under a new name without registering it – though you must still include your legal name on business documents.
Do I need to inform HMRC when I change my company name?
Yes. Once Companies House has issued your certificate, update your company name with HMRC through your business tax account. Your UTR and VAT number remain the same.
Is there a limit to how many times I can change my company name?
No legal limit exists, but each change incurs a fee and requires a new shareholder resolution or director decision.
Divyanshi is a subject matter expert in the UK accounting space, creating clear and easy-to-read content for accountants and businesses. She covers topics such as VAT returns, Self-assessment tax, bookkeeping, business planning and Year-end accounts. By understanding the common challenges faced by accountants and business owners, she focuses on writing content that answers real questions and simplifies complex topics. Her approach keeps information clear, relevant and useful for everyday business needs.
