How to change a company name

Changing your company's name is a filing with Companies House. The company, its number and its contracts stay the same; only the name changes. Here are the two ways to do it, what it costs, and what to update afterwards.

1. Check the new name is available

The new name has to follow all the rules for company names^source: it can't be the same as an existing registered name^source and normally still ends in "Limited" or "Ltd".^source

2. Agree the change

A company can change its name by special resolution, or by any other method its articles of association provide for.^source

The online service only handles changes by special resolution.^source The resolution must reach Companies House within 15 days of being passed.

3. File and pay

One older GOV.UK guide still shows £83 for the same-day service; the Companies House fees page and the NM01 form page both say £85. See all Companies House fees.

4. When the new name takes effect

The new name applies from the date Companies House issues the new certificate of incorporation^source, which shows the new name and the date it was registered.^source The change doesn't affect any of the company's rights or obligations, or legal proceedings by or against it.^source

5. Update everything else

• Signs at your registered office and places of business, plus letters, invoices, website and other publicity: the company name must appear on all of them.^source
• HMRC records, such as Corporation Tax, VAT and PAYE: you may need to tell HMRC about company changes.^source
• Your bank and payment providers
• Contracts, insurance and licences
• Domain names, email addresses and social media profiles