To change a UK limited company’s name, pass a special resolution of the shareholders (75% majority), file Form NM01 with Companies House along with the resolution, and pay the filing fee. The change becomes legally effective on the date Companies House issues the Certificate of Incorporation on Change of Name. From that point you must update your bank, HMRC, contracts, branding, and statutory register.

This guide covers when you can change a name, name restrictions, the resolution and filing process, and the practical aftermath.

When you can change a company name

A UK limited company can change its registered name at any time, subject to:

  • Following the procedure set in the articles (most articles allow change by special resolution)
  • Compliance with statutory restrictions on company names
  • The new name not being already in use in a way that creates confusion

Some name changes need additional consent. Names that include sensitive words (such as “Royal”, “Bank”, “Charity”, “Insurance”, “Council”, “British”) require approval from the Secretary of State or a relevant supporting body. The Companies House sensitive-words list sets out which words and what supporting evidence is required.

Choosing the new name

Three checks before settling on a new name:

Search the Companies House register at find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk to confirm the name is not already in use, or “the same as” an existing registered name (Companies House applies a same-as rule that disregards minor differences such as punctuation or company status suffixes).

Sensitive words check

Cross-reference the proposed name against the Companies House sensitive-words list. If your name includes a sensitive word, identify which body must consent and gather the supporting documentation before filing.

Trademark and “passing off” check

Companies House clears the name on its register, but a trademark search at the Intellectual Property Office is a separate step. Registered trademarks can prevent you using the name in trade even if Companies House accepts it. A name that is similar to an established business may also expose you to a passing-off claim.

Special resolution process

Most company articles require a special resolution to change the name. Special resolutions need a 75% majority of votes cast.

Two routes for private companies:

  • Written resolution. Circulate the resolution to all eligible shareholders. The resolution passes when shareholders representing at least 75% of total voting rights approve in writing. Set a closing date (default 28 days from circulation).
  • General meeting. Convene a general meeting on at least 14 clear days’ notice (or shorter notice with consent of 90% of voting shares). Hold the meeting and put the resolution to a vote.

After the resolution passes, file the resolution with Companies House within 15 days, alongside the NM01 form.

Filing the change

Filing options:

  • Online (NM01). Standard fee from 1 February 2026. Standard processing typically takes a few working days.
  • Same-day online filing. Premium fee for same-day processing. Useful when timing matters (for example, completing a transaction or rebrand on a specific date).
  • Paper. Higher fee, slower processing. Rarely the best choice unless online access is unavailable.

The filing requires the new proposed name and a copy of the special resolution. Companies House will:

  1. Check the name against its register (same-as rule)
  2. Check sensitive-words consent if needed
  3. Issue a Certificate of Incorporation on Change of Name confirming the new name and the date it takes effect

The change is legally effective only from the date on the certificate. Until then, the company’s registered name remains unchanged, even if the resolution has passed. Conducting business in the new name before the certificate is issued can create legal complications, so plan the cutover for after the certificate date.

If the rebrand is part of a wider transformation, compare cloud accounting software to keep your invoicing, document templates, and digital filings aligned with the new name from day one.

After the change

Once the certificate is issued, run through the post-change checklist:

  • Statutory register. Update the company’s statutory book within the 14-day general update window.
  • Bank. Notify your business bank with a copy of the certificate. The bank will update account names and may require new mandate paperwork.
  • HMRC. Notify HMRC for Corporation Tax, VAT, and PAYE references — usually through the company’s online services. The company tax reference numbers themselves do not change.
  • Contracts. Update contracts with customers, suppliers, and lenders. Most can be updated by simple notice rather than re-execution. Where the contract specifies the old name precisely (loan agreements, leases), check whether a deed of amendment or formal notice is required.
  • Branding and digital. Website, email signatures, social profiles, business cards, signage, invoicing templates. Plan for the change-over date so your operational identity matches your registered identity.
  • Domain names and trademarks. Buy the new domain in advance; consider trademark registration on the new name; redirect the old domain.
  • Stationery and assets. Companies House requires the company’s full name on business letters, order forms, and websites. The trading-name distinction (where a company trades under a different name from its registered name) is allowed but you must still display the registered name on legal documents.

Practically, a coordinated cutover of branding to coincide with the certificate date avoids confusion. Many companies trail the change with their largest customers and suppliers a few weeks ahead.

Key takeaways

  • Change of name needs a special resolution (75% majority of votes cast)
  • File Form NM01 with Companies House along with the resolution
  • The change is effective only when the Certificate of Incorporation on Change of Name is issued
  • Names with sensitive words need supporting consent
  • Notify bank, HMRC, customers, suppliers, and update branding from the certificate date
  • Tax references and company number do not change

Frequently asked questions

How long does a company name change take? Standard online processing typically takes a few working days from filing of NM01. Same-day online processing is available at a premium fee. Paper filing is slower.

Does my company number change when I change the name? No. The company registration number stays the same throughout the company’s life. Only the registered name changes.

Do I need shareholder approval to change a company name? Yes, by special resolution (75% of votes cast), unless your articles set a different rule. Both written resolutions and general meetings can be used.

What is a sensitive word in a company name? A word on the Companies House sensitive-words list that requires approval from the Secretary of State or a supporting body before it can be used. Examples include “Royal”, “Bank”, “Charity”, and “Council”. The list and supporting requirements are published by Companies House.

Can I change my company name same-day? Yes. Companies House offers a same-day online service at a premium fee. Useful when a transaction or rebrand needs the certificate by a specific date.

(Companies House fees changed on 1 February 2026 — verify the current NM01 standard and same-day fees before filing.)

Useful resources

Companies House — Change a company name https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/change-of-company-name

Companies House — Sensitive words https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/incorporation-and-names

Intellectual Property Office — Trademark search https://www.gov.uk/search-for-trademark