Change your company name (NM01)

An NM01 changes the legal company name on the Companies House register. Using a different trading name does not by itself require a registered-name change. Trading names still have naming restrictions, and registered company details must appear where disclosure rules require them.

Use this standard request when the company has approved an unconditional special resolution to change its registered name. A route under the articles, a conditional resolution or a name needing special permission needs checking before payment.

See also: Company-name rules and the name-change process

The cost of a company name change is our service fee plus the Companies House fee for the route you use. The Companies House fee is included in the total price.

• SimpleFilings service fee: £4.99.
• Companies House standard online fee: £20.
• Companies House same-day online service: £85.
• Total for an available same-day online request: £89.99.
• Paper NM01 or NM04 sent by post: £30, paid by cheque made payable to ‘Companies House’.
• Total for a standard online name change by special resolution: £24.99.

Most companies change their name by special resolution. Under section 283 of the Companies Act 2006, a special resolution needs a majority of at least 75%. For a written resolution, that means members holding at least 75% of the total voting rights of eligible members, and the resolution must say it is proposed as a special resolution. At a meeting, the notice must include the text of the resolution and say it is proposed as a special resolution.

The calculation depends on how the resolution is passed. A written resolution needs at least 75% of eligible members’ total voting rights. At a meeting, a show of hands counts votes cast; a poll counts the voting rights of members who vote. We check the actual approval method and evidence rather than assume all shareholders voted.

After the resolution is passed, the company gives notice of the change on form NM01 and sends Companies House a copy of the resolution. Section 30 requires a copy of the resolution to be sent to Companies House within 15 days after it is passed. Companies House cannot change the name until it has received the resolution. NM01 is only for an unconditional change of name.

Choose standard or same-day online service in the request. Same-day availability, the current government cut-off and our ability to submit in time are checked before payment. Requesting a date does not reserve a name or guarantee registration that day. Names needing permission and specialist approval routes require separate review.

A company can also change its name by other means set out in its articles of association, if the articles provide for this. The company then gives notice on form NM04, with a statement that the change has been made by means provided for in its articles.

NM04 cannot be filed through the Companies House online service. It is sent by post with a £30 fee. Because it depends on the wording of your articles, an NM04 change needs a separate document review and is not covered by our standard online request.

Your new name must follow the same rules as a name chosen when a company is set up. Check them before you pass the resolution, so the shareholders do not approve a name that cannot be registered.

• A private limited company’s name must usually end in ‘Limited’ or ‘Ltd’ (or ‘Cyfyngedig’ or ‘Cyf’ for a company registered in Wales).
• The name cannot be the same as another registered company’s name. Differences such as certain punctuation, special characters or words commonly used in company names do not make a name different. A ‘same as’ name is only allowed if your company is part of the same group as the company or LLP with the existing name and you have its written confirmation that it has no objection.
• If someone complains and Companies House agrees your name is ‘too like’ an earlier registered name, you may have to change it.
• The name cannot be offensive.
• A ‘sensitive’ word or expression, or anything suggesting a connection with government or a local authority, needs permission. On NM01, Companies House says sensitive or restricted words need form NM06 and supporting information before the name can be changed. If your new name needs permission, our form asks you to upload the written permission and supporting evidence.

Your company name will not officially change until Companies House registers it. Companies House then sends a certificate with the new company name and the date of registration. Under section 81 of the Companies Act 2006, the change has effect from the date the new certificate of incorporation is issued.

The change of name does not affect the company’s rights or obligations, or any legal proceedings by or against it. Keep the new certificate with the resolution and the company’s records.

• Tell HMRC: GOV.UK says you must tell HMRC if you change your business name, and update the details for each tax you are registered for, such as Corporation Tax and PAYE. VAT changes must be reported within 30 days.
• Tell your bank, customers and suppliers. The Companies House filing does not update their records.
• Update your website, invoices, letters, order forms and signs. The company name must be shown on company documents and at the places where the business operates.

See also: how to change a limited company name yourself · update VAT registration details

• Leaving out the required ending or getting it wrong, for example omitting ‘Limited’ or ‘Ltd’.
• Using a sensitive word or expression without the permission it needs.
• Filing before the special resolution has been passed, or passing it without the 75% majority.
• Sending the resolution to Companies House more than 15 days after it was passed.
• Assuming that a name search result or a payment reserves the name. The name only changes when Companies House registers it.
• Using NM01 for a change made under the articles, which needs NM04 instead.