Company services
Change your company name
Rebranding? Choose your new name, confirm the company has agreed to it, and we review and file the change of name with Companies House.
Who needs it and when it is due
A company can change its name by special resolution of its members, or by another method set out in its articles. The change takes effect only when Companies House issues a certificate of incorporation on change of name, not when you decide.
The new name must be available, must not be the same as or too like an existing name, and must not be offensive or misleading. Check availability with our name check before you start.
What we file for you
- The NM01 change of name notice
- How the change was agreed, such as a special resolution
- A summary for you to check before filing
- Your company name updated on your record on acceptance
How it works
How it works
- 01
Open your company
Sign in and choose the company from My companies. If it was not formed with us, add it first with its company number and Companies House authentication code. - 02
Start the filing
Choose the filing and answer the questions. We check your answers as you go and show you a summary before you submit. - 03
Pay and confirm
Pay the service price online and tick the declarations. Any Companies House fee is shown separately before you pay. - 04
We review and file
Our team reviews your answers and files with Companies House. If anything needs correcting we tell you, and you can edit and resubmit. - 05
Your record is updated
When Companies House accepts the filing we update your company record in your account and email you. If it is rejected we tell you why.
What you need to provide
- The new company name, checked for availability
- How and when the change was agreed, with a copy of the resolution where Companies House needs one
- The declaration of a director or authorised person
- A personal code from identity verification, where Companies House asks for it (see identity verification)
Once the new name is registered, remember to update your bank, HMRC, website, contracts and stationery.
How long does a name change take?
It depends on Companies House processing. We file as soon as your answers are reviewed and we tell you the result.
Do I get a new certificate?
Yes. Companies House issues a certificate of incorporation on change of name when the new name is registered.
Can I use any name?
No. The name must be available and meet Companies House rules. Use the name check first.
My company was not formed with Sure Formation. Can you still file for it?
Yes. Add the company to your account with its company number and Companies House authentication code, then start the filing from the company page. The authentication code is your proof of authority to file.
Do I need to be signed in?
Yes. Filings are made from your account so your answers, declarations and documents stay private. If you are signed out you are asked to sign in and are then brought back.
Ready when you are
Change your company name
Check the name, then start the filing.