How do you switch registered office provider and file form AD01?

Last updated · General guidance, not legal or tax advice

To switch provider, arrange your new registered office address first, then a director or authorised person files a change of registered office address (form AD01) with Companies House. Filing online is free and usually takes a few minutes. The change takes effect once Companies House registers it.

Keep your old provider in place until the change shows on the public register, because official documents can still validly be delivered to the old address for 14 days after the change is registered.

Step by step

  • Sign up with the new provider and confirm you are allowed to use their address as your registered office
  • Sign in to Companies House online services and choose to change the registered office address (AD01) — you will need your company's authentication code, or use your Companies House account
  • Enter the new address exactly as the provider gives it and submit
  • Check the public register shows the new address once accepted
  • Give notice to your old provider, allowing for the 14-day period and any notice period in their terms
  • Update your website, invoices, letterhead and email signature

Registered Address Essex customers file the change themselves — we provide the exact address wording to enter. See our switching page and Companies House guide.

What are the rules for the new address?

The new address must be in the same part of the UK your company is registered in — a company registered in England and Wales must have its registered office in England or Wales. Since March 2024 it must also be an 'appropriate address': documents sent there should come to the attention of someone acting for the company, and delivery must be able to be recorded. A PO Box alone is not acceptable.

Who else should you tell?

  • HMRC, if they hold the old address for Corporation Tax, PAYE or VAT
  • Your bank, insurers and accountant (if you need one, In Front Accounting is a separate accountancy practice)
  • Customers and suppliers, if the address appears on contracts or invoices

Changing the registered office does not automatically change a director's service address — that is a separate update (form CH01 for each director).

In short

Arrange the new address first, then file a change of registered office (AD01) with Companies House — online, free and usually quick. The address must be in the same UK jurisdiction and be an appropriate address, not a PO Box. Keep your old provider until the change is registered and for 14 days afterwards, because documents can still be served there. Then tell HMRC, your bank and your accountant, and update directors' service addresses separately if needed.

Frequently asked questions

Does it cost anything to file AD01?

No. Changing the registered office online with Companies House is free.

Can my new provider file the change for me?

Some can act as an authorised agent. At Registered Address Essex you file it yourself and we give you the exact wording to use.

Will my company number change?

No. Your company number and name stay the same; only the address on the register changes.

Sources and official guidance

This guide is general information about UK rules as at 3 October 2026. It is not legal, tax or financial advice.