Short answer
Yes. Pass a special resolution of the shareholders, file it with form NM01 and the fee, and Companies House issues a certificate of incorporation on change of name. The company number, history and contracts are unaffected.
Company formation
Can I change my company name after incorporation?
Yes, by special resolution and a filing at Companies House. The company number stays the same. What to update afterwards and where names get refused.
Written and reviewed by Waqas Sagar Member of ICAEW, Fellow of ACCA, Fellow of AAT, a double graduate and entrepreneur at heart, helping startups grow and serving thousands of businesses nationwide with an excellent team. Published by LimitedCompany.Accountants, 12 London Road, Morden, London SM4 5BQ. Reviewed 12 September 2026 against 2026/27 UK rates and current Companies House and HMRC guidance.
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Yes. Pass a special resolution of the shareholders, file it with form NM01 and the fee, and Companies House issues a certificate of incorporation on change of name. The company number, history and contracts are unaffected.
01
The process
02
After the change
The process
A special resolution needs 75% of votes cast, or the articles may allow a change by other means such as a directors' resolution where permitted. Online filing is usually processed within a day or two, paper filings take longer.
The new name must be available, must not be too similar to an existing registered name, and must avoid sensitive words without permission. Trade mark conflicts are a separate risk and Companies House does not check them for you.
After the change
Update HMRC for corporation tax, PAYE and VAT, the bank, insurers, contracts, invoices, the website, and the trading name displayed at your registered office. The old name remains in the company's filing history permanently.
Existing contracts remain valid because the legal person is unchanged, but counterparties should be notified to avoid payment and invoicing friction.
Before you act
Rates, thresholds and deadlines quoted here reflect the 2026/27 UK position and current Companies House and HMRC guidance. Check GOV.UK, or ask us, before relying on them for your own company.
Local help
Talk to a limited company accountant near you
We work with company directors across London and Surrey from our office at 12 London Road, Morden, London SM4 5BQ. Pick your area, or send the form below and we will call you back.
Frequently asked
Can I change my company name after incorporation?: questions directors ask
Can I trade under a different name without changing it?
Yes, as a trading name, provided the full registered name and number appear on invoices, the website and other business documents.
Does changing the name affect my VAT number?
No, but HMRC records must be updated.
Can someone object to my name?
Yes, through the Company Names Tribunal where a name takes unfair advantage of an existing reputation.
What records are needed for can i change my company name after incorporation?
Keep bank statements, sales and platform reports, purchase invoices, payroll records, VAT workings, finance agreements and Companies House correspondence. We confirm the exact list at onboarding and identify gaps before a filing deadline becomes urgent.
How much does help with can i change my company name after incorporation cost?
The fee depends on transaction volume, record quality, VAT and payroll requirements, historic catch-up and the level of reporting needed. We agree a fixed scope and price before technical work starts, with published packages available on our fees page.
Can you take over can i change my company name after incorporation from another accountant?
Yes. We request professional clearance, collect the prior records and authorities, check the next Companies House and HMRC deadlines, and give you one clear handover list. The process is normally completed remotely.
Can can i change my company name after incorporation be handled online?
Yes. We work through secure cloud records, scheduled reviews and digital approvals, while keeping a named team available by phone, video call and email. Clients can also visit our Morden office by appointment.
Which accounting software works best for can i change my company name after incorporation?
We regularly work with Xero, QuickBooks, FreeAgent, Sage and connected sales or expense apps. The right setup depends on transaction volume, integrations and the reports you need, not simply the software brand.
What tax deadlines matter for can i change my company name after incorporation?
The relevant calendar may include annual accounts, Corporation Tax payment and return dates, confirmation statements, VAT returns, payroll submissions and Self Assessment. We map the dates from your company year end and registrations.
Is this can i change my company name after incorporation guidance personal tax advice?
No. This page explains general UK rules and common accounting treatment. Your facts, contracts and wider tax position must be reviewed before you rely on a conclusion.
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Check the current rules
Use official information as your reference point.
Deadlines, thresholds and filing rules change. GOV.UK and Companies House publish the current statutory position; advice should then be applied to your company’s circumstances.