Registered office
The registered office is a company's official address on the public register, where statutory post from Companies House and HMRC is delivered. It must be an appropriate address in the country of incorporation where mail can be acknowledged.
How it works
Every company must maintain a registered office and show it on its website, letterhead and order forms. Under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act it must be an appropriate address: somewhere a document delivered there would come to the attention of a person acting for the company, and where delivery can be acknowledged. A PO Box alone no longer satisfies that test.
The address is public, permanently and searchably. Using your home means putting it on the register, which is why many directors use their accountant's or a formal service provider's address instead. Companies House can now take action against companies whose registered office is not appropriate, including moving the company to a default address and starting strike-off.
Separately, every director must give a service address for correspondence and a usual residential address which is not published. Directors must also verify their identity with Companies House or through an authorised corporate service provider.
Changing the registered office is free and takes effect when Companies House registers it. Post sent to the old address in the meantime is still legally delivered, so tell HMRC, your bank and your customers at the same time rather than assuming the register does it for you.
Who this affects
- Home-based directors who do not want their address on the public register
- Non-resident directors needing a UK address for a UK company
- Companies using a PO Box that no longer meets the appropriate address test
- Any company moving premises and needing to update the register and HMRC
Common mistakes
- Using an address where nobody actually collects the post
- Assuming changing the registered office also tells HMRC
- Confusing the registered office with the trading address or the director's service address
Frequently asked questions
Can I use my home as a registered office?
Yes, but the address becomes public. A service provider's address is the usual alternative for directors who want to keep their home address private.
Can I use a PO Box?
No. The address must be one where a delivery can be acknowledged and would come to the attention of someone acting for the company.
Is the registered office the same as my trading address?
Not necessarily. The registered office is the statutory address for official post; you can trade from anywhere else.
What happens if my registered office is not appropriate?
Companies House can move the company to a default address and begin strike-off action, and the company may face penalties.
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Reviewed by Waqas Sagar ACA FCCA FMAAT · Last reviewed 13 September 2026 · Figures for 2026/27 · About our practice
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