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How Does a Director or Shareholder Change Their Legal Name?
Directors and shareholders update a changed legal name, such as after marriage, through two different processes. A director's name is updated directly with Companies House, usually within hours through an account or about a week by post. A shareholder's name is only updated through your Confirmation Statement.
Key Takeaways
- This covers someone who's legally changed their name, not replacing the actual director or shareholder with someone else.
- A director's name change can be filed directly, typically processed within a few working hours through an account, or around a week by post using form CH01.
- A shareholder's name can only be updated through a Confirmation Statement, either at your next due date or filed early.
- If the director has already completed identity verification, it's worth checking their new name is reflected consistently across both their verified identity and their Companies House record.
How Does a Director Change Their Name?
If your company is with us, log in, select "My Companies," click on the company, scroll to the director's name, and select "Edit." Tick the "Change" option, enter the new name, and save. The request is then sent to Companies House, typically accepted within a few working hours.
If your company isn't set up with a formation agent, complete the Companies House CH01 form, "Change the details of a director," and post it to Companies House following the instructions on the form. Processing by post typically takes around a week.
How Does a Shareholder Change Their Name?
The only way to update a shareholder's name is through your Confirmation Statement. There's no separate form for this, unlike the director process above.
You can either wait until your next Confirmation Statement is due, or file one early if you'd rather have the change reflected sooner. Once Companies House accepts the filing, the updated name is officially on record.
Does This Affect Identity Verification?
It's worth checking, particularly for directors. If the director has already completed identity verification with Companies House, their verified identity is tied to accurate personal details. When their legal name changes, it's worth making sure the new name is reflected consistently on both their verified record and their Companies House filing, rather than assuming updating one automatically updates the other.
This wasn't a consideration before identity verification became mandatory in November 2025, but it's worth treating with a bit more care now than a straightforward paperwork update might have needed in the past.
What if the Name Change Is Due to Marriage Specifically?
The process is the same regardless of why someone's legal name has changed, marriage is simply one of the more common reasons. Our dedicated guide to changing a director's name after marriage covers that specific scenario if it's relevant to you.
FAQs
How does a director update their name after a legal name change? Through an account with a formation agent, typically processed within a few working hours, or by posting form CH01 directly to Companies House, which takes about a week.
How does a shareholder update their name? Only through a Confirmation Statement, either at your next due date or filed early if you want the change reflected sooner.
Does changing a director's name affect the company itself? No, this only updates the officer's personal details. It doesn't change who holds the role or affect the company's own name or status.
Does a name change affect a director's identity verification? It can, if the new name isn't reflected consistently across both their verified identity record and their Companies House filing. It's worth checking both are aligned.
This article is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice. Companies House processes can change, so it's worth checking current guidance on GOV.UK or Companies House before relying on the details above.
