Last updated Aug 26, 2026 and written by Daniel Tuckey

How Do I Change My Limited Company's Name?

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Changing your company's name starts with a special resolution, a formal vote requiring at least 75% shareholder approval, not just picking a new name and clicking submit. Once that's passed, filing the change with Companies House is the quick part, and our service can handle that side for you.

Key Takeaways

  • A name change legally requires a special resolution, at least 75% of votes cast in favour, unless your Articles specifically give directors the power to change it without one.
  • The resolution itself must reach Companies House within 15 days of being passed, separate from the name change filing itself.
  • Filing is done through form NM01, or NM04 if your Articles allow a director-led change instead.
  • Current Companies House fees are £20 online or £30 by paper, though these do change from time to time, so it's worth confirming on GOV.UK before paying.
  • If your proposed name includes a sensitive word, it can't be processed online and needs to go through the paper method instead.

Do I Need Shareholder Approval to Change My Company's Name?

Yes, in almost every case. Most private companies use standard model Articles, which don't include any alternative route, so a special resolution, requiring at least 75% of votes cast in favour, is the only way to approve a name change. This can be passed at a general meeting or as a written resolution.

Some companies do have Articles that specifically allow directors to change the name themselves, without a full shareholder vote. If yours does, you'd use form NM04 instead of the standard NM01 route. It's worth checking your current Articles, which are available free on the Companies House register, if you're not sure which applies to you.

How Do I Actually File the Change?

Once your resolution has been passed, purchase our Company Name Change service, then head to your Dashboard and select "Continue" next to "ChangeOfName". Enter your desired name, choose your suffix (Ltd or Limited), and select "Check Name Availability". If it's available, select "Change" and the request is sent to Companies House.

Alongside this, a copy of your special resolution needs to reach Companies House within 15 days of being passed, separately from the NM01 filing itself. Once accepted, Companies House issues a Certificate of Incorporation on Change of Name, and your company number stays exactly the same throughout.

What if My New Name Includes a Sensitive Word?

It can't go through the standard online process. Names including sensitive or restricted words need to be filed by paper instead, and we'll provide the documentation you need for that route. Our guide to sensitive words in a company name change covers what counts as sensitive and what supporting evidence you'll need.

FAQs

Do I need shareholder approval to change my company's name? Yes, in almost every case, a special resolution requiring at least 75% of votes cast in favour, unless your Articles specifically allow directors to make the change instead.

What form do I use to change my company's name? NM01 for the standard special resolution route, or NM04 if your Articles allow a director-led change without a shareholder vote.

Does my company number change when I change my name? No, it stays exactly the same, and so does the company's legal identity, contracts, and obligations.

What if my new name includes a sensitive word? It has to be filed by paper rather than online, with supporting documentation. We can provide what you need for this route.

This article is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice. Companies House processes and fees can change, so it's worth checking current guidance on GOV.UK before relying on the details above.