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1. Are there any restrictions on the new name a company can choose?
Yes. They are identical to the restrictions applying to a new company seeking registration. So, before you decide on a new name for your company, please read chapter 1. If you choose an unacceptable name, Companies House will not register it.
If a name is registered that is too similar to another already on the index and an objection is made, then the Secretary of State may direct your company to change its name. For information on the Secretary of State's powers, see chapter 5.
2. What is a change of name?
Be careful to distinguish between a change of name and a change of status of a company. For instance, a company changing from J SMITH LIMITED to J SMITH & SON LIMITED is a change of name, but a company changing from J SMITH LIMITED to J SMITH PLC indicates a change of status from a private limited company to a public limited company. For more information on changing the status of a company, see the booklet 'Company Formation'.
3. How is the name changed?
The company must pass a special resolution in a general meeting, or all the members must sign a written resolution that the name of the company be changed to the new name. More information about resolutions is available in the booklet, 'Resolutions'. A signed copy of the resolution containing the new name should then be sent to the Registrar, together with the fee (currently £10). If all is in order, Companies House will then process the resolution and issue a Certificate of Incorporation on Change of Name. The name of the company is not changed until the new certificate is issued.
4. How long does this take?
If all the documents are correct, the change of name will normally be processed within five working days from receipt at Companies House.
Companies House also provides a premium service where Companies House issue the change of name certificate on the same day as Companies House receive the resolution. This service, which costs £50, can only be guaranteed where the relevant special resolution is delivered before 3pm. The service is available at any Companies House office.
Same-day applications
Posted, couriered and other sealed same-day change of name applications must be clearly marked on the envelope 'for the attention of New Companies Section' and 'same-day change of name'. |
5. Can a change of name and of status be done together?
Yes. You can combine the resolution for change of name and change of status, for example, resolving to change the name from ABC Limited to XYZ PLC. However, if a PLC wishes to change its status, same-day re-registration can only occur if the necessary majority of the company members have agreed to the change. For more information, see chapter 4 of the booklet 'Company Formation'.
You will need to submit all the documentation associated with the change of status at the same time. You will also need to submit two fees: £10 for the change of name and £20 for the change of status (£30 in total), or £100 if you require the same-day premium service. |
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