Last updated: 16 October 2026
What are the Companies House address rules?
Since 4 March 2024, every company must have an “appropriate address” as its registered office, meaning post sent there is expected to come to the attention of someone acting for the company and delivery can be acknowledged. PO boxes are no longer allowed. Companies must also give Companies House a registered email address, which isn’t shown publicly. These rules come from the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023, which also introduced identity verification for directors from November 2025.
Registered office requirements
- Must be in the same part of the UK the company is registered in (England and Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland)
- Must be an “appropriate address”
- Can’t be a PO box
- Can be an accountant’s or formation agent’s address, if they will deal with post
Registered email address
| Requirement | Detail |
| Who | All companies |
| Shown publicly? | No |
| Purpose | Companies House contact |
| When provided | On incorporation, or with the next confirmation statement for existing companies |
Directors’ addresses
Directors give a service address, which is public, and a residential address, which isn’t. Many directors use their accountant’s address as their service address to keep their home private. Directors can apply to have a home address removed from older filings.
Identity verification
From 18 November 2025, new directors and people with significant control must verify their identity with Companies House, or through an authorised agent. Existing directors must verify by their next confirmation statement.
What happens if you don’t comply?
If the registered office isn’t appropriate, Companies House can change it to a default address held by Companies House. Failing to comply can be a criminal offence for the company and its officers, with fines.
Example
A small company uses its founder’s old flat, which she has since sold, as its registered office. Post isn’t being collected. She changes the registered office to her accountant’s address, adds a registered email with her next confirmation statement and verifies her identity online.
Common mistakes
- Using a virtual address that doesn’t forward mail
- Forgetting to add a registered email
- Not verifying identity on time
- Keeping a home address on the public register
Records to keep
Keep confirmation of address changes, verification codes and the registered email details.
Lawful purpose statement
When incorporating a company, subscribers must now confirm it is being formed for a lawful purpose, and each confirmation statement must confirm its intended future activities are lawful.
Changing your registered office
File form AD01 online, free of charge. The change takes effect when Companies House registers it, but documents can still be served at the old address for 14 days. Update your letterheads, website and invoices, which must show the registered office address, company number and place of registration.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use my home as the registered office?
Yes, but it will be public.
Is there a fee to change address?
No, it’s free online.
Does the email need to be monitored?
Yes, Companies House sends important notices.
Do LLPs need to comply?
Yes, the same rules apply.
Getting help
An accountant can act as your registered office and service address and help with identity verification as an authorised corporate service provider.
Related: service addresses for directors, confirmation statements and directors’ liability.
Talk to Accotax
Want this handled for you? Our team at Accotax can help with Companies House compliance. See our limited company accountants service, or contact us for a free, no-obligation quote.
This page is general guidance based on HMRC rules for the 2026/27 tax year, checked against gov.uk on 16 October 2026. It is not personal advice, so speak to an accountant about your own situation.
