Changing your professional address, typically referring to your company's registered office, can be done through official channels using either online or paper-based processes.
Understanding Your Professional Address
For most businesses, the "professional address" that needs official updating is the registered office address. This is the official address for a limited company or limited liability partnership (LLP) where official mail, such as correspondence from government bodies like Companies House and HMRC, is sent. It must be a physical address in the country the company is registered (England and Wales, Scotland, or Northern Ireland).
Changing this address requires notifying the relevant registrar, such as Companies House in the UK.
Methods for Changing Your Registered Office Address
Updating your registered office with Companies House can be done either by completing offline forms or by updating your records online. Both methods are valid, but they differ in speed and convenience.
Changing Your Address Online
The most common and often quickest way to change your registered office is online.
- Process: You typically use an official online service provided by the registrar (e.g., the Companies House online service). You will need your company's authentication code.
- Benefits:
- Faster processing times (often within 24 hours).
- Convenient and accessible 24/7.
- Reduces the risk of errors found on paper forms.
- What You Need:
- Your company's registration number.
- Your company's authentication code.
- The new registered office address (ensure it meets the legal requirements for the country of registration).
You can find the online service on the official website of the relevant registrar.
Changing Your Address Offline (Paper Forms)
Alternatively, you can submit a paper form to change your registered office.
- Process: Download the required form from the registrar's website (e.g., the AD01 form for changing a registered office address with Companies House), fill it out, and mail it to the specified address.
- When to Use: This method is suitable if you prefer traditional paperwork or if online services are unavailable to you.
- Considerations:
- Takes longer to process compared to online submissions (can be several days or weeks).
- Requires downloading, printing, and mailing the form.
- Potential for delays if the form is filled out incorrectly.
- What You Need:
- The correct paper form (e.g., AD01).
- Your company details.
- The new registered office address.
Ensure you use the latest version of the form available on the official website.
Comparing Online vs. Offline
Here's a quick comparison of the two methods:
| Feature | Online Submission | Offline (Paper Form) |
|---|---|---|
| Speed | Fast (often 24 hours) | Slower (several days/weeks) |
| Convenience | High (24/7 access) | Lower (requires printing, mailing) |
| Processing | Automated checks, lower error rate | Manual processing, higher error rate |
| Requirements | Authentication code, online access | Correct form, postage |
| Cost | Usually free | Usually free (plus postage) |
Important Considerations
When changing your registered office, remember:
- Effective Date: The change is legally effective only when the registrar registers the new address.
- Notify Others: After updating with the registrar, you must also inform relevant parties, including:
- HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC)
- Your bank
- Suppliers, customers, and other business contacts
- Update your website, stationery, invoices, and any other official company documentation.
- Legal Display: Your registered office address must be displayed on all company stationery, websites, and in specific locations if you trade from there.
Changing your company's registered office is a straightforward process available through convenient online tools or traditional paper forms, ensuring your business remains compliant with legal requirements.
