Can I Remove My Name From The Companies House Register?

Many individuals who are registered as directors of companies in the United Kingdom may have concerns about their personal information being publicly available on the Companies House register. This article aims to address the question of whether it is possible to remove one’s name from the Companies House register, and if so, under what circumstances and conditions.

Understanding The Companies House Register

The Companies House register is a publicly accessible database that contains information about companies registered in the UK. This includes details about the company’s directors, such as their full name, residential address, and date of birth. The register also holds information about the company’s registered office address and other statutory records.

Legal Requirements Under the Companies Act 2006

Under the Companies Act 2006, every limited company must provide a registered office address, which is a legal requirement. This address is publicly available and can be accessed by anyone who wishes to view the company’s details on the public register. The registered office address is different from the directors’ residential address and is primarily used for official correspondence and communication with the company.

Residential Address Disclosure

As a director of a company, your residential address is included in the public record and is visible to anyone conducting a search on the Companies House register. However, there are circumstances where you may be able to remove your home address from the public register to protect your privacy.

Utilizing a Service Address

One option available is to appoint a service address instead. A service address can be any address in the UK and can be used to receive official correspondence from Companies House and other government bodies. It does not have to be the same as your residential address, providing you with the flexibility to use an alternative address that you are comfortable disclosing.

Seeking Legal Advice

If you choose to remove a registered office address or a sensitive address like your home address from the public register, you may seek legal advice to ensure you follow the correct procedures. It is important to note that the process for removing addresses from the public register can vary depending on the circumstances and requirements of your specific situation.

Updating Address Information with Companies House

When you notify Companies House of changes to your company’s registered office address or directors’ addresses, the information will be updated in the public register. This means that the previous addresses will no longer be publicly available, offering a level of protection for your personal details.

Retaining Some Personal Information

It is worth noting that some personal information, such as the full date of birth of directors appointed after 10 October 2015, will still remain on the public register as required by law. This is to prevent potential fraudulent activity and ensure transparency in company directorship.

Requesting Information Removal

If you wish to remove certain personal information from the public register, you may ask Companies House to consider your request. However, it is important to understand that Companies House will assess each request on a case-by-case basis and may require further information or evidence to support your application.