Accountant For A Limited Company

How to Change Company Directors in the UK

To change a company director in a UK limited company, file Form AP01 to appoint a new director or Form TM01 to terminate an existing one with Companies House within 14 days of the change. Update the company's register of directors, notify HMRC, and ensure the outgoing director has fulfilled any outstanding obligations including signing accounts or tax returns that relate to their period in office.

By Jordan Macey MAAT Reviewed by Noor Fiaz Updated 16 Apr 2026 1

How to change company directors UK — AP01 and TM01 filing guide | GoForma

Key takeaways

Appoint a new director by filing Form AP01 with Companies House within 14 days of the appointment, including the new director's full name, date of birth, nationality, occupation, and residential address.
Remove a director by filing Form TM01 within 14 days of their resignation, removal by shareholders, or end of term, and update the company's register of directors.
A private limited company must have at least one director who is a natural person (not a corporate director alone) at all times; you cannot remove the sole remaining human director without appointing a replacement.
Under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023, new directors must complete identity verification with Companies House before their appointment takes effect.
Notify HMRC of the change so that PAYE records, Corporation Tax correspondence, and authorised agent access are updated for the correct director.

Transferring or changing company directors

You can appoint a new director, terminate the appointment of a director or change the director’s personal details online, or by downloading the relevant forms and submitting it to Companies House by post.

Frequently asked questions

How do I appoint a new director to my limited company?

Pass an ordinary resolution at a board meeting (or written resolution if permitted by your articles), then file Form AP01 with Companies House within 14 days. You will need the new director's full name, any former names, date of birth, nationality, occupation, residential address, and a service address for the public register. Identity verification is required under the 2023 ECCTA rules.

How do I remove a director from my limited company?

A director can resign voluntarily by giving written notice to the company. Shareholders can remove a director by passing an ordinary resolution under section 168 of the Companies Act 2006, with special notice of 28 days. Once the director has left, file Form TM01 with Companies House within 14 days and update the register of directors.

Do I need to notify HMRC when I change directors?

Yes. HMRC uses director details for Corporation Tax correspondence, PAYE records, and authorised agent access. Update HMRC through your business tax account or by contacting the Corporation Tax helpline. If the outgoing director was a signatory on the company's tax affairs, ensure the replacement director is authorised before they leave.

Can a company have just one director?

Yes. A private limited company must have at least one director who is a natural person. There is no upper limit. A public limited company must have at least two directors. You cannot leave a private company with zero directors or with only a corporate director and no natural person.

What is the deadline for filing director changes with Companies House?

You must file Form AP01 (appointment) or Form TM01 (termination) within 14 days of the change taking effect. Late filing is a criminal offence under the Companies Act 2006, though in practice Companies House does not issue automatic penalties the way it does for late accounts.

Do new directors need identity verification?

Yes. Under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023, all new directors must verify their identity with Companies House. This applies to appointments filed after the identity verification requirements came into force. The verification can be completed online through Companies House or through an authorised corporate service provider.

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