What Are the Costs Associated with an NM01 Form?

Running a business in the UK involves plenty of paperwork, and sometimes, you need to make big changes—like switching your company’s name. That’s where the NM01 Form comes in. It’s your ticket to officially renaming your limited company through Companies House. But here’s the catch: Filing this form isn’t free, and the costs can add up depending on how you handle it. So, what exactly are the costs associated with an NM01 Form? Are there hidden fees, legal expenses, or extra steps that bump up the price? In this blog, we’ll break it all down—explaining what the NM01 Form is, why it matters, and how its costs impact your business. Whether you’re rebranding or fixing a typo, let’s dive into the numbers and see what you’re really paying for!

Imagine this: You’ve built a thriving business, but the name you picked years ago doesn’t fit anymore. Maybe it’s too niche, too generic, or—worse—someone’s already using it. You decide it’s time for a fresh start with a new company name. In the UK, that means filing an NM01 Form with Companies House. It sounds simple enough—fill out a form, send it in, and boom, your company has a new identity. But then you start wondering: How much does this actually cost? Is it just a filing fee, or are there other expenses lurking in the shadows?

The NM01 Form is a key tool for UK companies looking to change their name via special resolution. It’s straightforward, but the costs go beyond the paper itself. From government fees to postage, legal advice to rebranding, the price tag can grow fast. In this blog, we’ll uncover every cost tied to the NM01 Form—what it is, why it’s worth it, and the benefits you gain. By the end, you’ll know exactly what to budget for and how to make this process smooth and affordable. Ready to crunch the numbers? Let’s get started!

What Is an NM01 Form?

First, let’s clear up what an NM01 Form is. Officially titled “Notice of Change of Name by Resolution,” it’s a document you submit to Companies House when your company decides to change its name through a special resolution. In the UK, a special resolution means at least 75% of your company’s shareholders agree to the change. The NM01 Form makes it official—telling Companies House to update your company’s record with the new name.

You don’t just scribble a new name and call it a day. The process starts with your company’s directors proposing the change. Then, you hold a meeting (or use written resolutions) to get shareholder approval. Once everyone’s on board, you fill out the NM01 Form with details like your company number, current name, new name, and resolution date. Attach a copy of the special resolution, sign it, and send it to Companies House. They review it, and if it checks out, your new name goes live on the public register.

Here’s the kicker: Unlike some online name changes (like the “same-day” service), the NM01 Form is the traditional route. You mail it or deliver it in person—no digital option exists for this specific form as of March 2025. That means costs start with filing fees and can spiral into postage, printing, and more. Let’s dig into those expenses next.

What Are the Costs Associated with an NM01 Form?

So, how much does an NM01 Form set you back? The costs fall into two buckets: direct costs (what you pay Companies House) and indirect costs (everything else). Let’s break it down step by step, so you know exactly what hits your wallet.

Direct Costs: Filing Fees

The main cost of an NM01 Form is the filing fee you pay to Companies House. As of March 2025, here’s what you’re looking at:

• Standard Filing Fee: £20
  This applies when you send the NM01 Form by post or drop it off at a Companies House office. It’s the base price for processing your name change via special resolution. Companies House takes a few days to review it—usually 5-7 working days—before updating the register.
• No Same-Day Option: Unlike online name changes (which cost £30 for standard or £100 for same-day), the NM01 Form doesn’t offer a fast-track service. You’re locked into the £20 fee and the standard timeline.

That £20 sounds simple, right? But it’s just the start. You can’t file the NM01 Form online—it’s paper-only—so you’ll need to factor in delivery costs too.

Indirect Costs: Beyond the Fee

The real expenses pile up outside the filing fee. These indirect costs depend on your business setup, how you manage the process, and what you do after the name change. Here’s what to watch for:

1. Postage or Delivery

Since the NM01 Form requires physical submission, you’ll spend money getting it to Companies House. Options include:

• Royal Mail: £1-£3 for standard delivery (depending on weight and speed). Recorded delivery adds £2-£5 for tracking.
• Courier: £5-£15 if you’re near a deadline or want guaranteed arrival.
• In-Person Drop-Off: Free if you’re near Cardiff, London, or Edinburgh—but add travel costs (fuel, parking, public transport) if you’re not local.

For most businesses, postage keeps it cheap—say £2-£5 total.

2. Printing and Stationery

You need a printed NM01 Form and a copy of your special resolution. If you don’t have a printer:

• Home Printing: Pennies for paper and ink.
• Print Shop: £0.10-£0.50 per page, so £1-£2 for a few sheets.
• Extras: Envelopes (£0.20-£0.50) and staples or clips (negligible).

This stays under £5 unless you’re printing in bulk or outsourcing.

3. Shareholder Meeting Costs

To pass the special resolution, you need shareholder approval. This might mean:

• Virtual Meeting: Free with tools like Zoom—most companies go this route now.
• In-Person Meeting: £50-£200+ for venue hire, refreshments, or travel if shareholders are spread out.
• Notices: £5-£20 to print and mail meeting invites if you don’t email them.

Small companies with few shareholders keep this near zero; larger ones might spend more.

4. Legal or Professional Fees

Not sure if your new name’s legal? Worried about paperwork mistakes? You might hire help:

• Solicitor: £100-£500 to draft resolutions, check name availability, and file the NM01 Form. Complex cases (like trademark disputes) push this to £1,000+.
• Accountant: £50-£200 to advise on tax or compliance impacts.
• Company Secretary: £20-£100 if you outsource the admin.

DIY saves cash, but pros ensure accuracy—especially if your name’s tricky (e.g., “sensitive” words like “Bank” need extra approval).

5. Name Availability Checks

Before filing the NM01 Form, you must ensure your new name isn’t taken or too similar to another company’s. Costs include:

• Companies House Check: Free online—search their register yourself.
• Trademark Search: £50-£200 via a professional service to avoid legal clashes.
• Sensitive Words Approval: £0-£100 if your name needs government clearance (e.g., “Royal” or “Authority”).

Skipping this risks rejection, wasting your £20 fee—and time.

6. Post-Filing Updates

Once Companies House approves your NM01 Form, your name changes. Now you update everything:

• Stationery: £50-£500 for new letterheads, business cards, invoices.
• Website: £0-£200 (DIY or web designer fees).
• Bank Accounts: £0-£50 (some banks charge for name updates).
• HMRC: Free to notify, but £50-£100 if an accountant helps.
• Contracts: £0-£500 to amend supplier or client agreements.

These vary wildly—small firms might spend £100, while big ones shell out thousands.

Total Cost Range

So, what’s the bottom line? For a simple NM01 Form process:

• DIY Minimum: £22-£25 (filing fee + postage).
• With Help: £150-£500 (adding legal fees and basic updates).
• Complex Case: £1,000-£5,000+ (court disputes, rebranding, big company overheads).

Your costs hinge on how much you handle yourself and how big the change ripples through your business. Let’s see why this matters.

Importance of Understanding Costs Associated with an NM01 Form

Why bother dissecting the costs of an NM01 Form? Because money isn’t the only thing at stake—your business’s future is too. Here’s why knowing these expenses is crucial.

1. Budgeting Smarts

Filing an NM01 Form isn’t a spur-of-the-moment decision. If you don’t plan for the £20 fee plus extras (postage, legal help, updates), you might scramble for cash. Understanding the full cost lets you budget properly—no surprises, no stress.

2. Avoiding Rejection

Companies House rejects an NM01 Form if the name’s taken, misleading, or lacks resolution proof. That £20 fee? Non-refundable. Add postage and time, and a mistake stings. Knowing indirect costs—like name checks—helps you get it right the first time.

3. Legal Protection

A new name can spark trouble—trademark fights, “passing off” claims, or sensitive word issues. Legal fees upfront (via the NM01 Form process) beat court battles later. Understanding these costs keeps you compliant and safe.

4. Smooth Transition

Post-filing costs—like updating stationery or contracts—keep your business running without hiccups. If you don’t account for them, clients get confused, suppliers balk, and your rebrand falters. Planning ahead ensures a seamless switch.

5. Strategic Timing

The NM01 Form takes 5-7 days to process (longer if issues arise). Hidden costs—like delays from bad planning—hurt cash flow or operations. Knowing what you’re paying for lets you time it right, avoiding rushed or botched changes.

In short, grasping the costs of an NM01 Form isn’t just about pounds and pence—it’s about protecting your business, saving time, and making the name change work. It’s an investment, not a chore.

Benefits of Filing an NM01 Form Despite the Costs

Sure, the NM01 Form costs money—but what do you get out of it? Plenty. Here’s why the price tag pays off.

1. Fresh Brand Identity

A new name via the NM01 Form redefines your business. Outgrown “Bob’s Widgets”? Become “Global Tech Solutions.” The £20 fee (plus updates) buys you a brand that fits, attracts customers, and boosts growth.

2. Legal Clarity

Filing the NM01 Form locks in your new name with Companies House. No one else can grab it, and you avoid legal spats with similar names. That £100 solicitor fee? It’s cheap compared to a £10,000 trademark lawsuit.

3. Flexibility

The NM01 Form lets you adapt—fix a typo, dodge a competitor’s name, or pivot your market. Costs like postage or meetings are small prices for staying relevant and competitive.

4. Professional Image

Updating stationery and websites after the NM01 Form shows you’re serious. Clients and partners trust a company that’s polished and current. A £200 rebrand beats losing a £2,000 contract over confusion.

5. Cost Efficiency Over Alternatives

Compared to dissolving and starting a new company (£10-£50 plus setup costs), the NM01 Form is cheaper. You keep your company number, history, and assets—no need to rebuild from scratch.

6. Peace of Mind

Spending £25-£500 on an NM01 Form process means no loose ends. Your name’s official, your records are straight, and you focus on running your business—not fixing mistakes.

The costs of an NM01 Form aren’t just expenses—they’re investments. You gain a stronger brand, legal security, and a smoother operation. It’s money well spent.

How to Minimize Costs When Filing an NM01 Form

Want to keep NM01 Form costs low? Try these tips:

• DIY the Process: Skip solicitors—download the form, check names online, and mail it yourself.
• Go Digital First: Email shareholders, hold virtual meetings—cut travel and printing.
• Plan Ahead: Avoid rush postage or last-minute fixes by starting early.
• Reuse Resources: Update websites in-house, tweak existing stationery—don’t overhaul everything.
• Double-Check: Confirm name availability and resolution details—don’t waste £20 on a rejection.

Smart moves trim the bill without cutting corners.

Conclusion

So, what are the costs associated with an NM01 Form? At its core, you pay £20 to Companies House, but postage, legal help, and rebranding can push it from £25 to £5,000+. Knowing these costs helps you budget, avoid pitfalls, and reap benefits like a fresh identity and legal peace. The NM01 Form isn’t cheap—but it’s worth it for a business that’s ready to thrive under a new name!