19th February 2026

Step by step guide to registering a business name in the UK

Choosing a business name is one of the first and most meaningful steps in building a new venture. It reflects who you are and how customers will recognise you even as you grow and develop. However, when selecting a business name in the UK, you must meet certain legal requirements and follow a simple registration process to keep your chosen name protected.

For many new business owners, understanding how and when to register a name can feel unclear. That’s why 99p Company Formations have explained the process step by step, helping you secure your chosen name whilst complying with the relevant legal requirements along the way.

Do you need to register a business name?

Not every business needs to register their business names but there are tight rules for the types of businesses who do. Whether you must formally register your business name depends on how you intend to operate:

Sole traders can trade under their own name or choose a trading name, but they do not register the name itself as a separate legal entity.
Limited companies must register their company name as part of incorporation. Once approved, that name is legally protected within the UK.
Partnerships may trade under a business name but do not gain the same protection unless they form a limited company.

How to register your company name

1. Select your name

Before you register your business, you need to be certain of your company name.

Business names must meet specific legal standards designed to protect consumers and maintain transparency in the marketplace. These rules guarantee that company names do not mislead the public about what a business does, who it is connected to, or the authority it holds.

You should ensure your name:

Accurately reflects your business without exaggerating status or scale
Does not imply regulated activity unless properly authorised
Avoids sensitive terms unless supporting documentation is provided
Uses the correct legal ending if you are forming a limited company
Is not the same as another business on the Companies House register
Does not use offensive terminology or language

2. Check that your chosen name is available

Because you need to have a name that’s unique from other businesses, you need to check that it is available before registering.

You can do so using the company name availability checker or search for a trade mark.

3. Confirm the structure of your business

Your chosen structure determines how your name is protected and how it can be used in trade. Before proceeding, you should think about whether you want legal separation between yourself and the business, how you plan to grow or bring in partners or investors, the level of brand protection you require, and your long term operational plans.

4. Register the name during company formation

For limited companies, you do not register the name separately; it is submitted as part of your incorporation application.

Once approved:

The name is added to the official company register
You receive a Certificate of Incorporation confirming legal existence
No other company can register the identical name in the UK

This is the point at which your business name gains legal standing. The process really is that simple.

5. Register for tax

After incorporation, you must properly set the business up for taxation and reporting so that it can operate compliantly from day one. This typically involves registering with HM Revenue & Customs and setting up the appropriate tax records for your activities.

Separating the naming and incorporation process from tax registration helps ensure each obligation is handled correctly.

6. Secure your brand name

Registering a company name prevents duplication within the corporate register, but it does not automatically provide full intellectual property protection. If your brand is central to your business strategy, you may wish to take additional steps to safeguard it.

These can include:

Applying for trademark protection to secure exclusive use of the name in your sector
Purchasing a matching domain name to establish your online presence
Reserving social media handles to maintain brand consistency
Developing clear visual branding aligned with your registered identity

Should you register a domain name at the same time?

Although registering a domain name is not a legal requirement when forming a company, it is often one of the most practical steps to take alongside incorporation. Your website address becomes a key part of your identity, particularly if you plan to market your services online or communicate with customers digitally.

Securing a domain early prevents others from purchasing a matching web address and allows you to create professional email accounts linked to your business.

Common reasons business names are rejected

While the registration process is generally straightforward, applications can be rejected if the chosen name does not meet regulatory standards.

Rejections commonly occur when:

The name is identical or too similar to an existing company
It contains restricted or sensitive wording without approval
It implies an association with government, regulation, or accreditation
It could mislead the public about the nature or scale of the business
It contains offensive language

How long does it take to register a business name?

Once all information has been prepared correctly, registering a business name as part of company formation is usually a quick process. The timeline depends less on processing and more on how accurate and complete the application is when submitted.

If you registered online then your registration should take 24 hours. If you applied via post then it can take 8-10 days for your application to be accepted.

Using a formation agent to register your business name

While it is entirely possible to register a company independently, many first time business owners find that the process involves more detail than expected.

A formation agent acts as an intermediary, guiding you through the requirements and submitting the registration correctly on your behalf. This can be particularly helpful if you are unfamiliar with Companies House procedures or want reassurance that everything has been completed properly from the outset.

For businesses looking to ensure the process is handled accurately and efficiently, 99p Company Formations provides practical support with company formation, helping new organisations move from planning to registration with clarity and assurance that everything has been handled to the letter.