These three addresses sound similar, but they do different jobs. You might need one, two or all three.
The three addresses
| Registered office | Director's service address | Business (trading) address | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Who needs it | Every limited company and LLP | Every director | Any business that wants one |
| Public? | Yes, on Companies House | Yes, on Companies House | Wherever you use it |
| Where it's used | Official post from Companies House, HMRC and the courts | Official post for you as a director | Website, invoices, letterhead, suppliers |
| Rules | Must be an appropriate address in the same country your company is registered in | Can be anywhere a letter can be delivered | Up to you, though some platforms have their own rules |
The registered office rules
Since 4 March 2024, a registered office must be an appropriate address: post sent there must come to the attention of someone acting for the company, and deliveries must be able to be acknowledged. PO boxes are no longer allowed. A company registered in England and Wales needs a registered office in England or Wales.
Which AI Address plan fits
- Registered Office: a registered office plus a service address for every director. Official government post is scanned free.
- Business Address: everything above, plus use of the address as your trading address, with all your business post scanned.
- Virtual Office: everything above, plus parcels received for you, priority handling and scheduled forwarding.
Using the address on Google Maps is different: Google's own rules only allow a business profile at an address where you're staffed during opening hours, so check Google's guidelines before listing any virtual address there.
AI Address gives you a registered office and a director's service address in Northwich, with your post scanned to your phone.
Sources
This guide is general information, not legal advice. Rules change, so check GOV.UK or ask your accountant about your situation.