This guide is maintained as a current resource for September 2026 and covers only the laws of England and Wales. Information is for general guidance, not legal advice. Consult a qualified solicitor for advice specific to your situation.
A complete guide to the paper company registration process in the UK. Learn how to complete and submit the IN01 form by post, what documents and fees are required, statutory compliance checks by Companies House, common mistakes to avoid, and practical tips for successful paper incorporation.
Incorporating a company in England and Wales can be accomplished through online systems, but it is also possible - and sometimes necessary - to complete the process by post using paper forms. Although online filing of company registration is now the most common route, paper registration remains an official method offered by Companies House. This article explains the detailed steps in the paper company registration process, what documents are required, how to complete and submit them, payment methods, statutory compliance checks, expected timings, risks of errors, and answers to common questions. The explanations that follow are based on official guidance and current filing requirements, ensuring accuracy for business owners, directors, solicitors and members of the public.
Overview of Paper Registration
Paper company registration refers to applying to form a limited company by sending physical documentation by post to Companies House rather than filing online. For this purpose, Companies House provides a dedicated form called IN01, which must be completed with all required information and accompanied by key constitutional documents and the correct fee.
Paper registration is an alternative to online incorporation and may be used where online filing is unsuitable, where online filing is prohibited (for example, in certain complex cases such as protected PSCs) or where the applicant prefers a manual route.
Documents Required for Paper Registration
When incorporating a limited company by post, you must include several documents with your application:
Form IN01
The IN01 form is the central application to register a private or public company. It is a statutory form that collects all of the information needed for incorporation, including:
- The proposed company name and confirmation it complies with naming rules;
- Registered office address in the UK;
- Details of directors, and if applicable, secretaries;
- Share capital information and shareholder details (for companies limited by shares);
- Declaration of compliance with the Companies Act.
The IN01 form must be completed correctly and signed where required. Incorrect or incomplete forms are a common reason for rejection.
Memorandum of Association
Every subscriber to the company's constitution must sign a Memorandum of Association, agreeing to become a member of the company and take at least one share if the company has share capital. This document is included with the paper application.
Articles of Association
Unless the company adopts model articles of association, bespoke or amended articles must be included with the application. The articles set out how the company will be governed legally.
Supporting Information
If the proposed company name includes a sensitive word or expression (for example, implying government connection or regulated activity), evidence of permission from the relevant authority must be included.
Cover Letter (Recommended)
Although not mandatory, it is best practice to include a cover letter summarising the enclosed documents and contact details. A clear cover letter can reduce delays and clarify the intent of the submission.
Payment of Fees
The statutory cost to register a company by post is £124 payable to Companies House. A cheque or postal order must accompany the application, made out to “Companies House”.
There is no immediate online payment mechanism with paper applications, and a cheque that is not correctly completed will delay processing. Ensure the payee name and amount are clear before posting.
Completing and Checking the IN01 Form
Accuracy of Information
It is crucial that all information on the IN01 is accurate and consistent with accompanying documents. Sections include:
- Company name and type: Ensure the name includes the correct ending (e.g. Ltd for a private company) and does not infringe existing registered names.
- Registered office address: Must be a real address in the chosen UK jurisdiction (e.g. England and Wales) and capable of receiving statutory mail.
- Director and shareholder details: Names, service addresses and other details must be completed using official country and nationality lists where applicable.
- Statement of capital and share particulars: If the company is limited by shares, all share information must be entered correctly, including class, nominal value and rights attached to shares.
Errors such as selecting multiple options for articles or leaving out required fields will lead to rejection of the application, which delays company formation.
Submitting the Documents
Once completed, all documents and the fee should be assembled and posted to the correct Companies House address:
- For companies with a registered office in England and Wales, paper applications are typically mailed to the Cardiff office.
- Ensure your envelope is addressed accurately and contains all attachments to avoid lost or incomplete applications.
Processing times for paper forms are generally longer than online filings. While online applications are often processed within 24 hours, paper applications can take several days or weeks, depending on workload at Companies House and the correctness of documentation.
Statutory Compliance Checks
Once received, Companies House will:
- Examine the application to ensure compliance with the Companies Act 2006;
- Check that proposed directors are not disqualified and that all statutory information is present;
- Validate company name compliance with public register rules.
If the application is accepted, a certificate of incorporation is issued confirming that the company legally exists and providing the company number, incorporation date and company type.
Time Limits and Communication
Paper registrations do not include automatic feedback like online systems. There is often a delay before Companies House acknowledges receipt. Keep proof of posting and allow additional time for processing, particularly if deadlines for opening bank accounts, hiring or financial planning are approaching.
Risks and Common Mistakes
There are several pitfalls associated with paper company registration:
- Incomplete or incorrect IN01: Missing fields, wrong name endings or mismatched data is a frequent source of rejection.
- Missing constitutional documents: Failure to include signed memoranda or articles invalidates the application.
- Incorrect fee: A cheque insufficiently covering the statutory charge will cause processing delays.
- Late statutory obligations: Even with paper registration, statutory filings such as confirmation statements and accounts follow incorporation and must be met on time to avoid penalties.
Formations using agents are common; these services often prepare and check paperwork on your behalf and may print documents but still involve posting paperwork in the same way.
Common Questions
Can anyone incorporate by paper form?
Yes. Anyone may use the paper method, but official guidance encourages online filing due to speed and built‑in error checks.
Does paper registration include identity verification?
The latest statutory requirements include identity verification for directors and persons with significant control. Even paper applications may require IDs or verification codes as part of supporting materials.
Key Takeaways
The paper company registration process remains a valid way to incorporate a company in the UK, requiring a completed IN01 form, signed constitutional documents and the correct statutory fee sent by post to Companies House. It involves careful completion of statutory fields, inclusion of all required attachments and adequate time for postal and processing delays. While online incorporation is faster and offers instant feedback, paper registrations are necessary or preferable in certain circumstances and are still processed by Companies House into the public register once accepted.
