Changing your trust board's name

How to update your name on the register

When your charitable trust board decides to change its name, you must apply to us to have the name updated on the register. The name change does not legally take effect until we update the register.

Choosing your new name

Before deciding on a new name, be sure that you can use it.

How to change your trust board's name online

You must have:

  • a RealMe® login
  • an online account with the Companies Office
  • authority to update the register for your charitable trust board.

Step by step

  1. Log in.
  2. Select ‘Authorities’ from the main menu.
  3. Choose your charitable trust board from the list.
  4. Select 'Create Filing Service'.
  5. Choose ‘Change Name’ (for the type of service).
  6. Enter the proposed new name, and select 'Check name availability'.
  7. Upload any documents you have to support your application (for example, if you need permission to use a particular name, confirmation that you have this permission). Please note, these documents will not be available for public view.
  8. Complete the signatory details and submit your application.
Register a change of name for a trust board

What happens next

We will review your application and this may take up to 3 working days.

You can check the status of your application by logging into the Charitable Trusts Register. Choose the ‘Filing Services’ option to view any changes that are in progress. If your change status shows as ‘Draft’ you can edit or discard it by choosing the drop-down arrow alongside the filing service.

Check the status of an update

A change in the name of a charitable trust board takes effect from the date we update the register. At that time, we will issue an updated Certificate of Incorporation.

The name change does not affect the rights or liabilities of the charitable trust board, and does not affect legal proceedings by, or against, the board. Legal proceedings taken against the trust board under its former name may be continued against it under its new name.