Registered office: requirements, proof and how to change it
A registered office is a company's official address for notices under section 12. It is needed within 30 days of incorporation; changes need filings.
Short answer
A registered office is the official address of a company where all communications and notices are sent and where statutory registers are normally kept. Under section 12 of the Companies Act, 2013, a company must have a registered office within 30 days of incorporation and at all times after, and must display its name and address outside it.
- Governed by
- Section 12, Companies Act 2013
- Verification form
- INC-22 (if not given at incorporation)
- Change in same city
- Board resolution; INC-22 within 15 days
- Change of state
- Special resolution plus Regional Director approval
Proof needed for a registered office
In SPICe+, the registered office is usually declared at incorporation with supporting documents. The common proofs are listed below, and the premises can be owned, rented or provided by a relative or another business, including a co-working space.
- Recent utility bill (electricity, gas, telephone) in the owner's name
- Rent or lease agreement, if rented
- No objection certificate from the owner
- Proof of ownership or title, where available
Changing the registered office
A shift within the local limits of the same city needs only a board resolution and Form INC-22 within 15 days. A move outside the local limits but within the same state needs a special resolution, and if it changes the ROC jurisdiction, confirmation from the Regional Director in Form INC-23. A move to another state needs a special resolution, alteration of the MoA and Regional Director approval. The company must display its name, registered office address and CIN on letterheads, invoices and its website.
Why it matters for startups
Registered office addresses determine the ROC, stamp duty on incorporation documents and sometimes GST jurisdiction. Many startups begin from a founder's home and later move to an office, so file the INC-22 promptly after each move. The ROC can physically verify the address, and an unverified or vacant office can lead to strike off action.
Related services
Sources
Written by the Refogo Editorial Team from the official sources above and checked on 2026-10-31. Laws, rates and due dates change, and authorities often extend deadlines, so confirm your own case with a qualified professional. This is general information, not legal or tax advice. Read our editorial policy or report an error to support@refogo.com.
Common questions
Can a residential address be a registered office?
Yes, provided you have valid proof and an NOC from the owner. It must be able to receive notices.
Can a company use a virtual office as its registered office?
It can use any premises where it can lawfully receive communications, including a co-working space with proper documents, but the address must be genuine and verifiable.
Is the registered office the same as the GST principal place of business?
Not necessarily. GST registration lists the principal place of business, which can differ from the registered office.