How Do I Change a Director's Date of Birth?

You can correct an inaccurate date of birth without resigning and reappointing the director, but which forms you need depends on exactly when the error was made. An error at company formation uses different paperwork from one made when appointing a director to an already-existing company.

Key Takeaways

• Most director details, like address, occupation, or nationality, can be updated online. Date of birth is the exception and needs a specific correction process.
• If the error was made during company formation, you'll need form RP01 alongside a corrected section of the IN01 form, filed by post with proof of the correct date.
• If the error was made appointing a director to an existing company, you'll need form RP01 alongside a corrected AP01, which can be filed online through WebFiling or by post.
• Correcting a director's date of birth doesn't automatically correct the same error on their PSC record, if they also hold that role. Check both separately.
• Processing typically takes around two weeks, longer than standard digital updates, since these corrections require paper documentation or supporting evidence.

Why Can't I Just Update a Director's Date of Birth Online?

Because Companies House treats it differently from other director details. Name, service address, residential address, occupation, and nationality can all be updated digitally, but a date of birth correction needs a formal replacement filing with supporting proof, rather than a simple edit.

What Forms Do I Need if the Error Was Made at Company Formation?

If the incorrect date of birth was entered as part of your original IN01 incorporation application, you'll need:

1. Form RP01, "Replace a document not meeting requirements"
2. The corrected section of the IN01 form for the director or PSC in question, both sections if they hold both roles
3. Proof of their correct date of birth, such as a copy of a passport or driving licence

These need to be sent together by post to Companies House, since this specific correction isn't available online.

What Forms Do I Need if the Error Was Made Appointing a Director Later?

If the director was appointed to an already-existing company using form AP01, and the date of birth was wrong on that filing, you'll need:

1. Form RP01
2. A corrected AP01 with the accurate date of birth

This correction can be filed either through Companies House WebFiling or by post, unlike the formation-stage correction above.

Does This Also Fix Their PSC Record if They're Also a PSC?

No, not automatically. Director and PSC records are held separately, so correcting one doesn't correct the other. If the same person is listed as both a director and a PSC, check whether the same incorrect date of birth appears on their PSC record too, and correct it separately if it does.

How Long Does This Take to Process?

Typically around two weeks, longer than standard digital filings, since these corrections involve either postal submission, supporting evidence, or both. More information about this process can also be found here.

FAQs

Can I correct a director's date of birth online? Not directly.

If the error was made at company formation, correction has to go by post. If the director was appointed later, the correction can go through WebFiling online, but it still requires form RP01 alongside a corrected AP01.

Which forms do I need to correct a date of birth error?

It depends on timing. At formation: RP01 plus a corrected IN01 section, with proof of the correct date. After incorporation: RP01 plus a corrected AP01.

Do I need to resign and reappoint the director to fix this?

No, the correction process fixes the date of birth without affecting the director's continuous appointment.

Does correcting a director's date of birth also fix their PSC record?

No, these are held separately. Check and correct the PSC record independently if the same person holds both roles.

How long does Companies House take to process this correction?

Around two weeks, generally longer than standard online updates.

This article is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice. Companies House forms and processes can change, so it's worth checking current guidance on GOV.UK or Companies House before relying on the details above.