It is a concern for many individuals new to company formation that their home address may appear on publicly searchable databases and business directory websites. If your home address is available for all to view then this is a blow to your privacy and can put you in the crosshair of identity thieves. In some industries the publication of sensitive information such as this could even threaten the security of the individual concerned.
Thankfully the law recognises these risks and allows directors to provide a second address specifically for the public register, allowing them to keep their home address away from prying eyes.
A director must always provide their home address when forming a company, but it is only their ‘Service Address’ that will be made available to the public. Their home address may be accessed only by Companies House, Public Authorities and Credit Reference Agencies.
So, if your company operates from a separate business premises then you can use the company’s Registered Office Address as your Service Address and your home address will be safe.
If your company operates from home, however, then the solution may not appear so easily. Fortunately Company Formations 247 offer Registered Office and Service Address services allowing you to display our address on the public register instead of your own, keeping your details safe.
So, in conclusion, yes a director does need to provide a home address, but this address will not be disclosed to the general public unless it is also designated as the Registered Office or a Service Address and, even then, the fact that it is their home address will not be disclosed.
