How to Change Your Company Address with CIPC (Step-by-Step)

Has your business moved to a new location? Then it’s time to update your company address with the CIPC to keep your registration details accurate and compliant.

Keeping your registered and postal address up to date is a legal requirement under the Companies Act of 2008. It ensures you continue to receive official notices from the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC) and other government bodies.

Here’s exactly how to change your company address with CIPC, what documents you’ll need, and how Smartbook can do it for you quickly

Why You Must Update Your Address 

CIPC uses your registered address to send important legal and compliance information — including reminders, official correspondence, and penalties.

If your company’s address is outdated:

• You may miss compliance or annual return reminders.

• Legal notices might never reach you.

• Banks or funders could flag your business as non-compliant.

That’s why it’s important to update your address within 10 business days after your company moves.

What Types of Addresses Can You Change?

When updating your details, you can change one or more of the following:

Type of Address	Purpose
Registered address	The official legal address of the company (used for notices and service of documents).
Postal address	Where the company receives mail and correspondence.
Physical/business address	The location where business operations take place.
Email address	For receiving digital notifications from CIPC.

Documents You’ll Need:

Before starting the process, have these documents ready:

• Completed CoR21.2 form (Change of Registered Office Address)

• Board or shareholder resolution authorizing the change

• Proof of new address (e.g., lease, municipal bill, or utility statement)

• Certified ID copies of at least one active director

Smartbook automatically prepares and submits these documents for you — no manual paperwork needed

How to Change Your Company Address with CIPC (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Log into CIPC eServices 

Go to https://eservices.cipc.co.za and log in with your customer code and password.

Step 2: Go to “Company Address Changes” 

Under the “Companies” section, select “Maintain Company Details” → “Change Registered Address.” You’ll be prompted to enter your company registration number.

Step 3: Complete the CoR21.2 Form 

The CIPC system will generate the CoR21.2 form automatically.

Enter your new physical and postal address accurately and double-check for typos.

Step 4: Upload Required Documents 

Upload the following:

• Board/shareholder resolution

• Proof of address (dated within 3 months)

• Certified director ID copies

Make sure all documents are clearly scanned and in PDF format.

Step 5: Submit and Wait for Approval 

Once you’ve uploaded everything, click “Submit.”

You’ll receive an email confirmation and tracking number.CIPC usually updates address changes within 3–5 business days.

Step 6: Download Updated Confirmation (CoR21.2 Certificate)

When the change is approved, CIPC will issue a new CoR21.2 confirmation document reflecting your updated address.

Keep this for your records and share it with:

• Your bank, to update company KYC info

• SARS, to align addresses across systems

• Your accountant or auditor

How Smartbook Can Do It for You 

If you’d rather not deal with the CIPC portal, Smartbook can manage the entire process for you.

We’ll:

• Prepare and complete your CoR21.2 form

• Draft the correct board resolution

• Collect and verify supporting documents

• Submit to CIPC and monitor approval

✅ Send your official confirmation once approved

Just send us your company name or registration number, and we’ll update your address with CIPC for you — fast and correctly.

How Long Does It Take 

CIPC typically processes address updates within 3–5 business days, but Smartbook often finalizes them within 24–48 hours once all documents are in.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) 

1. Do I need to notify CIPC if my company moves?

Yes. You must update your registered address within 10 business days of moving.

2. Can my registered address be a P.O. Box?

No. The registered address must be a physical address in South Africa.

3. What happens if I don’t update my company address?

You might miss legal notices, and your company could be marked as non-compliant.

4. Is there a fee to change your address with CIPC?

No. CIPC doesn’t charge a filing fee, but professional service fees may apply if Smartbook files for you.

5. Can Smartbook change my company address for me?

Yes! Smartbook can file the change, upload all documents, and send you the approved CoR21.2 certificate.

Final Thoughts 

Changing your company address with CIPC is quick and simple when you know the steps.

To avoid paperwork or rejections, let Smartbook handle the entire process — so your business stays fully compliant and up to date.