CIPC Warns Companies to Update Registered Office Address
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The Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC) has issued Customer Notice 41 of 2026, reminding companies and close corporations of their legal obligation to maintain an accurate registered office and physical address.
The Commission says it has observed an increasing number of complaints from members of the public about companies that have relocated their business operations but failed to update their address records with the CIPC.
As a result, legal notices, court documents, compliance notices, regulatory correspondence and other official communications continue to be delivered to outdated addresses. The notice points out that this creates significant inconvenience and potential prejudice for the current occupants of those premises, who have no connection to the company concerned.
Companies Act compliance requirement
In terms of the Companies Act 71 of 2008, every company must maintain an accurate registered office address and ensure that the information on the CIPC register remains current and correct.
According to the notice, failure to update the registered office and physical address may:
constitute non-compliance with the Companies Act;
result in official notices being served at an incorrect address;
cause regulatory and legal communication failures;
create disputes and prejudice for innocent occupants of the premises; and
impair the integrity and reliability of the public company register.
The CIPC urges all companies to review their registered details and update any outdated address information immediately. Importantly, the notice warns that companies and close corporations are required by law to keep this information up to date, and may be liable for a fine or prosecution if their records are found to be inaccurate.
When should an address be updated?
The notice says companies should update their address if:
they have moved their business premises;
their registered office is no longer operational;
they no longer have permission to use the registered address;
the property has been sold, leased to another occupant or vacated; or
mail and legal correspondence are no longer received at the registered address.
Responsibility for ensuring that company information remains accurate rests with the company's directors and prescribed officers. The CIPC recommends that companies periodically review all information held on the register to ensure continued compliance with the Companies Act.
Reporting incorrectly registered addresses
Property owners or occupants who continue to receive correspondence intended for a company that no longer occupies the premises may notify the CIPC and provide supporting information to allow for regulatory follow up.
The Commission notes that maintaining accurate company records promotes transparency, accountability and the integrity of South Africa's corporate register.
Practical takeaway: Companies and close corporations should check their CIPC registration details and confirm that the registered office and physical address are still correct. Applications to change a registered address can be submitted through the CIPC eServices platform at https://eservices.cipc.co.za.
