Street naming and numbering, and property addresses

Register an address or change a house name or number

We are responsible for registering new and existing addresses and the renaming and renumbering existing properties within our area. This service is carried out by the Corporate Address Gazetteer Team (CAG). Royal Mail will only update their database upon receiving notification from us. All aspects of an address except for the postcode are allocated by us as part of the process. Royal Mail is responsible for allocating postcodes.

Each property is identified by a UPRN (Unique Property Reference Number). It is essential that both residential and commercial properties have an official, recognised address.

It enables: 

• emergency and care services to find a property quickly
• mail and goods to be delivered efficiently
• facilitate utility companies in providing necessary services
• visitors to find where they want to go

Register an address

Our online form can be used by individuals or developers who would like to officially register an address.

It can be used for:

• new and existing homes
• commercial premises
• industrial premises
• undertaking conversions to existing buildings that will result in the creation of new premises

It is not mandatory to register your address, therefore it might not have been done before, and there is a fee to register your property. The cost for this service depends on the number of properties being registered, as indicated on the sliding scale. Prior to completing our online form, review our charges page. The charge for this service is reviewed annually with any fee increase taking effect from 1 April each year.

If you have encountered difficulties when purchasing goods or services at your address, this may be because it is not officially recognised. This can happen if you have a new property, or an existing property, that has not been registered with Royal Mail. However, it is still possible that you may have received postal deliveries at that address. In such circumstances, you can check if your address is registered on Royal Mail's postcode finder prior to using our online form. If it is not registered, you may choose to officially register your address with us.

It is also possible Royal Mail may have removed your address if it is not a permanent residence, for example if it’s a holiday home or if there is no safe and secure access to the letter or post box.

Change or rename a house name or number

Renaming of a property is when you’d like to change the current name to another name, or to change from a house number to a name.

There is a fee to rename your house or number and the charge will apply in every case. Prior to completing our online form, review our charges page.

If you are uncertain whether your address has been registered with Royal Mail, email the CAG team at CAGRequests@highland.gov.uk for further advice.

Register a new or existing address or change a house name or number

After you apply

We aim to register new addresses and change of address details within 10 working days, but this may take longer during busy periods. 

We will check the proposed house name or number to make sure there is no duplication within the surrounding area and will consult with Royal Mail. We will confirm the new postal address with you.

The new address or amended address will be updated on our Corporate Address Gazetteer and we will notify Ordnance Survey, the emergency services, Assessors and Electoral Registration Office.

All addresses are created in accordance with the national standard for addressing, BS7666:2006 and the Scottish Gazetteer Conventions. 

Read our Privacy notice for these services.