What is DS02 Withdraw a strike-off application?
A company that has applied to be struck off the Companies House register on form DS01 can withdraw that application with DS02, as long as the company is still on the register. GOV.UK says a company must withdraw it if it is no longer eligible to be struck off, for example because it is trading or has become insolvent, and can withdraw it if it changes its mind.
The form is short: the company number and name, a printed notice that the directors withdraw the application, and a director's signature on the company's behalf. GOV.UK says only one director needs to sign. It is not for a limited liability partnership, and it can't stop the registrar striking a company off for not filing its documents.
FileIt fills the company details and the optional presenter block into Companies House's own DS02 PDF (Version 5.0, 03/26) and saves it in your vault, with a signature box for the director. GOV.UK also offers an online service to withdraw the application. FileIt never files anything for you.
- Who signs it
- Any one director, on the company's behalf
- Withdraws
- A strike-off application made on form DS01
- Given to
- Companies House (online filing is also available)
- Not for
- LLPs, or striking off for not filing documents
- Edition
- DS02 Version 5.0 (03/26)
Who needs to fill out DS02 Withdraw a strike-off application?
- A company that applied to be struck off and has started trading again or changed its plans.
- A company that is no longer eligible to be struck off, for example because it has become insolvent.
- Directors who changed their mind about closing the company while it is still on the register.
When to use DS02 Withdraw a strike-off application
- After a DS01 has been filed and before the company is struck off.
- When you can't or would rather not use Companies House's online service.
- Not for an LLP, and not to stop a strike-off by the registrar for default filing.
What you need before you start
- The company number and the company name exactly as on the register.
- A director to sign the form on the company's behalf.
What’s on DS02 Withdraw a strike-off application
The 2026 edition has 2 pages. FileIt asks for it in 3 parts, and it is signed by Director:
- 1. Company detailsCompany
- 2. Notice of withdrawal of applicationDirector
- Presenter information (optional)Presenter
How to fill out DS02 Withdraw a strike-off application, step by step
1 Company details
Enter the company number (8 characters, like 01234567 or SC123456) and the full company name.
2 Notice of withdrawal
The form already states that the directors withdraw the application for the company to be struck off. FileIt asks you to confirm it.
3 Signature
Any director signs in section 3, on behalf of the company.
4 Presenter information
Optional contact details for whoever sends the form. They're visible to anyone searching the public record.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Leaving the signature box empty. The checklist asks you to make sure a director has signed.
- A company name or number that doesn't match the register.
- Using DS02 for an LLP, which has its own form.
- Waiting until after the company has been struck off. Withdrawal only works while it is still on the register.
After you fill it out
A director signs the form. Print it at full size on white A4 paper and go through the checklist on its last page. Companies House says you can upload certain forms instead of posting them; if you post it, send it to the address for where the company is registered (see gov.uk/companies-house/offices). FileIt doesn't send it for you.
Keep the signed DS02 with the DS01 in the company's FileIt folder.
If you later decide to close the company after all, you apply again on form DS01.
Fill out DS02 Withdraw a strike-off application online with FileIt
- Pick the person. Choose someone from People and FileIt fills in their name, date of birth, address and other details it already knows.
- Answer plain-language questions. One part of the form at a time, with the official help text beside each question — 18 fields in all. Your answers save as you go.
- Check the live preview. Watch your answers land on the real Companies House form, and let FileIt do any worksheet arithmetic.
- Generate the official PDF. FileIt prints your answers into the agency’s own PDF and files it in that person’s folder in your vault. Sign it, or send it for e-signature.
FileIt fills the form — it never files or submits anything for you. Deliver the finished form to whoever asked for it, the way the form’s instructions say.
Start DS02 Withdraw a strike-off application now — it’s freeDS02 Withdraw a strike-off application: frequently asked questions
Who can sign DS02?
The form says it can be signed by any director, and GOV.UK says only one director needs to sign the withdrawal.
When must a company withdraw its strike-off application?
GOV.UK says you must withdraw it if the company is no longer eligible to be struck off, for example if it is trading or has become insolvent. The form points to section 1009 of the Companies Act 2006 for the circumstances.
Can DS02 stop Companies House striking my company off for not filing?
No. The form says it can't be used to stop the registrar striking off a company for default filing.
Can I withdraw online instead?
Yes. GOV.UK offers an online service to withdraw a strike-off application and says paper forms take longer to process.
Official sources
- Blank form (PDF), published by Companies House: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/69bbe4f627f2139508f73ccf/DS02_v5.0-draft_1.pdf
- Official instructions and guidance: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/withdraw-a-striking-off-application-by-company-ds02
- Edition shown on this page: DS02, Version 5.0 03/26 (checked 2026-10-25).
FileIt is not affiliated with or endorsed by Companies House or any government. This page explains the form in general terms and is not legal, tax or immigration advice. Always read the official instructions, and check that you are using the edition the recipient accepts. Page last reviewed 2026-10-25.