Name Change - Company Application
Introduction to Company Name Change
Changing a company’s name is a formal legal process that involves approval from shareholders, submission of prescribed forms to the Registrar of Companies (ROC), and issuance of a new Certificate of Incorporation by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA). This change may be required for rebranding, mergers, ownership transfers, or legal compliance. A proper name change ensures your business remains legally valid and operational across all platforms and registrations.
What is a Company Name Change?
A company name change refers to the process by which an existing registered business legally updates its name in the records of the Registrar of Companies. This change does not alter the company's legal structure, obligations, or identity but reflects a new branding or business direction. Once approved, the MCA issues a new Certificate of Incorporation bearing the updated name, which must then be reflected across all statutory and business records.
When is a Name Change Required?
A company may need to change its name in several scenarios, such as:
- ● Rebranding to match new products, services, or market positioning
- ● Mergers or acquisitions that require unified corporate identity
- ● Change in business ownership or management
- ● Legal disputes or regulatory directions requiring a name revision
- ● Errors in the existing name or similarity with another registered entity
Each of these instances requires proper legal documentation and ROC approval before the new name becomes effective.
Regulatory Bodies and Legal Framework
The process of company name change in India is governed by the Companies Act, 2013, and overseen by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) through the Registrar of Companies (ROC). Key sections of the Act include Section 13 for name change and Section 4(2) for name approval. The company must follow a structured procedure that includes board and shareholder resolutions, form filings (RUN, MGT-14, INC-24), and MOA/AOA amendments, all under MCA’s electronic filing system.
Types of Company Name Changes
Changing a company’s name can be driven by various business, legal, or regulatory reasons. The Companies Act, 2013 allows registered businesses to modify their legal name through specific procedures depending on the nature and purpose of the change. Below are the three primary categories under which company name changes usually occur:
Voluntary Name Change (Rebranding or Business Shift)
A voluntary name change is initiated by the company itself, often to reflect a shift in business model, product offerings, or market positioning. It is a strategic move typically used for rebranding or expanding to new sectors. This type of change requires shareholder approval and ROC filings but does not affect the legal entity’s status or continuity.
Example: A company changing from "XYZ Marketing Private Limited" to "XYZ Digital Solutions Private Limited" to align with digital services.
Change Due to Ownership or Structure
When a business undergoes a change in ownership—such as through acquisition, merger, or shareholding transfer—it may opt to update its name to reflect new control, stakeholders, or structure. In some cases, this also happens during a conversion from a private limited company to a public limited one or vice versa. While the core legal entity remains the same, the name is updated to reflect its new identity.
Name Change Due to Government Orders or Legal Reasons
In rare cases, the government or ROC may direct a company to change its name. This could happen if the name is too similar to an existing company, violates trademark laws, or was erroneously approved. Sometimes, companies are also asked to amend their name due to public complaints or regulatory scrutiny. In such cases, the name change becomes mandatory and must be completed within a specified time frame to avoid penalties.
Legal Procedure for Company Name Change
Changing a company’s name is a structured legal process governed by the Companies Act, 2013 and regulated by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA). The process involves internal resolutions, MCA approvals, and formal filings with the Registrar of Companies (ROC). Below is a breakdown of each mandatory step involved in legally changing a company’s name:
Hold Board Meeting and Pass Resolution
The first step is to convene a board meeting where directors pass a resolution proposing the new name. This resolution authorizes the company to check for name availability and initiate the process of name change with the ROC.
File Name Reservation through RUN (Reserve Unique Name)
The proposed name must be submitted to the ROC using the RUN (Reserve Unique Name) service on the MCA portal. The name must be unique, not infringe on trademarks, and comply with Companies (Incorporation) Rules. If approved, the ROC will issue a name reservation valid for 20 days.
Conduct Shareholders’ Meeting (Pass Special Resolution)
The company must call an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) to obtain shareholders’ approval for the name change. A special resolution is passed under Section 13 of the Companies Act, 2013, authorizing the amendment of the Memorandum of Association (MOA) and Articles of Association (AOA).
File MGT-14 and INC-24 with ROC
Post EGM, the company must file:
● Form MGT-14 within 30 days of passing the special resolution, along with the certified copy of the resolution and altered MOA.
● Form INC-24 to seek central government approval for the name change and submit the revised MOA, AOA, and name reservation approval.
Receive New Certificate of Incorporation
If all forms and documentation are in order, the ROC will issue a fresh Certificate of Incorporation with the new name. The company is legally allowed to use the new name from the date of issue of this certificate.
Documents Required for Name Change
To legally change a company's name, the following documents must be prepared, approved, and submitted to the Registrar of Companies (ROC) through the MCA portal. These documents validate the company's intent and legal compliance for name amendment:
1. Board Resolution for Name Change
A certified true copy of the resolution passed in the board meeting authorizing the proposed name change.
2. Name Approval Letter (RUN Approval)
The approval letter from MCA confirming that the proposed new name is available and reserved for the company.
3. Notice of Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM)
Formal notice issued to shareholders calling for an EGM to pass a special resolution for name change.
4. Special Resolution Copy (EGM Minutes)
A certified copy of the special resolution passed during the EGM approving the name change and alteration of MOA/AOA.
5. Altered Memorandum of Association (MOA)
The updated MOA reflecting the new company name under Clause I (Name Clause).
6. Altered Articles of Association (AOA)
Revised AOA (if required) with changes in the company name and other relevant references.
7. Form MGT-14
Filed within 30 days of passing the special resolution, along with attachments like resolution and altered MOA/AOA.
8. Form INC-24
Application for Central Government’s approval for name change, including details of directors, capital, and previous filings.
9. Certificate of Incorporation (Old Name)
A copy of the existing certificate of incorporation showing the currently registered name.
10. Digital Signatures (DSC) of Directors/Authorised Signatory
Used for filing forms electronically on the MCA portal.
Timeline and ROC Fees
Changing your company’s name involves multiple stages of approval from the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA), including internal resolutions, MCA filings, and ROC verification. Below is a detailed breakdown of timelines and applicable government fees based on the type and size of the company.
Processing Time at Each Stage
- Board Meeting & Resolution: 1 day
- Name Reservation via RUN: 2–3 working days
- EGM Notice Period: Minimum 21 days (can be shorter if consent is obtained)
- MCA Filing of MGT-14 & INC-24: 1–2 working days
- ROC/MCA Review & Approval: 7–10 working days
- Total Expected Duration: Around 10–15 working days (if documents are complete and correct)
Additional Charges for RUN/MGT-14/INC-24
- RUN (Name Reservation Fee): ₹1,000 (non-refundable)
- Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) Renewal or Use: As applicable
- Professional Fees (If Any): May vary if outsourced to a consultant
- Stamp Duty (State-wise): Applicable in certain cases for MOA/AOA amendments
MCA Filing Fees (Based on Company Type)
| Company Type | MGT-14 Filing Fee | INC-24 Filing Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Private Company (with capital) | ₹200 – ₹600 (based on capital) | ₹1,000 – ₹2,000 |
| Public Company | ₹500 – ₹1,000 | ₹2,000 – ₹10,000 |
| Section 8 Company | ₹200 | ₹1,000 |
Note: Actual fees vary based on company’s paid-up capital and structure.
Impact of Company Name Change
Once your company’s name has been legally changed through MCA approval and a new Certificate of Incorporation is issued, the updated name must be reflected across all legal, financial, and operational records. Timely updates are essential to maintain compliance and avoid business disruptions.
PAN and TAN Update
After the name change is approved, the company must apply for corrections in its PAN (Permanent Account Number) and TAN (Tax Deduction and Collection Account Number) through NSDL or UTIITSL. The updated Certificate of Incorporation is required to support the application. These updates are mandatory for income tax filings and TDS compliance.
GST, MSME, IEC, and Other Registrations
All statutory registrations such as GST, MSME/Udyam, Import Export Code (IEC), FSSAI, PF/ESIC, and labor licenses must be updated to reflect the new company name. The failure to do so may result in regulatory notices, rejection of applications, or denial of government benefits/subsidies.
Bank Accounts and Contracts
Inform your bank about the name change by submitting the new Certificate of Incorporation and board resolution. All cheques, account details, and payment gateways must reflect the new name. Additionally, update the name in all ongoing business contracts, MOUs, agreements, and invoices to maintain legal enforceability.
Website, Marketing, and Branding Assets
To ensure brand consistency and avoid customer confusion, update the company name across your website, email domains, social media handles, brochures, letterheads, visiting cards, signage, and all other marketing materials. This enhances brand trust and reflects professionalism after rebranding or restructuring.
Post-Name Change Compliance
Once the Registrar of Companies issues a fresh Certificate of Incorporation, the company must undertake certain mandatory compliance actions to reflect its new legal identity across all platforms and stakeholders. Timely implementation of these changes ensures business continuity and avoids regulatory issues.
Display of New Name at All Offices
As per Section 12 of the Companies Act, 2013, the new name must be displayed:
- ● At every registered office and branch
- ● On all company signboards
- ● On nameplates in a visible and legible manner
Non-compliance can result in penalties up to ₹1,000 per day.
Display of New Name at All Offices
As per Section 12 of the Companies Act, 2013, the new name must be displayed:
- ● At every registered office and branch
- ● On all company signboards
- ● On nameplates in a visible and legible manner
Non-compliance can result in penalties up to ₹1,000 per day.
Intimating Stakeholders, Vendors, Clients
All stakeholders—including vendors, clients, contractors, employees, and partners—must be formally informed of the name change. Sending official communications and updating internal systems ensures transparency and helps maintain trust in ongoing relationships.
Intimating Stakeholders, Vendors, Clients
All stakeholders—including vendors, clients, contractors, employees, and partners—must be formally informed of the name change. Sending official communications and updating internal systems ensures transparency and helps maintain trust in ongoing relationships.
Updating Official Documents and Stationery
Update the new company name on:
- ● Letterheads, invoices, receipts
- ● Legal contracts and employee offer letters
- ● Email signatures, seals, business cards
- ● HR, finance, and accounting software
Consistency in documentation prevents future legal discrepancies.
Updating Official Documents and Stationery
Update the new company name on:
- ● Letterheads, invoices, receipts
- ● Legal contracts and employee offer letters
- ● Email signatures, seals, business cards
- ● HR, finance, and accounting software
Consistency in documentation prevents future legal discrepancies.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Failing to update records or complete necessary filings after a name change can lead to legal and financial consequences. The Ministry of Corporate Affairs has prescribed penalties for various types of non-compliance.
Delay in Filing Forms
Forms like MGT-14 and INC-24 must be filed within specified timelines. Delays attract additional fees and may trigger show-cause notices from the ROC. The late fee increases based on the number of days delayed.
Mismatch in Legal Records
Operating under a new name without updating government or tax records can lead to:
- ● Rejection of tenders or government contracts
- ● Problems in banking, GST returns, and statutory filings
- ● Potential legal disputes with clients or vendors
ROC Rejection or Notice
If the required documents or forms are not submitted correctly or timely, the ROC may:
- ● Reject the name change request
- ● Issue legal notices under Sections 12, 13, or 403 of the Companies Act
- ● Impose penalties or even mark the company as non-compliant
How Udyog Suvidha Kendra Helps You
Udyog Suvidha Kendra simplifies the company name change process with expert-led support from documentation to post-compliance. Our tailored services ensure complete accuracy, quick turnaround, and regulatory alignment—so you can focus on running your business while we handle the formalities.
End-to-End Filing Assistance
From drafting board and special resolutions to filing RUN, MGT-14, and INC-24, our experts manage the entire name change process in compliance with MCA requirements, avoiding errors or delays.
MOA/AOA Amendment Support
We help you accurately amend your Memorandum and Articles of Association to reflect the new company name—ensuring seamless acceptance during ROC scrutiny.
Post-Change Compliance Help
After the name change is approved, we assist with updating PAN, TAN, GST, bank accounts, contracts, licenses, and marketing assets to maintain consistent legal identity across all platforms.
Company Name Change FAQs
- Proprietorship
- Partnership
- Nidhi Company
- Trust Registration
- Producer Company
- MCA Name Approval
- Section 8 Company
- One Person Company
- Private Limited Company
- Limited Liability Partnership
- Proprietor to LLP Company
- Proprietor to One Person Company
- Proprietor to Pvt Ltd Company
- Partnership to LLP Company
- Partnership to Pvt Ltd Company
- GeM Registration
- Food Registration
- Udyam Registration
- ISO Registration
- PF Registration
- Barcode Registration
- Darpan Registration
- ZED Certification
- DSC Registration
- GST Registration
- Gumasta Registration
- ESI Registration
- RCMC Registration
- APEDA Registration
- BIS Registration
- FCRA Registration
- DOT OSP ISP LICENSE
- Startup India Registration
- 12A and 80G Registration
- Only 80G Registration
- Only 12A Registration
- ICEGATE Registration
- Import-Export Registration
- Tax Exemption Certificate
- RERA Registration for Agents
- Professional Tax Registration
- ADT-1 Filing
- LLP Compliance
- OPC Compliance
- DIN eKYC Filing
- DIN Reactivation
- Director Change
- Share Transfer
- Demat of Shares
- PF Return Filing
- Company Compliance
- Remove Director
- ESI Return Filing
- Business Plan
- DPT-3 Filing
- LLP Form 11 Filing
- Dormant Status Filing
- MOA Amendment
- AOA Amendment
- Winding Up - LLP
- Winding Up-Company
- FLA Return Filing
- Professional Tax Return Filing
- Partnership Compliance
- Proprietorship Compliance
- Registered Office Change
- Name Change - Company
- Authorized Capital Increase