Company Name Change

A company can change its name by passing a special resolution and obtaining Central Government (ROC) approval. The change does not affect the company's legal identity, rights or liabilities — the CIN stays the same — but a fresh Certificate of Incorporation is issued and all records and branding must be updated.

Who needs this: Any company with up-to-date statutory filings can change its name, provided the new name is available and not identical/too similar to an existing company or a registered trademark.

Government portal: MCA (mca.gov.in) — RUN, MGT-14, INC-24.

Indicative fees: ₹5,000–₹20,000 professional + MCA fees (name reservation + MGT-14 + INC-24).

Timeline: 15–25 working days.

Documents required

Board resolution proposing the name change
Special resolution passed at an EGM
Altered MoA and AoA
Name approval (RUN) letter
Digital signatures of directors

Step-by-step process

Check availability of the proposed name via the RUN service and a trademark search
Convene a board meeting to approve the change and fix an EGM
Pass a special resolution at the EGM approving the new name and altered MoA/AoA
File MGT-14 with the special resolution within 30 days
File INC-24 seeking Central Government (ROC) approval for the name change
ROC issues a fresh Certificate of Incorporation with the new name
Update PAN, TAN, GST, bank accounts, licences, letterheads, seal and website
Intimate all stakeholders, and update the name on statutory registers

Penalty for non-compliance

Operating under a new name before ROC approval, or failing to file MGT-14 within 30 days, attracts penalties under sections 13 and 117.

Frequently asked questions

Does changing the company name change its legal identity?

No. The Corporate Identity Number (CIN) and the company's rights, contracts and liabilities remain unchanged — only the name is updated, and a fresh Certificate of Incorporation is issued.

How long does a company name change take?

Typically 15–25 working days, subject to name availability and ROC processing of INC-24.

Do I need to update GST and PAN after a name change?

Yes. After the fresh incorporation certificate, update the name on PAN, TAN, GST, bank accounts, and all licences and registrations.

Can any company name be chosen?

The name must be available, not identical or too similar to an existing company or LLP, not violate a registered trademark, and comply with the Companies (Incorporation) Rules on undesirable names.

Is a special resolution mandatory?

Yes. Section 13 requires a special resolution of members and Central Government (ROC) approval for any change of name.