Company Name Change in India
A company can change its name with a special resolution and approvals from the ROC and Central Government, as per the Companies Act 2013, without affecting its existing rights, obligations, or legal proceedings. The company’s operations continue seamlessly under the new name, retaining its corporate identity.
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Basic Plan
+GST
- Legal Consultation for Company name change
- Basic Name Search and Availability Check
- Electronic Document Delivery
Form Submission:
a) Form RUN
b) Form MGT-14
c) Form INC-24
Standard Plan
+GST
Basic Plan
+
- Drafting of Board Resolution
- Drafting of Special Resolution
- Assistance with Newspaper Advertisement
- Hard Copy Document Delivery
- Assistance with Updating Bank Accounts
- Assistance with Updating Business Records
- Assistance with Updating Legal Documents
Premium Plan
+GST
Standard Plan
+
- Assistance in Trademark application/update
- Priority Processing
- Dedicated Account Manager
- Business Letterhead (10 Copies)
- Company Seals
Overview of Company Name Change
Changing a company name under the Companies Act, 2013 in India is a structured process requiring board and shareholder approval. Initially, the board must pass a resolution to propose the new name and authorize a director or company secretary to seek approval from the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) to ensure the name is available. Once the name availability is confirmed by the MCA, the company must convene an extraordinary general meeting to pass a special resolution for the name change.
After the special resolution is passed, the company must file ‘Form MGT-14‘ for the special resolution and ‘Form INC-24‘ to apply for the approval of the name change, along with the necessary fees and supporting documents. Upon verification and approval, the Registrar of Companies (RoC) will issue a new certificate of incorporation reflecting the changed name. The company must then update all its legal documents, business stationery, and signboards with the new name to ensure compliance across all references.
Overview
Your company name is the foundation of your business identity. It reflects your vision, values, and market positioning. Over time, your business may evolve, requiring a change in the company name to better align with growth, mergers, rebranding, or compliance needs.
Changing your company name is a legal process governed by the Companies Act, 2013, and requires approval from the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA). It involves passing resolutions, filing specific forms, and updating various statutory documents and records.
This guide walks you through the entire process, legal steps, timelines, costs, documents required, and how Audit Tick can help you execute it seamlessly.
Why Change a Company’s Name
Here are common situations that call for a company name change
Rebranding
To align with new vision, product line, or market trends.
Merger or Acquisition
To reflect the identity of the new or combined entity.
Business Diversification
When your name no longer represents your core offerings.
Legal or Trademark Issues
If the existing name conflicts with another brand or entity.
Geographic Expansion
Adopting a name that appeals to a broader or global audience.
Numerology or Strategic Change
To align with internal strategy, founder preferences, or investor advice.
Legal Framework
Changing a company name is governed by the following
📜 Section 13 of the Companies Act, 2013
🏢 Companies (Incorporation) Rules, 2014
🏛️ Approval required from ROC and MCA
It involves an alteration of the Memorandum of Association (MOA) and Articles of Association (AOA), which must be approved by shareholders and filed with the ROC.
Types of Company Name Changes
Need to Update
| Type | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Voluntary | Initiated by the company for branding or restructuring | XYZ Pvt Ltd → Stellar Tech Pvt Ltd |
| Regulatory | Mandated by ROC or tribunal due to similarity or legal issues | ROC orders ABC Ltd to change due to similarity with ABX Ltd |
Need to Update
Process to Change a Company Name
Follow these simple steps to apply for Change a Company Name
- Pass a Board Resolution to change the name.
- Authorize a director or company secretary to check name availability and initiate filings.
- File the RUN (Reserve Unique Name) form on the MCA portal.
- Ensure the name complies with Rule 8 of the Companies (Incorporation) Rules, 2014.
- MCA approval is valid for 20 days (extendable for 60 days upon name change filing).
- Issue notice to shareholders at least 21 days before the meeting.
- Pass a Special Resolution to approve the name change and amendment of MOA/AOA.
- Must be filed within 30 days of passing the Special Resolution.
- Attach: certified copy of resolution, altered MOA/AOA.
- Apply to the Central Government (via ROC) for approval.
- Submit the following:
- Approved RUN name
- MGT-14 acknowledgment
- Amended MOA/AOA
- Copy of EGM resolution
Upon approval, ROC will issue a new Certificate of Incorporation with the updated company name.
Need to Need
Documents Required for Company Name Change
Need to Update
Board Resolution
Form MGT-14
RUN Form Approval
Form INC-24
Special Resolution
Certificate of Incorporation (original)
Altered MOA and AOA
Digital Signature Certificate (DSC)
Post-Name Change Compliance Checklist
Once the name is officially changed, the company must
Procedure to Change Alter name of company under companies act,2013
Changing the name of your company might sound complicated, but it’s just a matter of following some clear steps.
Objective: The initial step involves convening a board meeting to discuss and pass a resolution regarding the intention to change the company’s name.
Action: Pass a Board Resolution to authorize a director or company secretary to check the availability of the proposed name.
Objective: Before proceeding with the name change, it is essential to ensure that the proposed name is not identical to any existing company or trademark.
Action: File Form RUN (Reserve Unique Name) on the MCA portal to check the availability of the proposed name.
Objective: Once the name is confirmed to be available, convene another board meeting to pass a resolution approving the new name.
Action: Approve the new name and propose to alter the Memorandum of Association and Articles of Association to reflect the name change.
Objective: Convene an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) of shareholders to pass a special resolution for changing the name of the company and altering the Memorandum and Articles of Association.
Action: Pass the Special Resolution and file Form MGT-14 within 30 days of passing the resolution.
Objective: Apply to the Central Government for approval of the company name change.
Action: File Form INC-24 to apply for the approval of the name change, attaching the Special Resolution and the altered Memorandum of Association and Articles of Association.
Objective: Upon approval, the Registrar of Companies will issue a new Certificate of Incorporation reflecting the new name.
Action: The Certificate of Incorporation with the new name acts as conclusive evidence of the name change. The new name is effective from the date of issuance of this certificate.
Corporate Governance Documents
Memorandum of Association & Articles of Association: Amend these foundational documents to reflect your company’s new name, aligning your governance with your new identity.
Company Branding
Common Seal & Official Seals: If applicable, update your company’s common seal along with the seals of directors and authorized signatories to include the new name, ensuring all official documents bear the correct branding.
Company Letterheads, Business Cards, & Printed Materials: Redesign and reprint your business stationery to feature the new company name, ensuring your brand presentation is consistent and professional.
Financial Instruments & Records
PAN & TAN: Update your Permanent Account Number and Tax Deduction and Collection Account Number with the income tax department to reflect the new name.
Bank Account Details: Notify your bank about the name change and update your account details, ensuring all financial transactions are processed under the new company name.
Promissory Notes, Bills of Exchange, etc.: Ensure any financial documents, like promissory notes and bills of exchange, are issued under the new company name.
Legal and Regulatory Compliance
Tax Authorities, PF & ESI Department: Inform the tax authorities, Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation, and Employees’ State Insurance Corporation about your new name to ensure compliance and continuity in your fiscal responsibilities.
Business Licenses or Permits: Update any business licenses or permits with the relevant authorities to reflect your new company name, ensuring your operational legality.
Digital Presence
Website & Social Media Accounts: Update your online presence, including your website and social media profiles, to reflect your new name, maintaining brand consistency across digital platforms.
Contracts and Agreements
Employment & Business Contracts: Review and amend existing contracts with employees, suppliers, and clients to include the updated company name, ensuring all legal documents are current.
Company Statutory Registers: Update your internal records, including the Register of Members, Register of Directors, and Register of Charges, to accurately reflect the new company name.
Estimated Duration for Company Name Change: 10 to 15 Working Days
The process of changing a company’s name typically spans 10 to 15 working days, owing to the involvement of multiple departmental approvals.
Restrictions on Company Name Alteration
According to the Companies Act, 2013, a company is restricted from altering its name under the following circumstances, presented in a concise and bulleted format for clarity
Failure to File Annual Returns or Financial Statements
Outstanding Financial Obligations
A company that has not submitted its annual returns or financial statements, as required by law, to the Registrar of Companies cannot proceed with a name change.
A name change is prohibited for companies that have not cleared their financial obligations, including:
- Unpaid matured deposits
- Outstanding debentures
- Due interest on deposits or debentures
These regulations aim to ensure that companies meet their financial duties, maintain operational transparency, and comply with legal standards. Companies must address any unresolved financial issues before considering a name alteration.
