Company Name Change Procedure explained: this guide covers what Company Name Change Procedure means, who it applies to, the step-by-step process, documents required, fees, due dates and penalties in India — so you can stay compliant with confidence and avoid costly mistakes.
When and Why Companies Change Their Name
Companies change their names for various reasons: rebranding after a pivot in business model, post-merger identity change, removing a founder's name after their exit, avoiding confusion with another entity, or simply modernizing the brand. Under Section 13(2) of the Companies Act, 2013, a company can change its name by passing a special resolution and obtaining approval from the Central Government (through ROC).
The name change is more than just a cosmetic update — it triggers updates across ALL registrations: MCA, income tax PAN (remains same but name updated), GST (core amendment), bank accounts, FSSAI, trademark, contracts, invoices, letterheads, stamps, signage, website, and all correspondence. Planning and executing the changes across all touchpoints is critical.
Step-by-Step Name Change Procedure
Step 1: Choose the New Name
Follow the same name rules as initial incorporation:
(a) Must not be identical or too similar to any existing company/LLP/trademark
(b) Must not contain restricted words without prior approval (National, India, Board, Corporation, etc.)
(c) Must end with 'Private Limited' (for private companies) or 'Limited' (for public)
(d) Should reflect the business activity (recommended, not mandatory)
(e) Check availability: MCA company name search + trademark registry (ipindiaservices.gov.in) + domain availability
Step 2: Board Meeting — Approve the Proposal
Board passes a resolution: (a) approving the proposed new name (with alternatives), (b) recommending the name change to shareholders for their approval by special resolution, (c) authorizing a director to apply for name availability and file necessary forms.
Step 3: Apply for Name Availability (RUN — Reserve Unique Name)
File RUN on MCA portal with proposed name (up to 2 options). Fee: Rs. 1,000. Processing: 1-3 working days. If approved: name reserved for 60 days (not 20 days as for new incorporation). If rejected: re-apply with different name. Common rejection reasons: similar to existing entity, restricted word used without approval, name not reflecting any activity.
Step 4: General Meeting — Pass Special Resolution
Call EGM (or include in AGM if timing permits). Pass special resolution (75% majority) approving the change of name. The resolution should state: "RESOLVED THAT pursuant to Section 13(2) of the Companies Act, 2013, the name of the Company be changed from ' Private Limited' to ' Private Limited' and the Memorandum of Association be altered accordingly."
Notice period: 21 clear days for EGM/AGM. Explanatory statement under Section 102 explaining the reason for name change.
Step 5: File INC-24 with ROC
Within 30 days of passing the special resolution, file Form INC-24 (Application for approval of Central Government for change of name) with the ROC. Attachments:
(a) Certified copy of special resolution
(b) Minutes of the general meeting
(c) Name availability letter from RUN
(d) Altered Memorandum of Association (with new name)
(e) Board Resolution
Step 6: ROC Issues New Certificate of Incorporation
The ROC examines the application. If satisfied: issues a new Certificate of Incorporation (CoI) with the new name. The CIN remains the same — only the name changes. The new CoI specifies: "The Company hitherto known as ' Private Limited' is hereby called ' Private Limited'." Processing: 5-15 working days from INC-24 filing.
Effective date: The name change takes effect from the date of the new CoI — not the date of the resolution.
Step 7: File MGT-14 with ROC
File MGT-14 (registration of special resolution) within 30 days of passing the special resolution — if not already filed as part of INC-24 process. This registers the special resolution with the ROC.
Post-Name Change — Update Everything
After receiving the new CoI, update the company name across ALL registrations and documents:
| Registration/Document | How to Update | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| PAN card | Apply online on NSDL/UTIITSL (PAN number remains same, name updated) | 7-15 days |
| TAN | Apply online (TAN number remains same) | 7-15 days |
| GST registration | File amendment as core field change on GST portal | 15-30 days |
| Bank accounts | Submit new CoI + Board Resolution to bank | 3-7 days |
| Trademark | File TM-P (request for amendment) with IP office | 30-60 days |
| FSSAI license | File modification on FoSCoS portal | 15-30 days |
| MSME/Udyam | Update on Udyam portal | Same day |
| EPFO/ESIC | Submit amendment to regional office | 15-30 days |
| Import Export Code (IEC) | Amend on DGFT portal | 7-15 days |
| Contracts and agreements | Notify counterparties + addendum/amendment to contracts | Ongoing |
| Company seal (if adopted) | Get new seal made with new name | 3-5 days |
| Signage, letterheads, invoices | Reprint/redesign with new name | Ongoing |
| Website and social media | Update domain, email addresses, social handles | Same day-1 week |
Special Situations
Name Change Due to Direction by Central Government — Section 16
If the Central Government believes that the company's name is too similar to an existing company or is misleading: it can direct the company to change its name within 3 months. The company must comply by following the same procedure (special resolution + INC-24). If the company does not comply: the Central Government can change the name by its own order.
Name Change After Conversion (Private to LLP, LLP to Company)
When converting entity type (Pvt Ltd to LLP or vice versa): the name automatically changes as per the new entity type. No separate name change application needed — the conversion form itself handles the name change.
Adding/Removing Words Like 'India', 'National'
If the new name includes restricted words (India, Bharat, National, International, Corporation, Authority, Board, Commission): prior approval from the Central Government is needed BEFORE applying for name reservation. The approval process can add 30-60 days to the timeline.