Form 4 explained: this guide covers what it 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.
A change in the designated partners or partners of an LLP is notified to the Registrar in Form 4 under rules 8 and 22 of the Limited Liability Partnership Rules, 2009. This page was earlier titled "Form 12: Changes in Designated Partners", but in these Rules Form 12 is the intimation of another address for service of documents (rule 16), and has nothing to do with partners. To appoint or replace a designated partner, our changes in LLP agreement and partners team can prepare the consents and make the filing.
An individual gives prior consent to act as a designated partner in Form 9 (rule 7). The LLP then files the individual's particulars in Form 4 (rule 8), which section 7(4) of the Act requires within thirty days of appointment. When a person becomes or ceases to be a partner, or a partner's name or address changes, the LLP files Form 4 (rule 22(2)), within thirty days under section 25(2). Rule 22(4) requires a certificate from a practising CA, Cost Accountant or Company Secretary. Form 12 is for another address for service (rule 16(3)).
What Form 12 is actually for
Rule 16(1) requires an LLP to give an address for service of documents within the jurisdiction of the Registrar where its registered office is situated, including the postal code and e-mail address. Under rule 16(2), the LLP may in addition declare another address for service under section 13(2) of the Act, in the manner laid down in the LLP agreement, or with the consent of all partners if the agreement is silent. The intimation of that other address goes to the Registrar in Form 12, within thirty days of complying with rule 16(2), with the fee in Annexure A (rule 16(3)). The effective date for service at that address cannot be before the date of filing (rule 16(4)). So Form 12 concerns where documents can be served on the LLP, not who its designated partners are. Read rules 15 and 16: service of documents and address for service and Form 12 under the LLP Rules for that purpose.
Which form for which change
| Event | Form | Rule | Section of the Act |
|---|---|---|---|
| Individual's prior consent to act as designated partner | Form 9 | 7 | 7(3) |
| Particulars of the consenting individual filed by the LLP | Form 4 | 8 | 7(4) |
| A person becomes a partner | Form 4, with the incoming partner's consent statement | 22(2), 22(3) | 25(2)(a), 25(3) |
| A person ceases to be a partner | Form 4 | 22(2) | 25(2)(a) |
| Change in a partner's name or address (notice to the Registrar) | Form 4 | 22(2) | 25(2)(b) |
| Partner informs the LLP of own change of name or address | Form 6 | 22(1) | 25(1) |
| Another address for service of documents | Form 12 | 16(3) | 13(2) |
Section 25(1) asks a partner to inform the LLP of a change in name or address within fifteen days. Sections 7 and 9 are explained in section 7: designated partners and sections 8 and 9: liabilities of and changes in designated partners, and section 25 in section 25: registration of changes in partners.
Appointing a designated partner
Rule 7 says an individual gives prior consent to act as designated partner to the LLP in Form 9. The LLP then files the particulars of that individual in Form 4 with the fee shown in Annexure A (rule 8). Section 7(4) makes this a thirty-day filing from the date of appointment, and section 9 allows the LLP to appoint a designated partner within thirty days of a vacancy, with the proviso that if none is appointed, or only one remains, every partner is deemed a designated partner. Rule 9(1) lists persons who cannot be appointed, for example one adjudged insolvent within the preceding five years, and each designated partner must hold a DPIN (section 7(6); rule 10). See rules 7 to 9 and rule 10: DPIN. Our drafts for the consent letter of a designated partner and the partner admission resolution help with the papers.
Admission and cessation of partners
Rule 22(2) requires a notice in Form 4 where a person becomes or ceases to be a partner or where a partner's name or address changes. Where a person becomes a partner, rule 22(3) says the Form 4 must include a statement signed by the incoming partner that he consents to become a partner. Rule 22(4) says the form must be accompanied by a certificate from a practising Chartered Accountant, Cost Accountant or Company Secretary that he has verified the particulars from the books and records of the LLP and found them true and correct. Fees are as mentioned in Annexure A (rule 22(5)); check the current amount on the MCA portal. See rules 21 and 22 and the guides on changes in partners and partner retirement or cessation notice.
After 2009: forms substituted
This article is based on the Rules as notified in 2009. The LLP (Second Amendment) Rules, 2023 (G.S.R. 644(E), dated 1 September 2023) substituted Forms 3 and 4, and other amendments may have changed fees and filing steps. Use the current Form 4 on the MCA portal.
Common mistakes
- Filing Form 12 to report a change of designated partner. Form 12 is only for another address for service.
- Filing Form 4 without the consent of the incoming partner, or without the professional's certificate required by rule 22(4).
- Appointing a designated partner without a Form 9 consent first.
- Overlooking the change in the LLP agreement, which may also need Form 3. See Form 3 for agreement changes.
Need help with a designated partner change?
A change of designated partner touches consents, DPIN, the agreement and the Registrar's records. Our changes in LLP agreement and partners service can prepare the Form 9 and Form 4, arrange the professional's certificate and file within the thirty days.
Key takeaways
- Designated partner and partner changes are notified in Form 4, not Form 12.
- Rule 22(4) requires a professional's certificate with Form 4.
- Thirty days is the Act's period for filing the notice of a new designated partner or a change in partners.
- Form 12 is for another address for service of documents.
Read next
- Rules 7 to 9: consent and particulars of designated partners
- Rules 21 and 22: LLP agreement and changes in partners
- Form 12 under the LLP Rules: another address for service
- How to change a designated partner in an LLP: Form 4
Disclaimer: Based on the Limited Liability Partnership Rules, 2009 as notified on 1 April 2009 (G.S.R. 229(E)) and the LLP Act, 2008, as consulted on 1 October 2026. The Rules have been amended since, so current forms, fees and time limits must be checked on the MCA portal. This article is general information, not legal advice.