Company Name Change in India
In the dynamic business environment, a company’s name is more than just an identifier—it reflects its brand identity and corporate ethos. However, situations may arise where changing a company’s name becomes essential for rebranding, restructuring, or compliance purposes. In India, this process is governed by the Companies Act, 2013 and requires careful adherence to legal procedures.
At Taxation Point India, we provide expert guidance and end-to-end support for seamless company name changes, ensuring full legal compliance and hassle-free execution.
Legal Framework for Company Name Change
As per Section 13(2) of the Companies Act, 2013, a company can change its name by passing a special resolution in a general meeting and obtaining approval from the Central Government (delegated to the Registrar of Companies). This change does not affect the company’s rights, obligations, or ongoing legal proceedings.
Common Reasons for Changing Company Name
- Conversion from Private to Public or vice versa.
- Voluntary rebranding for marketing or strategic purposes.
- Adapting to new business activities or market expansion.
- Change of ownership or management restructuring.
- Compliance with Registrar of Companies (RoC) directions.
- Avoidance of intellectual property or trademark conflicts.
- Leveraging the popularity of a product/service.
Eligibility for Company Name Change
A company can apply for a name change only if:
- It has filed all annual returns and financial statements with the RoC.
- It has no pending compliance issues, penalties, or disputes with MCA.
- It is not in the process of being struck off or liquidation.
- The proposed name is unique and not identical/resembling an existing registered entity.
Documents Required for Company Name Change
Key documents include:
- Certified true copy of the special resolution with explanatory statement.
- Notice of the general meeting with annexures.
- Altered Memorandum of Association (MOA) & Articles of Association (AOA).
- Minutes of the general meeting and attendance sheet.
- Affidavit from directors.
- Certificate of Incorporation.
- Digital Signature of authorised director.
- Proof of registered office address.
- List of directors and shareholders.
Step-by-Step Process of Company Name Change
- Board Resolution: Conduct a board meeting to propose a new name and authorize an application for availability check with MCA.
- Name Availability Check: File a request through the RUN (Reserve Unique Name) service on MCA portal.
- Special Resolution: Pass a special resolution in an EGM and amend the MOA & AOA.
- File MGT-14: Submit the special resolution to RoC within 30 days.
- File INC-24: Apply for approval of name change with reasons and shareholder details.
- Issuance of Certificate: On approval, RoC issues a new Certificate of Incorporation with the updated name.
Government Fees for Company Name Change
- RUN (Name Reservation) Application: ₹1,000
- MGT-14 Filing Fee: Based on company authorized share capital
- INC-24 Filing Fee: Based on company authorized share capital
- Professional fees for drafting & filings (varies by consultant)
Compliances After Name Change
Once the new certificate is issued, the company must update its name across all statutory and business documents, including:
- MOA, AOA, statutory registers, and company seal.
- PAN, TAN, bank accounts, and tax records.
- PF, ESI, GST, and other registrations.
- Licenses, permits, contracts, and business correspondence.
- Letterheads, websites, and social media profiles.
Advantages of Company Name Change
- Brand Repositioning: Helps align the company’s name with its evolving business vision.
- Improved Market Presence: A modern name can attract more customers and investors.
- Legal Protection: Avoids conflicts with similar or trademarked names.
- Positive Business Image: Creates stronger brand identity and trust among stakeholders.
Timeline for Company Name Change
The complete process usually takes around 10 to 15 working days, depending on RoC approvals and documentation.
How Taxation Point India Helps
- Expert consultation on name availability and legal compliance.
- Drafting and filing of resolutions, MOA & AOA amendments.
- Complete RoC filing support (MGT-14 & INC-24).
- Assistance in updating statutory and business records post name change.
- End-to-end guidance for a smooth and compliant transition.