Company Name Change Procedure in India (2026)

Changing a company’s registered name is a significant corporate action that touches its legal identity, statutory records, and public branding. Whether a business is rebranding, correcting a mismatch after a change in objects, or complying with a directive, the process is governed by a defined legal procedure under the Companies Act, 2013. This guide explains the complete company name change procedure in India for 2026 – the reasons, the legal framework, the step-by-step filings, and the downstream effects on your statutory registrations. Note that this article covers a change in the name of a registered company (Private Limited, One Person Company, or Public Limited), and not a change in an individual’s personal name.

Why Companies Change Their Name

A company may decide to change its name for several legitimate business or legal reasons:

• Rebranding: Aligning the corporate identity with a new product line, market position, or brand strategy.
• Change in business objects: When the nature of business shifts, the old name may no longer reflect activities.
• Change of ownership or management: Acquisitions, mergers, or new promoters often prompt a fresh identity.
• Trademark disputes: Avoiding conflict with an existing registered trademark or a similar company name.
• Direction from authorities: The Central Government or Registrar of Companies (ROC) may direct rectification of a name that is identical or too similar to an existing entity or trademark.
• Correcting errors: Fixing spelling or descriptive elements that cause confusion in the market.

Legal Framework: Section 13 of the Companies Act, 2013

The change of a company’s name is governed primarily by Section 13 of the Companies Act, 2013, read with the Companies (Incorporation) Rules, 2014. Because a company’s name is stated in clause I of its Memorandum of Association (MOA), altering the name amounts to an alteration of the MOA. This requires the approval of shareholders by way of a special resolution and the subsequent approval of the Central Government, whose powers are delegated to the ROC.

Key statutory points to keep in mind:

• A name change requires a special resolution (at least 75 percent of votes cast in favour).
• The new name must be available and must comply with the Companies (Incorporation) Rules and applicable naming guidelines.
• The change is not complete until a fresh Certificate of Incorporation is issued by the ROC.
• A company cannot change its name if it has defaulted in filing annual returns, financial statements, or in repaying deposits or interest.

Step-by-Step Procedure to Change a Company Name

Step 1: Convene a Board Meeting and Pass a Board Resolution

The directors convene a board meeting to approve the proposal for a name change, authorise a director or company secretary to check name availability, and fix the date of an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) to obtain shareholder approval. The board resolution records the proposed new name and the reason for the change.

Step 2: Check and Reserve the New Name

The proposed name is reserved through the MCA portal using the RUN (Reserve Unique Name) service or the name reservation facility within the SPICe+ (Part A) form. The applicant should ensure the name is not identical or deceptively similar to an existing company or a registered trademark, and that it follows MCA naming rules. A government fee of Rs 1,000 applies to the RUN application. Once approved, the name is reserved for a limited validity period within which the further filings must be completed.

Step 3: Pass a Special Resolution in the EGM

At the EGM (or an Annual General Meeting), the members pass a special resolution approving the change of name and the consequent alteration of the MOA and Articles of Association (AOA). Proper notice of the meeting, along with an explanatory statement, must be circulated to all shareholders in advance.

Step 4: File MGT-14 with the ROC

The special resolution, together with the altered MOA and AOA and the explanatory statement, must be filed with the ROC in Form MGT-14 within 30 days of passing the resolution. This form registers the special resolution on the public record.

Step 5: File the Application in Form INC-24

An application for approval of the Central Government (ROC) for the change of name is made in Form INC-24. This form is filed after MGT-14 and includes details of the special resolution, the reason for the change, and supporting documents. The ROC reviews the application and, if satisfied, approves the name change.

Step 6: Receive the Fresh Certificate of Incorporation

On approval, the ROC issues a fresh Certificate of Incorporation in Form INC-25 bearing the new name. The name change becomes legally effective from the date mentioned on this certificate. The Corporate Identity Number (CIN) remains unchanged.

Effect of a Name Change on Records and Registrations

A change of name does not create a new legal entity – the company, its assets, liabilities, contracts, and CIN continue unaffected. However, several records must be updated to reflect the new name:

• MOA and AOA: Updated with the new name across all copies.
• PAN and TAN: Apply for updated PAN and TAN reflecting the new name (the numbers stay the same).
• GST registration: File for amendment of core fields on the GST portal to update the legal name.
• Bank accounts: Update the company’s name with all banks and financial institutions.
• Licences and registrations: Update Shops and Establishment, IEC, professional tax, EPFO, ESIC, and any industry-specific licences.
• Branding and stationery: Update the common seal, letterheads, invoices, name boards, website, and display the former name for two years as required.
• Statutory display: Wherever the old name appears at the registered office and business premises, the new name must replace it, with the former name shown alongside for the prescribed period.

Documents Required

• Board resolution approving the name change.
• Special resolution passed at the EGM and the notice with explanatory statement.
• Altered MOA and AOA showing the new name.
• Name approval or reservation letter from the MCA.
• Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) of an authorised director.
• Minutes of the board meeting and general meeting.

Timeline and Cost

A typical company name change takes around 10 to 20 working days, depending on ROC processing times and the accuracy of the filings. The indicative timeline is: name reservation (1 to 3 days), EGM and resolution (subject to notice period), MGT-14 filing, and INC-24 approval leading to the fresh certificate. Costs include government fees for RUN, MGT-14, and INC-24, plus professional fees. For end-to-end assistance, you can rely on TAXAJ’s company name change service to manage documentation, filings, and follow-up with the ROC.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does changing the company name change its CIN or PAN?

No. The Corporate Identity Number (CIN), PAN, and TAN numbers remain the same. Only the name is updated on these records; the underlying identifiers do not change.

Is a name change the same as forming a new company?

No. A name change does not create a new legal entity. The company retains its existing assets, liabilities, contracts, licences, and history – only its name is altered.

How long is the reserved name valid?

An approved name reservation is valid for a limited period set by the MCA, within which the subsequent forms (MGT-14 and INC-24) must be filed. If the timeline lapses, the name must be reserved again.

Can a company change its name if it has pending annual filings?

No. A company that has defaulted in filing its annual returns or financial statements, or in repaying deposits, is generally not permitted to change its name until the defaults are made good.

Do we need to inform the bank and GST authorities separately?

Yes. After the fresh Certificate of Incorporation is issued, the company must separately update its name with the bank, GST department, income tax records, and all other licensing authorities.