FiLLiP Form 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.
One form does three jobs — but taking the combined route costs you the second name choice.
What the FiLLiP form does
This form is required to be filed for the purpose of Incorporation of LLP. It is single integrated application which deals with reservation of name, incorporation of new LLP and / or application for allotment of DIN / DPIN.
This form allows maximum 2 designated partner to file an application for allotment of DIN / DPIN through this form, also where a proposed LLP applies for reservation of name using this eform, it shall be allowed to propose only one name for the LLP to be incorporated.
There are two ways to incorporate, and they trade convenience against certainty on the name.
The combined route. Apply for everything through FiLLiP — name, incorporation and DPIN in one filing. Fewer steps, but the form shall be allowed to propose only one name. If that name is rejected, the whole application is affected.
The two-step route. Reserve the name through RUN-LLP first, which allows maximum 2 proposed names to be submitted, out of which one name would be reserved based on the availability, preference and subject to other conditions — and permits a re-submission of such application within fifteen days for rectification of defects. Then file FiLLiP against the reserved name.
So the two-step route buys a second name choice and a rectification window. Where the proposed name is distinctive and clearly available, the combined route is faster; where it is at any risk, reserving first is the safer sequence.
The choice disappears in two situations. Conversion from firm / company into LLP and change of name of already existing LLP requires prior reservation of name through filling the form RUN-LLP, and the combined alternative is not applicable in such cases.
Note the other limit: maximum 2 designated partner may obtain a DIN or DPIN through FiLLiP. An LLP being incorporated with more designated partners than that must have the additional individuals obtain their numbers separately, which needs planning before the incorporation filing rather than during it.
The MCA has since migrated LLP filings to the V3 portal and the forms have changed in presentation. Confirm the current form, its fields and its limits on the portal before filing.
Name reservation through RUN-LLP
Section 16(1): "A person may apply in such form and manner and accompanied by such fee as may be prescribed to the Registrar for the reservation of a name set out in the application as — (a) the name of a proposed limited liability partnership; or (b) the name to which a limited liability partnership proposes to change its name."
Rule 18(5): "Every such application shall be made through the web service, RUN-LLP, available at www.mca.gov.in and be accompanied by fee as mentioned in Annexure 'A', which may either be approved or rejected, as the case may be, by the Registrar after allowing a re-submission of such application within fifteen days for rectification of defects."
| Feature | RUN-LLP |
|---|---|
| Names permitted | Maximum 2 proposed names, in order of preference |
| Digital signature | Not required |
| Certification | None required |
| Re-submission | Within fifteen days for rectification of defects |
| Fee | Rs. 200 |
| Attachment limit | One file only — multiple documents must be scanned together, not exceeding 6MB |
Checks before a FiLLiP form name application
The publication is specific about two searches that must be run first. The applicant shall mandatorily ensure the name availability on the MCA name-check facility, and shall also use the trademark search facility to ensure the proposed name is not in violation of the provisions of section 15(2) of the LLP Act, 2008 failing which it is liable to be rejected.
Enclosures follow from those checks: sectoral regulatory approvals are mandatory where the proposed name includes a word requiring regulatory approval, and a no-objection certificate is mandatory where the name is based on a registered trade mark or is the subject of a pending trade mark application.
Common mistakes
- Using the combined FiLLiP form route for a conversion or a change of name.
- Proposing a single name through the FiLLiP form where the name is contestable.
- Skipping the trade mark search and losing the application under section 15(2).
- Planning more than two designated partners without arranging their DPINs separately.