Change a Company Name 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.
To change a company name, pass a board resolution, reserve the new name through RUN, pass a special resolution in a general meeting, file MGT-14, then file INC-24 for Central Government approval. On approval the Registrar issues a fresh Certificate of Incorporation in Form INC-25.
Overview
A company can change its name at any time after incorporation — for rebranding, ownership change, or to reflect a new line of business. The change is governed by Section 13 of the Companies Act, 2013 and does not alter the CIN, PAN or the company's legal identity; only the name on record changes.
When It Is Required & Legal Basis
Section 13(1) and 13(2) permit alteration of the name clause of the Memorandum by special resolution and with the approval of the Central Government. The proposed name must satisfy Rule 8 and 8A of the Companies (Incorporation) Rules, 2014 and must not be undesirable or too near an existing name or a registered trademark.
Step-by-Step Process
- Board meeting. Convene a Board meeting to approve the proposed name, authorise the RUN application and fix the date of the general meeting.
- Name reservation (RUN). File the RUN (Reserve Unique Name) web form with up to two proposed names and the fee of ₹1,000. Approval is normally granted in 2–3 working days and is valid for 20 days.
- Special resolution (EGM/AGM). Issue notice and hold the general meeting; pass a special resolution to alter the name clause of the MOA and, consequently, the AOA.
- File MGT-14. File Form MGT-14 with the special resolution and explanatory statement within 30 days of the meeting.
- File INC-24. File Form INC-24 seeking Central Government approval, attaching the altered MOA/AOA, minutes and the SRN of MGT-14.
- Fresh COI (INC-25). On approval, the Registrar issues a fresh Certificate of Incorporation in Form INC-25 bearing the new name.
Forms, Attachments & Fees
| Form | Purpose | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| RUN | Reserve the new name (fee ₹1,000) | Before the general meeting |
| MGT-14 | File special resolution altering name clause | Within 30 days of EGM |
| INC-24 | Central Government approval for name change | After MGT-14 is filed |
| INC-25 | Fresh Certificate of Incorporation issued | On approval by Registrar |
MCA filing fees for MGT-14 and INC-24 depend on the authorised capital slab (₹200–₹600 each for most private companies). Stamp duty on altered documents is nominal.
Timeline & Due Dates
MGT-14 must be filed within 30 days of passing the special resolution. INC-24 should follow promptly while the RUN reservation (20 days) is still valid. End to end, the process typically completes in 15–30 working days.
Penalty for Delay / Non-compliance
Late filing of MGT-14 attracts additional fees of up to 12 times the normal fee under Section 403 depending on the delay, plus penalties under Section 117 (company ₹10,000, and ₹100 per day of continuing default up to ₹2 lakh; officers up to ₹50,000).
Practical Tips
- Do a trademark and MCA name-availability search before filing RUN to avoid rejection.
- After INC-25, update the name on the common seal, letterheads, boards, GST, EPFO/ESIC, bank and all statutory records.
- Intimate all authorities and stakeholders in writing that the CIN remains unchanged.