Section 16 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.
Section 16 lets a person ask the Registrar to reserve a name, either for a proposed LLP or for an existing LLP that plans to change its name. If the Registrar is satisfied that the name could not be rejected under section 15(2), the name is reserved for three months from the date of the Registrar's intimation. For the incorporation that follows the reservation, see our LLP registration service.
A person may apply to the Registrar, in the prescribed form and manner and with the prescribed fee, to reserve a name for (a) a proposed LLP or (b) an existing LLP that proposes to change its name (16(1)). The Registrar may reserve the name for three months from the date of intimation if satisfied, subject to the Central Government's rules, that the name is not one which may be rejected on any ground in section 15(2) (16(2)).
Section 16 at a glance
| Sub-section | What it provides |
|---|---|
| 16(1) | Application by a person to the Registrar, in the prescribed form, manner and fee, to reserve a name |
| 16(1)(a) | Name of a proposed LLP |
| 16(1)(b) | Name to which an LLP proposes to change its name |
| 16(2) | Registrar may reserve the name for three months from the date of his intimation, if satisfied the name is not rejectable under 15(2) |
Section 16(1): who applies and for what
"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."
Points to note:
- "A person" is wide. The text does not require the applicant to be a partner or a subscriber. It does not say who may apply beyond "a person", so the rules govern any further limits.
- The form, manner and fee are prescribed. The Act gives no fee amount and no form number. Our guides on RUN-LLP name reservation and how to file RUN-LLP describe the process on the portal.
- Two purposes only. The name can be reserved as (a) the name of a proposed LLP or (b) the name to which an existing LLP proposes to change its name.
So there are two uses: a new LLP can secure its name before the incorporation document is filed under section 11, and an existing LLP can secure a new name before filing the change under section 19 (covered in our article on section 19).
Section 16(2): the Registrar's decision
"Upon receipt of an application under sub-section (1) and on payment of the prescribed fee, the Registrar may, if he is satisfied, subject to the rules prescribed by the Central Government in the matter, that the name to be reserved is not one which may be rejected on any ground referred to in sub-section (2) of section 15, reserve the name for a period of three months from the date of intimation by the Registrar."
Break it down.
| Element | What the text says |
|---|---|
| Trigger | Receipt of the application and payment of the prescribed fee |
| Discretion | The Registrar "may" reserve; it is not automatic |
| Test | The Registrar must be satisfied the name is not one that may be rejected on a ground in section 15(2) |
| Rules | The decision is subject to the rules prescribed by the Central Government |
| Period | Three months |
| Starting point | The date of intimation by the Registrar, not the date of application |
The section 15(2) test
Section 15(2) bars a name that, in the opinion of the Central Government, is undesirable, or is identical or too nearly resembles another LLP, a company or another person's registered trade mark (see section 15). Section 16 does not repeat these grounds; it points back to them. So a name that would fail under section 15(2) should not be reserved either.
Three months from intimation
The reservation runs for three months and the clock starts on the date of intimation by the Registrar. If your application is made on 1 March but the Registrar intimates the reservation on 5 March, the three months count from 5 March.
The text of section 16 is silent on three matters, so none can be assumed:
- whether the period can be extended;
- what happens to the name when the period ends without incorporation;
- whether the same name can be reserved again.
Check the Rules and the Registrar's portal if you need an answer to these.
Example. Farah and Manoj want to incorporate "Blue Orchard Agro LLP". They apply to reserve the name and pay the prescribed fee. The Registrar, satisfied that the name is not rejectable on any ground in section 15(2), reserves it and intimates them on 10 June. The reservation runs for three months from 10 June. They should file the incorporation document within that window so that the reserved name is used.
Reserving a name for a change
Clause (b) is for an LLP that already exists. The LLP applies to reserve the name to which it proposes to change. The reservation does not itself change the name; the change is made by notice to the Registrar under section 19. Where the Central Government directs a change of name under section 17, the proviso to section 17(3) preserves the LLP's right to change its name later in accordance with section 16.
Practical points
- Reserve before you file the incorporation document, and file within the three months.
- Check the name against section 15 yourself first; the Registrar can refuse.
- Keep the Registrar's intimation, as the three months run from its date.
- For an existing LLP changing its name, reserve first, then file the change.
Need help with reserving a name?
Reserving the right name early gives time to complete the incorporation papers. Our LLP registration team can check your name against section 15, apply for the reservation and plan the filing so that it falls within the three months.
Key takeaways
- A person may apply to reserve a name in the prescribed form, manner and fee (16(1)).
- The name may be for a proposed LLP or for an existing LLP's proposed new name (16(1)(a) and (b)).
- The Registrar may reserve it if satisfied it is not rejectable under section 15(2) (16(2)).
- The reservation lasts three months from the date of the Registrar's intimation.
- The text does not address extension or renewal.
Read next
- Section 15: name of LLP
- Section 19: change of registered name
- How to File RUN-LLP: Name Reservation for LLP
- Process of Name Approval of LLP through RUN-LLP
Disclaimer: Based on the Limited Liability Partnership Act, 2008 as amended by the Limited Liability Partnership (Amendment) Act, 2021, as consulted on 1 October 2026. Forms, fees and procedure are set by the LLP Rules, 2009 as amended from time to time. This article is general information, not legal advice; check the official text before acting.