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A company's name is its primary identity—a powerful symbol that reflects its brand, values, and market presence. In India's dynamic business environment, there are strategic reasons why companies decide to undergo a name change. Governed by the Companies Act, 2013, changing a company name is a formal legal process that requires careful planning, shareholder approval, and regulatory compliance.
Section 13(2) of Companies Act, 2013 allows a company to change its name by passing a special resolution and obtaining approval from the Central Government (delegated to Registrar of Companies). This change doesn't create a new entity—the existing company continues with a new name.
The company remains the same legal person—only the name changes. Your CIN (Company Identification Number) stays unchanged.
All existing contracts, legal proceedings, debts, and assets remain unaffected by the name change.
All agreements signed under old name continue
All financial obligations must still be paid
Court proceedings continue under new name
A name change is a strategic business decision. Here are the most common reasons why companies in India opt for rebranding:
When companies expand beyond their original business scope, the old name may no longer represent their activities.
Example: "Delhi Book Store Pvt Ltd" changes to "National Retail Ventures Pvt Ltd" after expanding into electronics and clothing.
To stay relevant, attract new customers, or distance from negative perceptions, companies undertake complete rebranding.
Mergers, acquisitions, or management changes often lead to name changes to reflect new ownership or integration.
Example: "Sharma Software Pvt Ltd" acquired by "Global Tech Inc." becomes "Global Tech (India) Pvt Ltd"
Sometimes name change is mandatory rather than optional.
IPR Protection: Strengthen trademark position
Capitalize on Success: Rebrand around popular product
Status Change: Private to Public Ltd or vice versa
Before starting the name change process, ensure your company is eligible. The ROC will reject applications if these conditions aren't met:
Rule 29(1) Compliance: Your company must have filed all pending annual returns with MCA.
Form AOC-4: Financial statements filed
Form MGT-7/MGT-7A: Annual return filed
Note: Complete all pending filings before applying for name change.
Your company must have cleared all matured financial commitments.
All matured deposits repaid to members/public
Interest and principal paid to debenture holders
Ensure no other major applications are pending with Registrar of Companies.
No change of registered office pending
No director change applications pending
No capital increase applications pending
Recommendation: Handle one major change at a time for smoother processing.
Once you've confirmed all three conditions are met, your company is eligible to start the name change process.
Require Regulatory Approval:
• Bank, Insurance
• Stock Exchange
• Venture Capital
• Mutual Fund
Use RUN Service on MCA Portal:
Note: Availability confirmation ≠ final approval. CRC may still reject if name is misleading.
Search IP India website for registered trademarks to avoid conflicts.
Avoid names that sound similar to existing companies (e.g., "Innovate" vs "Innov8").
Choose a name that allows for business expansion and diversification.
Yes! Even descriptive names like "Delhi Bike Rentals Pvt Ltd" can be changed. The new name must comply with all MCA guidelines—it should not be misleading, offensive, or prohibited.
Timeline: Day 1-3
Timeline: Day 4-6 (2-3 working days)
Timeline: Day 7-28 (21 clear days notice + meeting)
Timeline: Within 30 days of EGM
Fee: Based on authorized capital (₹200 for ≤ ₹1 lakh capital)
Timeline: After MGT-14 approval
Fee: ₹1,000 (OPC/Small companies) / ₹2,000 (others)
Timeline: 15-30 working days after INC-24 filing
Completion: Process complete upon receiving INC-25
From initial board meeting to receiving new certificate, assuming all documents are correct and ROC processing is normal.
Original and copies
Current and altered versions
KYC documents and lists
| Form/Service | Fee | Description |
|---|---|---|
| RUN Application | ₹1,000 | Name reservation fee |
| Form MGT-14 | ₹200 - Variable | Based on authorized capital |
| Form INC-24 | ₹1,000 - ₹2,000 | OPC/Small: ₹1,000 Others: ₹2,000 |
Total Government Fees: ₹2,200 - ₹3,200 approximately
Most companies hire professionals for document drafting and filing:
Depends on:
Total Estimated Cost: ₹7,200 - ₹18,200+
Board Meeting & Name Reservation
2-3 working days for RUN approval
Shareholder Approval
21 clear days notice mandatory
Filing & Approval
15-30 working days for ROC review
| Phase | Activities | Duration | Key Milestone |
|---|---|---|---|
| Preparation | Board Resolution, Name Selection, RUN Application | 3-7 days | Name Reserved for 20 days |
| EGM Process | Notice Period, Meeting, Special Resolution | 21-28 days | 75% Shareholder Approval |
| ROC Filings | MGT-14 (within 30 days), INC-24 filing | 5-10 days | Forms Submitted |
| Approval & Certificate | ROC Review, Approval, INC-25 Issuance | 15-30 working days | New Certificate Received |
Note: Timeline may extend beyond 45 days if documents are incomplete, ROC has high workload, or there are objections to the proposed name.
Once you receive the new Certificate of Incorporation (Form INC-25), promptly update your new company name across all platforms and authorities.
Submit new certificate to all banks for name update
Update name with Income Tax Department (PAN remains same)
File amendment application for GSTIN update
EPF Department: Name update
ESI Department: Name update
Shops & Establishment: License update
Trademark Office: Update registrations
Update website content and domain if changed
Update all social media profiles and handles
Update Google My Business, directories
Immediate (1-7 days): Bank, PAN, GST
Short-term (7-30 days): Licenses, Digital Presence
Ongoing (30-90 days): Contracts, Stakeholders
Our team of experienced Company Secretaries, Chartered Accountants, and legal experts ensures your company name change is smooth, compliant, and hassle-free.
Let Compliance 360 handle the legal complexities while you focus on building your rebranded business.
Experienced Professionals
Transparent Pricing
Timely Completion
Contact Compliance 360 today to reshape your company's future identity!
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Changing a company name involves strict MCA rules. Our experts guide you at every step to ensure complete legal compliance.
We assist with name availability checks, RUN application, and preparation of all required resolutions and documents.
Our structured process helps avoid delays, objections, or rejections from the MCA.
From MGT-14 to INC-24, we manage all filings and follow-ups until your new name is officially approved.
No hidden charges. You get clear pricing and full clarity on the entire name change process.
We guide you on updating your new company name in PAN, GST, bank accounts, and other registrations.
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