How to Change the Name of a Company in India: MCA Procedure and Forms

Kaustav Chowdhury
Jul 11
4 min read

Updated: Jul 17

Changing the name of a company in India is a structured process under Section 13 of the Companies Act, 2013, that requires board approval, shareholder approval by special resolution, name reservation through the MCA portal, and formal application to the Registrar of Companies. This guide outlines each step, the forms involved, and the typical timeline.

Step 1: Board Resolution

The board of directors must pass a resolution approving the proposal to change the company name. The board resolution should authorise a director or the company secretary to file the necessary forms with the MCA and to convene an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) for obtaining shareholder approval.

Step 2: Reserve the New Name via RUN

Apply for name reservation through the RUN (Reserve Unique Name) service on the MCA V3 portal at mca.gov.in. You can propose up to two names per application. The proposed name must not be identical or too similar to an existing company, LLP, or registered trademark. The filing fee is Rs 1,000 per application, and approval is typically received within two to three working days. The reserved name remains valid for 60 days.

Step 3: Pass Special Resolution at EGM

Convene an EGM and pass a special resolution approving the change of name and the consequential amendments to Clause I (name clause) of the Memorandum of Association (MOA) and the Articles of Association (AOA). A special resolution requires approval by at least 75% of the members present and voting.

Step 4: File Form MGT-14

Within 30 days of passing the special resolution, file Form MGT-14 with the ROC through the MCA portal. This form registers the special resolution with the Registrar. Attach a certified copy of the resolution, the notice of the EGM, and the explanatory statement.

Step 5: File Form INC-24

After filing MGT-14, file Form INC-24, which is the formal application to the Central Government (acting through the ROC) for approval of the name change under Section 13(2) of the Companies Act, 2013, and Rule 29(2) of the Companies (Incorporation) Rules, 2014. The form must reference the Service Request Number (SRN) of the approved RUN application and the SRN of the filed MGT-14.

Step 6: Receive Updated Certificate of Incorporation

Once the ROC approves the application, a new Certificate of Incorporation reflecting the changed name is issued. The company must then update all statutory records, letterheads, signage, bank accounts, and registrations (GST, PAN, TAN, trademark registrations, etc.) to reflect the new name.

The entire process typically takes 15 to 30 working days from the board meeting to receipt of the updated certificate. For related corporate compliance guidance, see our articles on LLP registration and FDI compliance.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

One of the most frequent reasons for rejection of a company name change application is choosing a name that is identical or too similar to an existing registered company or trademark. Before passing the special resolution, companies should conduct a thorough search on the MCA portal's name availability checker and also search the Trade Marks Registry database to ensure the proposed name does not infringe on any existing intellectual property rights.

Another common oversight is failing to obtain the requisite approvals before filing. If the proposed name includes words that suggest government patronage or affiliation (such as 'National', 'Bharat', or 'Indian'), prior approval from the Central Government is required. Similarly, names that include words requiring regulatory approval (such as 'Bank', 'Insurance', or 'Exchange') will need clearance from the relevant sectoral regulator before the MCA will approve the change.

Companies should also ensure that all consequential changes are completed after the name change is approved. This includes updating the certificate of incorporation, the common seal (if applicable), all letterheads and stationery, bank accounts, GST registration, PAN and TAN, and any licences or registrations held by the company. Failure to update these records promptly can lead to compliance complications and may create issues with regulatory authorities, banks, and counterparties.

The timeline for the name change process is also important to manage. From the date of the special resolution to the receipt of the fresh certificate of incorporation from the RoC, the process typically takes four to six weeks, though delays can occur if the RoC raises queries or if the proposed name requires additional approvals. Companies planning a name change in connection with a rebranding exercise should factor this timeline into their overall project plan to avoid operational disruptions.

Companies should also consider the impact of a name change on their existing intellectual property portfolio. If the company has registered trademarks that incorporate the old name, it will need to file applications for amendment or transfer of those trademarks to reflect the new name. Similarly, domain names associated with the old company name should be reviewed, and new domains matching the revised name should be secured proactively to prevent cybersquatting or brand confusion in the marketplace.