Company name change - done right, end to end
Changing a company's name requires a special resolution, ROC approval via Form INC-24, and a new Certificate of Incorporation with updated CIN. The new name must then be updated across MCA filings, PAN/TAN, GST, bank accounts, GSTIN, and all statutory registrations. We handle the entire process - from RUN form filing for the new name to final PAN/TAN update.
Company Name Change
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The key facts, in one place
Everything a founder usually has to piece together from five different pages, in one place.
- Governing section
- Section 13, Companies Act, 2013Name change procedure
- Forms used
- RUN form + INC-24Name approval + ROC filing
- Approval time
- 15-20 daysFrom RUN filing to new CoI
- Shareholder approval
- Special resolution required75% majority under Section 13(1)
- New CIN
- Same CIN continuesUnless state changes (INC-23)
- MoA amendment
- RequiredClause I - company name clause
- Post-change updates
- PAN, TAN, GSTIN, Bank, GSTAll statutory registrations
- Our fee from
- ₹4,999End-to-end name change
What is company name change under the Companies Act?
Company name change is the process of legally changing the registered name of a company incorporated under the Companies Act, 2013. It is governed by Section 13 of the Act and requires: (a) a special resolution passed by shareholders (75% majority), (b) approval of the new name from MCA via the RUN (Reserve Unique Name) form, (c) filing of Form INC-24 with the ROC within 60 days of passing the special resolution, and (d) issuance of a new Certificate of Incorporation with the updated name and same CIN.
The process is not just about changing the name with MCA. Once the new name is approved, it must be updated across every statutory registration: PAN and TAN (through NSDL/UTIITSL), GSTIN (through GST portal), bank accounts, EPF/ESIC registrations, professional tax registration, Import Export Code (IEC), FSSAI license, and any sector-specific licenses. Each of these updates requires separate filings and approvals.
At Bizeneed, we manage the entire process end-to-end. Our CA team drafts the special resolution, files the RUN form for the new name, prepares and files Form INC-24, obtains the new CoI, and updates all statutory registrations. We also advise on naming conventions and check the new name against MCA's database and the trademark registry to avoid a repeat rejection.
Voluntary name change vs ROC-mandated name change
Most name changes are voluntary (company-initiated), but ROC can also mandate a name change.
Voluntary Name Change (Section 13)
Company (via special resolution)
ROC-Mandated Name Change
ROC (via order)
| Aspect | Voluntary Name Change (Section 13) | ROC-Mandated Name Change |
|---|---|---|
| Initiated by | Company (via special resolution) | ROC (via order) |
| Trigger | Company wants to rebrand | ROC finds the name undesirable or misleading |
| Special resolution | Required (75% shareholder approval) | Not required - ROC order is binding |
| RUN form | Required - company chooses new name | ROC may direct a specific new name |
| Form INC-24 | Filed by company | Filed by company per ROC direction |
| Timeline | 15-20 days | Similar - ROC order triggers the process |
| Company control | Full control over new name choice | Limited - ROC directs the new name |
Bizeneed visual guide
Company name change - done right, end to end
Change your company name legally under Section 13 of the Companies Act 2013. File INC-24, obtain ROC approval, get a new CIN, and update all registrations. From ₹4,999.
Understand requirement
Prepare documents
Complete filing
Client
Bizeneed
Result
Who needs a company name change?
- Company rebranding - the current name no longer reflects the business
- Mergers and acquisitions - post-merger entity needs a new name
- Name is identical or similar to a recently registered competitor
- ROC has directed a name change under Section 13(2)
- Company is expanding to new sectors and the old name is too narrow
- Trademark alignment - the registered trademark name differs from the company name
- Removing location-based or founder-name-based names for a national brand
By entity type
| Entity | Governed by | Eligible |
|---|---|---|
| Private Limited Company | Companies Act, 2013, Section 13 | ✓ Yes |
| Public Limited Company | Companies Act, 2013, Section 13 | ✓ Yes |
| One Person Company (OPC) | Companies Act, 2013, Section 13 | ✓ Yes |
| Section 8 Company | Companies Act, 2013, Section 13 | ✓ Yes |
| LLP | LLP Act, 2008, Section 23 | ✕ No |
| Sole Proprietorship | Not applicable | ✕ No |
Common name change scenarios by sector
Post-merger
- Combined entity needs a new unified name
- Acquired company absorbs into parent brand
- Group restructuring with new holding company name
Rebranding
- Old name limits expansion to new sectors
- Name no longer reflects product/service mix
- International expansion - name needs localization
Compliance
- ROC direction to change an undesirable name
- Similarity to a newly registered competitor
- Trademark infringement risk
Strategic
- Founder exits - remove personal name
- Moving from B2B to B2C - need a consumer-friendly name
- Startup pivot - new business model needs new brand identity
What does not qualify
- ✕LLPs change names under Section 23 of the LLP Act, 2008 (via Form 4)
- ✕Partnership firms change names via partnership deed amendment
- ✕Sole proprietorships can change trade names freely (no ROC filing required)
Is your company eligible for a name change?
Answer three questions and we will confirm your name change pathway.
Can you pass a special resolution (75% shareholder approval)?
Do you have a new name that complies with MCA naming rules?
Is your company current with ROC annual filings?
Answer all questions to see your eligibility result.
Documents required for company name change
Common to every entity
- Special resolution passed by shareholders (75% majority)Mandatory
- Name approval letter from MCA (RUN form)Mandatory
- DSC (Digital Signature Certificate) of a directorMandatory
- PAN Card of the companyMandatory
- Current Certificate of IncorporationMandatory
- Current MoA (specifically Clause I - the name clause)Mandatory
- Current AoAMandatory
Entity-specific
| Entity | Additional documents |
|---|---|
| Private Limited Company | Special resolution, RUN approval, DSC, PAN, CoI, MoA (name clause), AoA, Form INC-24 |
| Public Limited Company | Same as Pvt Ltd plus: stock exchange intimation (if listed), shareholder register update |
| One Person Company (OPC) | Special resolution (sole member resolution), RUN approval, DSC, PAN, CoI, MoA, AoA, Form INC-24 |
| Section 8 Company | Same as Pvt Ltd plus: Central Government prior approval (if AoA requires), charitable objects update in MoA |
Get the name change checklist
A one-page checklist showing exactly what you need for INC-24 filing.
How company name change works
The name change process involves three key stages: name approval, shareholder resolution, and ROC filing.
Name approval (RUN form)
We file the RUN (Reserve Unique Name) form on the MCA portal with your new name. MCA checks for identical and similar names and approves within 1-3 working days if the name is available. The approved name is valid for 20 days.
Special resolution
The company's shareholders pass a special resolution (75% majority) approving the name change. We draft the resolution, convene the general meeting, and record the minutes.
MoA amendment
We amend Clause I of the MoA to replace the old company name with the new one. This requires a special resolution in most cases and is filed along with Form INC-24.
Form INC-24 filing
We prepare and file Form INC-24 on the MCA portal with the special resolution, RUN approval, amended MoA, and other supporting documents. The form must be filed within 60 days of passing the special resolution.
ROC approval and new CoI
The ROC processes the application and issues a new Certificate of Incorporation with the updated name. The CIN remains the same unless the company also changes its state of registration.
Update all registrations
We update PAN, TAN, GSTIN, bank accounts, EPF/ESIC, professional tax, IEC, and any other statutory registrations with the new company name.
The most common reason for INC-24 rejection is an incorrectly drafted special resolution or an expired RUN approval. We ensure both are done correctly and within timelines. Also, RUN approval is valid for only 20 days - file INC-24 promptly after shareholder approval.
How long does company name change take?
The entire process from starting to finishing is typically 15-20 working days.
| Stage | Duration |
|---|---|
| RUN form filing + name approval | 1-3 days |
| Special resolution (shareholder approval) | 3-7 days |
| MoA amendment drafting | 2-3 days |
| Form INC-24 preparation and filing | 2-3 days |
| ROC processing + new CoI | 5-10 days |
| PAN/TAN/GSTIN/bank updates | 5-10 days |
Total: 15-25 working days from name approval to all registrations updated. ROC processing time is outside our control.
What it costs
Government fees are nominal. Our fee covers the complete process: name approval, special resolution, MoA amendment, INC-24 filing, and all post-change registration updates.
Basic
MCA name change only
- RUN form filing
- Special resolution drafting
- MoA amendment
- INC-24 filing with ROC
- New CoI delivery
- Email support
Standard
Name change + all statutory updates
- Everything in Basic
- PAN/TAN update
- GSTIN amendment
- Bank account name update
- WhatsApp support
- Post-change checklist
Premium
End-to-end with compliance calendar
- Everything in Standard
- EPF/ESIC/P-tax update
- IEC amendment (if applicable)
- Dedicated CA (1 year)
- Post-change compliance calendar
- Priority processing
Full fee breakdown
| Particulars | Government fee | Professional fee |
|---|---|---|
| RUN form (name approval) | ₹1,000 | Included |
| Form INC-24 (name change) | ₹500-1,000 | Included |
| MoA amendment stamp duty | ₹100-500 (state-dependent) | Included |
| PAN/TAN update | Nil | Included in Standard and Premium |
| GSTIN amendment | Nil | Included in Standard and Premium |
| Professional fee - Basic | Nil | ₹4,999 |
| Professional fee - Standard | Nil | ₹8,999 |
| Professional fee - Premium | Nil | ₹14,999 |
Not included in any tier:
- ✕ Stamp duty on amended MoA (varies by state)
- ✕ New DSC if the existing one is expiring
- ✕ Trademark re-registration if the company name is also a registered trademark
Which name change plan do you need?
Answer three quick questions and we will recommend the right package.
What level of service do you need?
Do you already have the new name approved by MCA?
How urgent is the name change?
Why get a company name change done professionally
Legal compliance
- Section 13 compliance ensures the new name is legally recognized by all government bodies(Companies Act, 2013, Section 13)
- New Certificate of Incorporation provides conclusive evidence of the name change
- All statutory registrations updated - no risk of mismatched names across documents
Business continuity
- Existing contracts, licenses, and approvals continue with the new name upon proper intimation
- Bank accounts updated without closing and reopening - continuity of credit history
- GSTIN continues with the same number - only the legal name field is updated
Brand alignment
- Align the legal entity name with the brand name for consistency
- Update marketing materials, website, and letterheads with the legally recognized new name
- Trademark registration can be aligned with the new company name
Future-proofing
- Avoid future ROC directions to change an undesirable name
- Ensure the name is distinctive and protectable under trademark law
- Position the company for expansion with a name that scales
Common mistakes during company name change
Using a new name too similar to the old one
MCA checks similarity between old and new names only in specific cases. Ensure the new name is distinctive enough to avoid confusion with other registered companies.
Not passing a proper special resolution
The special resolution must clearly state the old name, the new name, and the authorization to file INC-24. A poorly drafted resolution is a common cause of rejection.
Letting the RUN approval expire
RUN approval is valid for 20 days. File INC-24 promptly after shareholder approval. If the RUN approval expires, re-apply and pay the ₹1,000 fee again.
Forgetting to update GSTIN and PAN
The new company name must be updated on PAN, TAN, GSTIN, bank accounts, and all other registrations. Missing even one update creates compliance issues later.
Not updating the MoA name clause correctly
Clause I of the MoA must be amended to reflect the new name. The amended MoA must be filed with INC-24. Failing to amend the MoA properly causes ROC rejection.
Every rejection above has a fix - most come down to how the innovation note is written, not the business itself. Most applicants don't know that until after the rejection.
If you have already been rejected, or want to make sure it does not happen, the 15-minute call below is the fastest path.
Post-name-change compliance checklist
ROC approval is just the first step. Here is everything that needs to be updated after a name change.
| Form | Trigger | Due date |
|---|---|---|
| Form INC-24 filed + new CoI received | Name change approval | 15-20 days |
| PAN/TAN update (NSDL/UTIITSL) | After new CoI | Within 15 days |
| GSTIN legal name amendment (GST portal) | After new CoI | Within 15 days |
| Bank account name update | After new CoI | Within 15 days |
| EPF/ESIC registration update | After new CoI | Within 15 days |
| Professional tax registration update | After new CoI | As per state requirement |
| IEC (Import Export Code) amendment | After new CoI | Within 30 days |
| Update name on all contracts and agreements | After new CoI | Ongoing |
Why Bizeneed for company name change
Frequently asked questions
The process involves: (1) Filing the RUN (Reserve Unique Name) form with MCA to get approval for the new name, (2) Passing a special resolution (75% shareholder approval) approving the name change, (3) Amending Clause I of the MoA to reflect the new name, (4) Filing Form INC-24 with the ROC within 60 days of the special resolution, (5) Receiving the new Certificate of Incorporation with the updated name, and (6) Updating PAN, TAN, GSTIN, bank accounts, and all statutory registrations.
The complete process takes 15-20 working days from name approval to receiving the new Certificate of Incorporation. Post-change registration updates (PAN, TAN, GSTIN, banks) take an additional 5-10 days. Total: 20-30 working days end-to-end.
Form INC-24 is the application for approval of a change in a company's name, filed with the ROC under Section 13(2) of the Companies Act, 2013. It must be filed within 60 days of passing the special resolution and includes: the special resolution, RUN approval letter, amended MoA, DSC of the director, and PAN of the company.
Yes. Under Section 13(1) of the Companies Act, 2013, a company can change its name only by passing a special resolution in a general meeting. A special resolution requires approval from shareholders holding at least 75% of the voting rights. The resolution must clearly state the old name and the new name.
Yes. After receiving the new Certificate of Incorporation, you must update your company's legal name on PAN and TAN records through the NSDL/UTIITSL portal. This is done by submitting Form 49A (for PAN) and Form 49B (for TAN) along with the new CoI, updated MoA, and special resolution.
No. The Corporate Identity Number (CIN) remains the same after a company name change. Only the company name is updated in the ROC register. A new CIN is issued only if the company changes its state of registration (requiring INC-23 filing).
The RUN form (name approval) costs ₹1,000 per application to the MCA. Form INC-24 filing costs ₹500-1,000 depending on the company's authorized capital. State-specific stamp duty on the amended MoA ranges from ₹100 to ₹500. Total government fees: approximately ₹1,500-2,500.
No. The new name must comply with Section 4(2) of the Companies Act, 2013: it must not be identical or too similar to an existing company/LLP name, must not contain restricted words (like 'Bank', 'Insurance', 'National') without prior approval, and must not violate the Emblems and Names Act, 1950. We check compliance before filing.
Existing contracts remain valid. However, you should inform all counterparties (vendors, clients, banks) of the name change and execute supplementary agreements or name change deeds where required. Bank accounts are updated in place (not closed and reopened), so existing mandates and standing instructions continue.
Yes, there is no limit on the number of times a company can change its name. However, each change requires a fresh special resolution, RUN form approval, and Form INC-24 filing. MCA may scrutinize frequent name changes, so ensure each change has a genuine business reason.
If the RUN form rejects your preferred name, you can re-apply with alternative names. MCA allows up to 6 name preferences in one RUN application. We recommend submitting 3-4 alternative names to maximize the chance of approval in a single filing.
Yes. After receiving the new CoI, you should formally notify all customers, vendors, banks, and other stakeholders of the name change. Update your invoices, letterheads, website, and business communications. A formal name change notification letter on company letterhead (signed by a director) is standard practice.
Yes. If you are changing both the name and the registered office to another state, you file Form INC-24 (name change) and Form INC-23 (registered office change) together. This is common during restructuring. However, both processes are independent and require separate approvals.
Company name change is a statutory process under the Companies Act, 2013 that updates your company's legal name with MCA. Trademark registration is a separate intellectual property registration under the Trade Marks Act, 1999 that protects your brand name. Changing your company name does not automatically update your trademark registration - you need to file a separate trademark assignment or new application.
Log in to the GST portal, go to Services → Registration → Amendment of Registration, select 'Legal Name of the Business', and submit the application with the new CoI, amended MoA, special resolution, and GST practitioner/authorized signatory DSC. The GSTIN number remains the same - only the legal name field is updated.
Common reasons for rejection: (1) Special resolution does not clearly specify the new name, (2) RUN approval has expired, (3) MoA name clause not properly amended, (4) Outstanding ROC fees or non-compliance. We review the ROC objection, address the deficiency, and re-file promptly. Our fee covers re-filing due to documentation errors on our part.
Written by Rohan Kulkarni, Compliance Content Lead · Reviewed by CA Ananya Reddy, B.Com, FCA - corporate secretarial practice
Last updated 5 September 2026
Sources
Filing procedures, fee amounts, and statutory references on this page are verified against the sources above. Rules and fees can change with MCA notifications - confirm with our team or your CA before filing.
Ready to change your company name?
Share your company details and our CA will call you back within one working hour to discuss your name change.
Ready to change your company name?
Share your company details and our CA will call you back within one working hour to discuss your name change.