Change of Private Limited Company Name
Changing the name of a Private Limited Company allows businesses to rebrand, align with new goals, or comply with regulatory requirements. While the company’s legal identity remains the same, the new name must be approved by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) and reflected in all legal documents.
\ When Do Companies Change Their Name?
- Rebranding or marketing strategy shift
- Merger or acquisition
- To reflect new business activities
- Avoiding trademark conflicts
- Legal or regulatory requirements
Legal Provisions
The process is governed by the Companies Act, 2013 under sections 13 and 14, read with Rule 29 of the Companies (Incorporation) Rules, 2014.
Step-by-Step Process
| Step | Action | Authority/Mode |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Board Meeting – Resolution to propose name change | Board of Directors |
| 2 | Apply for Name Reservation (RUN form) | MCA |
| 3 | Shareholders’ Approval through Special Resolution | Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) |
| 4 | Filing MGT-7 and MGT-14 with MCA | MCA E-filing Portal |
| 5 | Approval of Name Change & Issue of Fresh Certificate of Incorporation (COI) | Registrar of Companies (ROC) |
| 6 | Update all legal documents, licenses, PAN, GST, and bank accounts | Concerned Authorities |
Documents Required
- Certificate of Incorporation
- Memorandum of Association (MOA) & Articles of Association (AOA)
- Board Resolution & Special Resolution copies
- Proposed new names (2–3 options)
- Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) of directors
- Approval from sectoral regulators (if applicable)
Timeline & Cost
| Activity | Timeframe | Approx. Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Name reservation | 2–3 working days | Govt. fees + Professional fees |
| Approval & COI issuance | 7–10 working days | Govt. fees + Professional fees |
| Overall completion | 15–20 working days | Varies by case |
Benefits of Changing Company Name
- Builds a stronger brand identity
- Aligns with business expansion or diversification
- Helps avoid legal disputes and trademark issues
- Enhances market reputation and recall value
- Keeps the company legally compliant
Important Points to Remember
- The new name should not resemble an existing company or trademark.
- Sector-specific approval may be required (like RBI, SEBI, etc.).
- PAN, GST, bank accounts, and all licenses must be updated post-approval.
Certification
