Quick answer
The company name change procedure involves four primary steps: (1) check name availability and submit a name reservation request via the RUN (Reserve Unique Name) service on the MCA portal, (2) hold an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) and pass a Special Resolution, (3) file Form MGT-14 with the ROC within 30 days of passing the resolution, and (4) file Form INC-24 within 30 days of MGT-14 approval to obtain the final approval of the Central Government. Once approved, the ROC issues a fresh Certificate of Incorporation.
Quick Answer
As a business pivots, rebrands, or undergoes structural changes, changing the company name may become necessary to align with its new brand identity. A private limited company's name is a registered trademark-like identity under the MCA. Changing it is a highly structured legal process regulated by Sections 13 and 14 of the Companies Act, 2013. The company must check name availability, reserve the name, pass a shareholder special resolution, and obtain final approval from the Central Government. At Inamdar Legal, we check naming guidelines, file name reservation requests, draft resolutions, and file Form INC-24 online.
The company name change procedure involves four primary steps: (1) check name availability and submit a name reservation request via the RUN (Reserve Unique Name) service on the MCA portal, (2) hold an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) and pass a Special Resolution, (3) file Form MGT-14 with the ROC within 30 days of passing the resolution, and (4) file Form INC-24 within 30 days of MGT-14 approval to obtain the final approval of the Central Government. Once approved, the ROC issues a fresh Certificate of Incorporation.
- Name Reservation: Submitted online via the MCA RUN service (valid for 20 days).
- Special Resolution: Mandatory EGM special resolution (Form MGT-14) is required.
- Final Approval Form: Form INC-24 filed with the ROC for central government approval.
- Final Output: Fresh Certificate of Incorporation with the new name.
Naming Guidelines and Restrictions
The new name must comply with the MCA Naming Guidelines. The name will be rejected if it is identical or too similar to an existing registered company or limited liability partnership (LLP) name, or if it violates an active trademark. The name must consist of three parts: (1) a unique prefix, (2) an activity word defining the business domain (e.g., Technologies, Textiles, Logistics), and (3) the suffix 'Private Limited'. Avoid using generic words or names that suggest patronage of the government without permission.
Step-by-Step Company Name Change Process
Shifting your corporate name involves a strict sequential flow through the MCA portal:
| Step Number | Action Item | Filing Form / Portal | Statutory Timelines |
|---|---|---|---|
| Step 1 | Verify name availability & reserve | MCA RUN Service | Reserved name is valid for 20 days |
| Step 2 | Approve alteration of MOA/AOA | EGM (Special Resolution) | Within 20 days of name reservation |
| Step 3 | File Special Resolution details | Form MGT-14 | Within 30 days of EGM resolution |
| Step 4 | Apply for name change approval | Form INC-24 | Within 30 days of filing MGT-14 |
| Step 5 | Issue fresh incorporation certificate | ROC Registry | Sent online within 10 to 15 working days |
Prerequisite Consents and EGM Resolutions
You cannot change the company name solely by board decision. The company must hold a Board Meeting to approve the proposed name and call an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM). In the EGM, a Special Resolution must be passed altering the Name Clause (Clause I) of the Memorandum of Association (MOA) and the Articles of Association (AOA). A minimum of 75% of the shareholders (by voting power) must vote in favor of the change.
Post-Approval Update Checklist for Businesses
After the ROC issues the fresh Certificate of Incorporation under the new name, the company must execute the following database updates immediately: - **PAN and TAN**: Submit a correction request on the Protean (NSDL) portal to print a new PAN card with the new name. - **GST Portal**: File a non-core amendment on the GST portal within 15 days of receiving the new ROC certificate to update the business name. - **Bank Accounts**: Submit the new incorporation certificate, updated PAN, and board resolution to update bank records and checkbooks. - **Contracts and Leases**: Review and draft addendums for active business contracts, agreements, and leases to reflect the name change.
How Inamdar Legal Helps with Your Name Change
Inamdar Legal provides complete remote drafting and online MCA filing support. Operating from Surat, we manage name changes for companies across India. Our services include: 1. We conduct a preliminary trademark search and MCA name availability check. 2. We file the name reservation application via the MCA RUN service. 3. We draft the EGM notices, Board Resolutions, Special Resolutions, and altered MOA/AOA drafts. 4. We file Form MGT-14 and Form INC-24 online on the V3 MCA portal. To begin, the client provides: (1) Proposed new names (in order of preference), (2) Copy of existing MOA/AOA, (3) MCA login coordinates, and (4) Shareholder registry list.
When to Review This
- Pivoting the business model and needing a name that matches new products
- Rebranding the company due to corporate reorganization or new partnership
- Acquiring another brand and aligning the legal entity name with the brand logo
- Resolving a trademark conflict or dispute regarding the existing company name
Disclaimer
This guide is based on public records and procedures available as of the date of publication. It is not legal advice. Rules, fees, and timelines are subject to change by government authorities. Consult a qualified advocate to review your specific documentation. Inamdar Legal is based in Surat, Gujarat, and provides remote support across India.