Changing the Name of Your Company
A company may want a new name after a rebrand, a change in business focus, a merger, or to resolve a trademark conflict. Under the Companies Act, 2013, the name can be changed with shareholder approval and the Central Government’s approval, which is granted through the Registrar of Companies.
Once approved, the ROC issues a fresh Certificate of Incorporation in the new name. The company’s legal identity, CIN history, contracts and assets continue unchanged – only the name is different.
Your new company name, approved and on record
- Name search and reservation in the new name
- Special resolution and MOA/AOA updates
- Filing and follow-up until the new certificate is issued
When Should a Company Change Its Name?
- You are rebranding or your products have outgrown the old name
- The current name conflicts with someone else’s trademark
- The business activity has changed and the old name is misleading
- Two businesses have merged or been restructured
Benefits of a Formal Name Change
Consistent brand
Your legal name matches the brand customers know.
Lower legal risk
Moving away from a conflicting name reduces the risk of infringement claims.
Same legal entity
Contracts, licences and assets continue; only the name changes.
Clear records
Banks, tax authorities and clients see one consistent name.
Documents Required
- Board resolution approving the proposal
- Special resolution passed by shareholders
- Altered Memorandum and Articles of Association
- Name approval letter from the ROC
- Minutes of the board and general meetings
- Digital signature of an authorised director
Name Change Process
Name search
We check MCA and trademark records and shortlist available names.
Name reservation
The proposed name is reserved with the ROC.
Resolutions
The board approves the change and shareholders pass a special resolution.
ROC filing
MGT-14 and INC-24 are filed with the altered MOA and AOA.
New certificate
The ROC issues a fresh Certificate of Incorporation in the new name.
Update records
PAN, GST, bank, letterheads and licences are updated.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Name changes are routine, but these slips cause rejections and delays.
- Skipping the trademark search – A name approved by MCA can still infringe someone’s registered trademark.
- Filing MGT-14 late – The special resolution must be filed within 30 days.
- Forgetting to update the MOA and AOA – The name clause must be altered in both documents.
- Not updating PAN, GST and bank – Old names on tax and bank records cause payment and compliance issues.
- Using the new name too early – Use the new name only after the fresh certificate is issued.
After the New Certificate Is Issued
Update tax registrations
PAN, TAN, GST and professional tax records.
Update the bank
Share the new certificate and resolution with your bank.
Refresh branding
Letterheads, invoices, website and signboards.
Mention the former name
Show the former name alongside the new one for the period required by law.
Why Choose Vaidam Consultancy for Company Name Change
Name checked properly
We look for trademark conflicts, not just MCA availability.
Clear quote upfront
You receive our fee and the government charges before any work begins.
One point of contact
A single consultant prepares the resolutions, files the forms and follows up with the ROC.
Records updated everywhere
We remind you to update PAN, GST, bank and other records once the ROC approves the change.
Frequently Asked Questions
The CIN may be updated, but the company remains the same legal entity. All contracts, assets and liabilities continue in the new name.
Yes. A special resolution of the shareholders is required, followed by filing with the ROC.
Yes. Once the new certificate is issued, the PAN, TAN, GST registration, bank accounts and other licences should be updated to the new name.
Yes. Names that are identical or too similar to existing companies or registered trademarks, or that contain restricted words, can be rejected. That is why we check thoroughly before applying.
Usually a few weeks, depending on name approval and ROC processing time.
Yes. An LLP changes its name with partner consent and a filing with the ROC.