A company name change is a formal alteration of a registered company’s name after incorporation. This process is governed by the Companies Act, 2013, and involves obtaining approvals from the Registrar of Companies (ROC) along with updating records under other applicable laws such as the Income Tax Act, 1961 and Goods and Services Tax (GST) Act, 2017.

A new name represents a fresh brand identity, business direction, or restructuring while preserving the company’s legal existence and corporate history.

• Companies Act, 2013 (Section 13 & Rule 29 of Companies (Incorporation) Rules, 2014)
• Income Tax Act, 1961
• Goods & Services Tax (GST) Act, 2017
• Other applicable sectoral or state-specific registrations

• Business expansion or diversification
• Rebranding for better market positioning
• Mergers, acquisitions, or partnerships
• Conflict with existing trademarks or companies
• Regulatory directions or court orders
• Change in business objectives or activities

1. Board Resolution
• Hold a Board Meeting to propose a new name and authorize a director to apply for name availability.

2. Name Availability Application (RUN Service)
• File an online application using RUN (Reserve Unique Name) on the MCA portal.
• Maximum 2 names can be proposed.
• ROC will approve/reject within 2-3 working days.

3. Convene Extra-Ordinary General Meeting (EGM)
• Pass a Special Resolution approving the name change and corresponding alteration to the Memorandum of Association (MOA) and Articles of Association (AOA).

4. Filing with Registrar of Companies (ROC)
• File Form MGT-14 for Special Resolution within 30 days of EGM.
• File Form INC-24 for Central Government approval for the name change.
• Attach altered MOA & AOA, EGM resolution, and notice.

5. Issuance of Fresh Certificate of Incorporation
• Upon approval, ROC issues a fresh Certificate of Incorporation with the new name.
• The company’s identity and incorporation date remain unchanged.

Under Income Tax Act, 1961
• Update Permanent Account Number (PAN)
• Update Tax Deduction and Collection Account Number (TAN)
• Inform assessing officer via a letter enclosing the fresh certificate.

Under GST Act, 2017
• Amend GST registration through Form GST REG-14 within 15 days of name change.
• Attach new ROC certificate and updated MOA/AOA.
• Ensure GST certificate reflects the new company name.

Other Compliances
• Update Professional Tax, ESI, PF, Import Export Code (IEC), Trade License, Bank Accounts, and Statutory Agreements.
• Notify clients, suppliers, and partners about the name change.

• Fresh brand positioning and identity
• Better alignment with new business objectives
• Regulatory compliance in case of conflicting names
• Enhanced market perception and goodwill
• Opportunity for business restructuring

• Board Resolution for name change
• EGM notice and Special Resolution
• Approval letter from ROC for new name (RUN application)
• Altered MOA and AOA
• Existing Certificate of Incorporation
• PAN and GST registration copies
• New company name approvals (if sectoral permission needed)

Activity	Time Required
Name Availability Application (RUN)	2–3 working days
Board and EGM Meetings	5–7 days
ROC Filings (MGT-14 & INC-24)	5–10 working days
Receipt of Fresh Certificate	7–10 working days

Total Time: Approx. 15-25 working days

• RUN Application Fee: ₹1,000
• MGT-14 Filing Fee: Based on authorized capital (₹200 to ₹600)
• INC-24 Filing Fee: Based on authorized capital (₹1,000 to ₹2,000)
• Name Change Stamp Duty: Varies by state