Company Name Change Process & Cost in India (2026 Guide)

Your company name is your identity, and it appears on your contracts, invoices, bank accounts and website. Sometimes the old name no longer fits. A business may have changed its line of work, rebranded to look more modern, or found that a similar name is being used by a competitor. Whatever the reason, the Companies Act, 2013 allows you to change your company name through a clear legal process.

If your business is based in East Delhi, in areas like Nirman Vihar, Preet Vihar, Laxmi Nagar, Karkardooma, Vivek Vihar, Shahdara or Mayur Vihar, this guide explains each step, the documents you need, the approximate cost and the work you must do after the change.

What Is a Company Name Change?

A company name change means replacing the registered name of your company with a new name approved by the Registrar of Companies (ROC). The change is recorded in the official MCA records and the company receives a fresh Certificate of Incorporation showing the new name.

Your company remains the same legal entity. Its assets, liabilities, contracts, bank balances, GST registration, PAN and other rights and obligations continue as before. Only the name changes. The Corporate Identification Number (CIN) and the date of incorporation generally remain the same.

Why Do Companies Change Their Name?

The most common reason is rebranding. A startup that began as a small trading unit may now want a name that reflects a larger vision. Another reason is a change in business activity. A company that was incorporated for software development but now runs a manufacturing unit may want a name that matches the new work.

Other companies change their name after a merger, after a change in ownership, or because the old name is too similar to another brand and is causing confusion. Some owners simply find that the original name is hard to spell, hard to remember or no longer available as a domain name. Whatever your reason, the legal process is the same.

Who Can Change the Company Name?

Any registered company can apply, whether it is a Private Limited Company, a Public Limited Company, a One Person Company or a Section 8 Company. The process is governed by Section 13 of the Companies Act, 2013 and Rule 29 of the Companies (Incorporation) Rules, 2014. LLPs follow a different procedure under the LLP Act.

However, there are conditions. The company should have filed its pending annual returns and financial statements with the ROC. It should not be in default in repaying public deposits or debentures. A company with serious pending compliance defaults can face objections or rejection, so it is wise to clear old filings before applying. This is a common problem for older companies in Delhi that have been dormant for a few years.

Rules for Choosing a New Name

The new name must be unique and should not be identical or too similar to an existing company, LLP or registered trademark. It should not suggest a connection with the government or use restricted words such as Bank, Insurance, Government, Municipal or national emblems without proper approval. The name should also not be offensive or misleading about the nature of your business.

The name must end with the correct suffix, such as Private Limited, Limited, LLP or OPC, as applicable to the entity type. Before you apply, search the MCA name database and the trademark registry. A name that is free on the MCA portal can still be rejected on a trademark objection, so a trademark search saves time and avoids legal trouble later.

Step-by-Step Process for Company Name Change

Step 1: Name Availability and Reservation

The first step is to select two to three name options and check their availability. Names for existing companies are reserved through the Reserve Unique Name (RUN) service on the MCA portal. You can propose a name along with a brief justification and, if you already have a trademark, supporting documents. Once the name is approved, it is reserved for a limited period, usually around 60 days, during which you must complete the rest of the procedure.

Step 2: Board Meeting

Next, the board of directors holds a meeting to approve the proposed new name and the alteration of the Memorandum and Articles of Association. The board also authorises a director or company secretary to file the forms and decides the date, time and venue of the General Meeting. Minutes of this meeting must be properly recorded and signed.

Step 3: Shareholders’ Approval by Special Resolution

A name change requires a special resolution passed by the shareholders in an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM). A special resolution needs at least 75 per cent of the votes cast in favour. A notice with an explanatory statement is sent to members at least 21 clear days before the meeting. If members holding at least 95 per cent of the voting rights agree, the meeting can be held at shorter notice.

At the EGM, shareholders approve the new name and the corresponding amendment to the name clause of the Memorandum and the relevant references in the Articles of Association.

Step 4: Filing Form MGT-14

Within 30 days of passing the special resolution, the company must file Form MGT-14 with the ROC. This form is a record that the resolution has been passed. A late filing attracts additional fees, so it is best to file it promptly after the EGM.

Step 5: Filing Form INC-24

The main application for the change of name is Form INC-24. It must be filed within 60 days of the name approval, together with the required attachments. The attachments usually include a copy of the special resolution, the altered Memorandum and Articles of Association, the notice of the general meeting with its explanatory statement, and proof of the name approval. If the name is similar to a registered trademark, a no-objection certificate (NOC) from the trademark owner may also be needed.

The form must be digitally signed by a director and certified by a practising Chartered Accountant, Company Secretary or Cost Accountant. A mistake in the attachments is the most common reason for resubmission, which is why professional help matters here.

Step 6: ROC Approval and New Certificate of Incorporation

After scrutiny, the ROC approves the application and issues a fresh Certificate of Incorporation with the new name. The new name is updated on the MCA master data. For a company registered in Delhi, this is handled by the Registrar of Companies, Delhi and Haryana. From the date on the new certificate, the company is legally known by its new name.

Documents Required

The documents required are fairly standard. You will need the existing Certificate of Incorporation, the Memorandum and Articles of Association, and the PAN card of the company. Identity and address proof of the directors and a copy of the latest registered office proof, such as a recent electricity bill and a rent agreement or ownership proof, are also needed.

Besides these, you will need the board resolution, the EGM notice and special resolution, the draft altered MOA and AOA, and the name approval from RUN. If your company is based in Nirman Vihar or any other part of East Delhi, you will also need a valid NOC from the property owner for the registered office, plus the latest utility bill, if these are not already on record.

How Much Does a Company Name Change Cost?

The total cost has two parts, the government fees and the professional fees. Government fees are charged by the MCA and may change over time, so always confirm them on the MCA website at the time of filing.

The name reservation through RUN carries a government fee of around Rs. 1,000. The INC-24 form for change of name also carries a government fee of around Rs. 1,000. The fee for Form MGT-14 depends on the authorised share capital of the company and is generally between a few hundred and a few thousand rupees.

Professional fees depend on the complexity of the case, such as whether the company has pending compliances, whether the case needs trademark clearance, and whether the company is private or public. For a straightforward case, the overall cost of a name change, including government and professional fees, generally stays within a modest range for a small company. Pending annual filings, late fees and trademark work can raise the total. A good CA firm will give you a clear written quote before starting so there are no surprises.

How Long Does the Process Take?

If all documents are ready and the company has no pending compliance issues, the process usually takes about 10 to 20 working days. Name approval takes a few days. The board meeting and EGM can be held within a week or two, depending on the notice period. The ROC then takes a few more days to approve INC-24. Delays happen when the name is objected to, the forms have errors or the company has pending annual filings.

What to Do After the Name Change

Getting the new certificate is not the end of the work. You must update the new name everywhere to avoid legal and banking problems.

Start with the Income Tax Department. Apply for a PAN correction so that your PAN card shows the new name, and update your TAN details as well. Your PAN number itself does not change. Then amend your GST registration so that the legal name is updated, and use the new name on all tax invoices going forward.

Inform your bank and update your current account records, cheque books and payment gateways. Update your Udyam or MSME registration, Import Export Code (IEC), FSSAI licence, PF and ESIC registrations, Digital Signature Certificates and any shop and establishment or trade licence. If you hold a trademark under the old name, you must record the change of name with the Trade Marks Registry.

Also update your letterheads, invoices, visiting cards, signboards, website, social media pages, email signatures and Google Business Profile. Notify your customers, vendors and employees so that there is no confusion. Existing contracts remain valid, but it is good practice to inform your counterparties in writing.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Many companies choose a name without checking trademarks and then face an objection later. Others forget to file MGT-14 on time and pay late fees. Some start using the new name on invoices before the ROC approval comes, which can create legal problems. A few ignore the pending annual filings, and the ROC rejects the application. Finally, many forget to update the GST, bank and licence records, which leads to payment and compliance issues months later.

Another frequent error is changing only the visible brand and not the legal name. A trade name used in marketing is different from the registered company name. If you want your legal documents to match your brand, you must complete the formal ROC process.

Why Local Professional Help Matters in East Delhi

Business owners in East Delhi often want a quick and reliable service close to their office. A local firm can meet you in person, check your original documents and help with the signing of resolutions and the board minutes. This reduces back and forth and the chance of errors in your filing.

Corporate Seva Kendra is a Chartered Accountant firm located near Nirman Vihar Metro Station, Delhi-110092, and serves businesses across East Delhi, Delhi NCR and other cities in India. Our team prepares the board resolution, the EGM notice, the altered MOA and AOA, and files MGT-14 and INC-24. We also handle the post-change updates to PAN, GST, bank, licences and trademark records, so that your rebranding is smooth from start to finish.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a company change its name within a year of incorporation? A company can apply for a name change after incorporation, subject to the conditions of the Act. If the original name was approved by mistake or is found similar to an existing name, special provisions may apply. Speak to a professional about your exact case.

Will my GST number and PAN change? No. Your PAN, GSTIN and CIN generally stay the same. Only the name in the records is updated.

Can I change the name if my company has pending annual filings? It is difficult. The ROC expects the company to be up to date with its filings, so it is best to clear the pending ones first.

Do I have to inform my customers? Yes. Legally the contracts continue, but you should inform your customers, vendors and banks in writing and update all invoices and records.

Is a name change possible for an LLP? Yes, but the process is different and uses LLP forms.

Conclusion

A company name change is simple if you follow the steps in the right order: reserve the name, hold the board meeting, pass the special resolution in an EGM, file MGT-14 and INC-24, and update all your records after getting the new certificate. The main risks are a poor name choice, trademark conflicts, pending compliance and filing mistakes. With careful planning and professional guidance, you can complete the process in a few weeks and start operating confidently under your new identity.

If your company is in Nirman Vihar, Preet Vihar, Laxmi Nagar or anywhere in East Delhi and you want to change its name, contact Corporate Seva Kendra on +91 99909 49449 or visit us at 312A, 3rd Floor, Metroplex East Mall, Radhu Palace, near Nirman Vihar Metro Station, Delhi-110092. Our team will guide you through every step and give you a clear quote.