Company Name Change in India: Complete MGT-14 & INC-24 Process
Rebranding, resolving a trademark conflict, or reflecting a pivot in business focus - changing your company's registered name is a structured legal process, not a simple update. This guide covers exactly how company name change works under the Companies Act, 2013, and how KanoonPe manages it end-to-end at a flat, all-inclusive price.
Quick summary
- What it is: Legally changing a company's registered name through shareholder approval, central government (ROC) approval, and issuance of a fresh Certificate of Incorporation.
- Governed by: Sections 4, 13 and 14 of the Companies Act, 2013; filed via Forms RUN, MGT-14, and INC-24.
- Best for: Companies rebranding, resolving trademark disputes, or changing business focus.
- KanoonPe price: Flat, all-inclusive quote on a free callback · Timeline: typically 10–15 working days.
Quick facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Governing law | Companies Act, 2013 (Sections 4, 13, 14) |
| Filing forms | RUN (name reservation), MGT-14 (special resolution), INC-24 (approval for change of name) |
| Approval needed | Board resolution + special resolution + Central Government (ROC) approval |
| Filing deadline | MGT-14 within 30 days of the resolution; INC-24 promptly after |
| Authority | Registrar of Companies (ROC), MCA portal |
| KanoonPe price | Flat, all-inclusive quote - request a free callback |
| Timeline | 10–15 working days |
What is company name change?
Company name change is the legal process of altering a company's registered name - while retaining the same CIN, PAN, and legal identity - through shareholder approval via special resolution, name reservation, and Central Government approval, culminating in a fresh Certificate of Incorporation.
A name change does not create a new legal entity; it is a continuation of the same company under a new name. All existing contracts, licenses, bank accounts, and assets remain valid, though they must be updated to reflect the new name over time.
The new name must comply with the same naming rules that apply at incorporation - it must not be identical or too similar to an existing company or registered trademark, and must not violate the Companies (Incorporation) Rules, 2014 or the Emblems and Names Act, 1950.
Who needs a company name change?
- Businesses rebranding to align with a new product, market, or investor-driven identity.
- Companies resolving a trademark conflict where the registered name infringes an existing mark.
- Businesses removing "Private" status after conversion to a public company (or vice versa).
- Companies reflecting a pivot in core business activity through the name.
- Group companies standardising naming conventions across a corporate structure.
Benefits of a properly executed name change
- Legal continuity - The company retains its CIN, PAN, contracts, and history under the new name.
- Brand alignment - Registered name matches the brand customers and investors recognise.
- Trademark compliance - Avoids infringement disputes by aligning the corporate name with cleared trademarks.
- Investor and stakeholder clarity - A formally approved name change avoids confusion in filings, contracts, and due diligence.
- Avoids penalties - Proper MGT-14 and INC-24 filing keeps the process legally valid and ROC-compliant.
Documents required for company name change
Company documents
- Certificate of Incorporation and PAN
- Existing MOA and AOA
- List of directors and shareholders
- Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) of an authorised director
Resolutions and approvals
- Board resolution approving the proposed new name and convening a general meeting
- Notice of general meeting with explanatory statement
- Special resolution passed by shareholders (minimum 75% majority)
- Name reservation approval (Form RUN)
Filing attachments
- Altered MOA and AOA reflecting the new name
- Trademark clearance/NOC (if the proposed name is a registered trademark held by a director/promoter)
Ready to get started? Talk to a verified expert → - get a transparent, all-inclusive quote for your company name change within one business hour.
Process for company name change (step by step)
- Check name availability. Search the MCA and trademark databases to ensure the proposed name isn't identical or deceptively similar to an existing entity or mark.
- Reserve the new name. File Form RUN (Reserve Unique Name) with the ROC; approval typically comes within 1–2 working days.
- Convene a board meeting. Pass a board resolution approving the new name and calling a general meeting.
- Pass a special resolution. Shareholders approve the name change with at least 75% majority.
- File Form MGT-14. Submit the special resolution to the ROC within 30 days of passing it.
- File Form INC-24. Apply to the Central Government (via ROC) for approval of the name change, attaching MGT-14 SRN, altered MOA/AOA, and RUN approval.
- Receive a fresh Certificate of Incorporation. Once approved, the ROC issues a new COI reflecting the changed name, with the same CIN structure updated for the new name.
- Update all records. Amend PAN, bank accounts, GST registration, licenses, letterheads, and contracts to the new name.
Cost of company name change in India
| Cost component | What drives it |
|---|---|
| RUN name reservation fee | Government fee per application/resubmission |
| MGT-14 filing fee | Based on authorised capital slab |
| INC-24 filing fee | Fixed government fee for name change approval |
| Professional fees | Name search, drafting resolutions, altered MOA/AOA, and end-to-end filing |
KanoonPe offers a flat, all-inclusive quote - name search, resolution drafting, altered MOA/AOA, and RUN/MGT-14/INC-24 filing bundled into one transparent number. Government fees are shown upfront before you commit.
Timeline for company name change
| Stage | Typical time |
|---|---|
| Name search & RUN filing | 1–3 working days |
| Board resolution & notice | 1 day |
| Notice period & special resolution | 21 days (statutory; can be shortened with consent) |
| MGT-14 filing | 1 day |
| INC-24 filing & ROC approval | 3–7 working days |
| Fresh Certificate of Incorporation | 1–2 working days |
| Total (after notice period) | 10–15 working days |
Every KanoonPe order carries a written SLA - filed on time or you get a refund.
Post name-change compliance
A name change is not complete once the fresh COI is issued - related registrations must be updated too:
- Update PAN and TAN details with the Income Tax Department.
- Amend GST registration to reflect the new legal name - see GST Amendment.
- Update bank accounts, cheque books, and payment gateway KYC.
- Amend trademark registrations, licenses (FSSAI, IEC, trade license), and statutory registers.
- Update letterheads, invoices, and the company seal where used.
Penalties for delayed or non-compliant name change
- Late filing of MGT-14 attracts additional government fees, ranging from 2x to 12x the normal fee depending on the delay.
- Using the old name in contracts, invoices, or letterheads after the fresh COI is issued can create legal ambiguity and compliance issues.
- Failure to update PAN/GST/licenses after a name change can lead to mismatches that block banking, tax, and regulatory filings.
Company name change vs MOA amendment - what's different
| Factor | Company name change | MOA amendment (objects/office) |
|---|---|---|
| Clause changed | Name clause | Objects, capital, or registered office clause |
| Additional approval | Central Government via INC-24 | Regional Director (office state change only) |
| New COI issued? | Yes | No (except state shift) |
| CIN change | Updated to reflect new name | No change |
A name change is itself a specific type of MOA amendment - see MoA Amendment for other clause changes.
Why choose KanoonPe
- Transparent flat pricing - one all-inclusive number; government fees at actuals, shown upfront.
- Filed-on-time or refund - every order ships with a written SLA.
- One accountable case owner - a single named CS manages your filing end to end.
- Live status tracking - track RUN, MGT-14, and INC-24 status on your dashboard in real time.
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