Company · Structural change
We're changing the company's name — how long and what filings?
The short answer
Four stages: reserve the new name through RUN, pass a special resolution at an EGM, file MGT-14 (the resolution) and INC-24 (the approval application), and receive the fresh certificate of incorporation. The company's identity never breaks — same CIN, same contracts, same liabilities — but every registration that carries the old name (GST, PAN correction, bank, trademarks, agreements) needs a follow-up sweep that most checklists forget.
What gets filed with MCA
Not a deadline-driven form. Reserved name is valid for 20 days; SPICe+ must be filed within that window or the name is released.
Section 4(2), Companies Act 2013; Rule 8A, Companies (Incorporation) Rules 2014
Within 30 days of passing the resolution.
Section 117, Companies Act 2013
Application to the Central Government (RD) for approval of the name change
Section 13(2), Companies Act 2013
The paperwork nobody tells you about
Statutory formats that never touch the MCA portal — but an ROC inspection or due diligence will ask for every one of them.
Memorandum and articles reprinted with the new name
Section 13, Companies Act 2013
New name on registered-office signage, letterheads, invoices, bank, GST, agreements
Section 12(3), Companies Act 2013
The sequence
- 1Reserve the name via RUN (check trademark conflicts first)
- 2EGM special resolution approving the change
- 3File MGT-14, then INC-24 for approval
- 4On the fresh certificate: update MoA/AoA and run the post-approval sweep
Do it with us — or check it yourself first
Questions founders actually ask
Does the CIN change?
The CIN's structure persists — the company remains the same legal person with the same incorporation history. Only the name element of records updates; contracts and liabilities carry over automatically.
How long does a name change take end to end?
RUN approval typically lands in days; the EGM needs its notice period; INC-24 processing is the variable. Plan for weeks, not days, and time the announcement around the fresh certificate.
Any restriction on changing names soon after a default?
A company that has defaulted on filings or deposit/debenture repayments faces restrictions on name change until the default is made good — clean up pending filings first.
Last verified 2026-08-24 against MCA V3 records and ICSI reference material. Form-level deadlines and penalties live on the linked form pages and update there.