How to Change Company Name in India Online (2026): RUN, MGT‑14 & INC‑24 Step‑by‑step

Understanding how to change company name in India online is essential for any business contemplating a rebrand, a merger‑driven identity shift, or a compliance‑triggered alteration in 2026. The company name change process in India is governed by Section 13 of the Companies Act, 2013, and it requires a defined sequence of filings on the MCA portal, beginning with name reservation through the RUN service, progressing through a special resolution and MGT‑14 filing, and culminating in the INC‑24 application for Central Government approval. With the continued rollout of MCA V3 digitisation and tightened penalty signals around Section 4 naming provisions, companies must follow each step precisely to avoid rejection or regulatory action.

At a glance, the company name change procedure (MCA):

1. Reserve the new name via RUN (Reserve Unique Name) on the MCA portal.
2. Pass a special resolution at an EGM with at least 75 % shareholder approval.
3. File Form MGT‑14 with the ROC to register the special resolution.
4. Submit Form INC‑24 to obtain Central Government / ROC approval and a fresh Certificate of Incorporation.
5. Complete post‑approval updates, PAN, GST, bank accounts, contracts, trademarks and statutory registers.

Typical timeline: 10–30 working days (end to end). Indicative total cost: ₹5,000–₹25,000 (government fees plus professional fees, varying by company type and complexity).

Legal Framework and When Central Government Approval Is Required

Section 13 of the Companies Act, 2013, is the primary statutory provision that permits a company to alter the name clause contained in its Memorandum of Association (MOA). The section stipulates that a name change requires a special resolution passed by the members and, in most cases, the approval of the Central Government (exercised through the Regional Director or delegated to the ROC). The rules for name change of a company are further detailed in the Companies (Incorporation) Rules, 2014, which prescribe the specific e‑forms, attachments and timelines that apply.

A critical distinction exists between two scenarios. Where a company proposes to change its substantive name, for example, from “Zenith Technologies Private Limited” to “Pinnacle Technologies Private Limited”, Central Government approval via Form INC‑24 is mandatory. However, where the change relates solely to the addition or deletion of the word “Private” (typically as a consequence of conversion from a private company to a public company, or vice versa), Central Government approval is not required; the ROC can process the alteration directly.

Section 4(2) and Section 4(3) of the Companies Act impose restrictions on permissible names. A name must not be identical or too similar to an existing company or LLP, must not violate any trademark, and must not include words that require prior government approval (such as “National,” “Reserve,” “Exchange,” or “Board”). Industry observers note that 2026 has seen stricter scrutiny of name‑reservation declarations under these provisions, with the MCA requiring enhanced director affidavits and more detailed justifications for names that could imply government patronage or mislead the public.

Key Statutory References

• Section 13, Companies Act, 2013, Power to alter the memorandum, including the name clause.
• Section 4(2) and 4(3), Companies Act, 2013, Restrictions on company names.
• Companies (Incorporation) Rules, 2014, Procedural rules for RUN, INC‑24 and related forms.
• MCA e‑Form instruction kits, RUN, MGT‑14 and INC‑24 user manuals published on the MCA portal.
• ICSI guidance note on change of name, Procedural best practices and specimen resolutions.

Step 1, RUN Name Reservation on the MCA Portal

The first procedural step to change a company name in India online is reserving the proposed new name through the RUN (Reserve Unique Name) service on the MCA portal. The RUN service allows an existing company to submit up to two proposed names per application. Each proposed name is checked against the MCA database of existing companies and LLPs, the trademark registry and restricted‑word lists.

To file a RUN application, the applicant (typically a director or an authorised professional) must log in to the MCA V3 portal, navigate to the company services section and select the “Reserve Unique Name, RUN” option for an existing company. The form requires the company’s CIN, the proposed name(s), a brief explanation of the significance of each proposed name, and any supporting documents such as a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from an existing company or trademark owner if the proposed name contains elements of their registered name or mark.

The government fee for a RUN application is ₹1,000 (as listed on the MCA fee schedule). Processing typically takes three to five working days, although straightforward applications may receive approval within 24–48 hours. If both proposed names are rejected, the applicant may file a fresh RUN application (with the applicable fee) after addressing the grounds for refusal. The name, once approved, is reserved for a period of 20 days, within which the company must pass its special resolution and file the necessary forms.

Practical Tips to Avoid RUN Objections

• Conduct a trademark pre‑check. Search the Trade Marks Registry (IP India) before filing to ensure the proposed name does not infringe a registered or pending trademark.
• Avoid restricted words. Words such as “Corporation,” “President,” “Rashtrapati,” “Small Scale Industries” and similar terms require prior government clearance. Avoid them unless you have the necessary approval in hand.
• Ensure meaningful differentiation. Names that differ from an existing company only by the addition of a generic suffix (e.g., “Solutions,” “Enterprises”) are likely to be objected to for being too similar.
• Provide a clear rationale. The RUN form asks for the significance of the proposed name. A well‑drafted explanation demonstrating the name’s connection to the company’s business or brand strategy reduces queries from the CRC (Central Registration Centre).

How to Verify Name Reservation Status on MCA

After filing, applicants can track RUN status by logging in to the MCA portal and navigating to the “Track SRN Status” section. The SRN (Service Request Number) generated at the time of filing can be used to check whether the name has been approved, is pending, or has been rejected. Approved names also appear in the “Company / LLP Master Data” search once the subsequent incorporation or alteration process is completed.

Step 2, Board Resolution and Extraordinary General Meeting (Special Resolution)

Once the RUN name reservation is confirmed, the next step in the company name change process in India is to obtain formal shareholder approval. This begins with the board of directors passing a board resolution authorising the proposed name change and convening an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) of the shareholders.

The EGM notice must be dispatched to all members at least 21 clear days before the meeting date (unless a shorter notice is consented to by at least 95 % of the members entitled to vote). The notice must include an explanatory statement under Section 102 of the Companies Act, setting out the reasons for the proposed name change, the new name approved under RUN, and the impact on the MOA and AOA.

At the EGM, the resolution to change the company name must be passed as a special resolution, which requires approval by at least 75 % of the members present and voting (in person or by proxy). For companies with a large or dispersed membership, the resolution may also be passed through postal ballot under Section 110, following the prescribed procedure. The minutes of the EGM must be recorded in the minutes book within 30 days and signed by the chairperson.

Timing and Procedural Triggers

• Notice period: 21 clear days (or shorter with 95 % member consent).
• Voting threshold: 75 % of members present and voting.
• Postal ballot option: Available under Section 110; requires at least 30 days for receipt of postal ballot forms.
• Minutes filing deadline: Record within 30 days; file Form MGT‑14 within 30 days of passing the resolution.

Step 3, Filing Form MGT‑14 and Updating the MOA/AOA

Within 30 days of passing the special resolution, the company must file Form MGT‑14 with the Registrar of Companies. The MGT‑14 form is the prescribed e‑form for registering special resolutions and certain board resolutions with the ROC. This filing ensures that the resolution altering the company name is placed on public record.

The MGT‑14 form must be filed electronically on the MCA portal, digitally signed by a director and certified by a practising company secretary, chartered accountant or cost accountant. Late filing attracts additional fees on a per‑day basis as prescribed in the Companies (Registration Offices and Fees) Rules, 2014.

MGT‑14 Attachments Checklist

• Certified true copy of the special resolution, as passed at the EGM or via postal ballot.
• Explanatory statement under Section 102 of the Companies Act, 2013.
• Altered MOA, reflecting the new name clause.
• Altered AOA, if the articles reference the company name.
• Copy of the notice convening the EGM (including the explanatory statement).
• Attendance sheet / postal ballot results, as applicable.
• Board resolution authorising the name change proposal.

Once MGT‑14 is processed by the ROC, the special resolution is registered. The next step is to file the INC‑24 application for formal approval of the name change.

Step 4, INC‑24 Application to Central Government and ROC Approval

Form INC‑24 is the application through which a company seeks approval from the Central Government (or the ROC, where authority has been delegated) for the change of name. This is the decisive filing in the company name change procedure on the MCA portal, and its approval triggers the issuance of a fresh Certificate of Incorporation reflecting the new company name.

The INC‑24 application must be filed on the MCA portal within the validity period of the RUN name reservation (20 days from approval). The form requires the company’s existing details, the approved new name (as reserved under RUN), the SRN of the RUN approval, particulars of the special resolution, and a declaration from the directors that the change is not being sought to evade any legal proceedings or liabilities.

The government fee for INC‑24 varies depending on the company’s authorised share capital and whether it is classified as a One Person Company (OPC), small company, or other company. For OPCs and small companies, the fee is typically lower. The fee schedule is published in the Companies (Registration Offices and Fees) Rules, 2014, and updated periodically by the MCA.

INC‑24 Attachments and Common ROC Queries

Common ROC queries during INC‑24 processing include requests for additional proof that the proposed name is distinct from existing entities, clarification on the business significance of the name, and confirmation that no pending trademark objections exist. Responding promptly to these queries (typically within 15 days) prevents the application from being marked as defective. Upon approval, the ROC issues a fresh Certificate of Incorporation bearing the new name and the same CIN. The company name change becomes effective from the date of the new certificate.

Timeline and Costs for Changing a Company Name in India

The total timeline and Pvt Ltd company name change fees (or fees for any company type) depend on the complexity of the case, the speed of shareholder approval, and ROC processing times. The table below provides indicative ranges based on standard filings.

Note: Professional fees are indicative and vary by service provider, company size and urgency. Government fees are as published in the Companies (Registration Offices and Fees) Rules, 2014, and may be revised by the MCA.

For most private limited companies, the end‑to‑end process, from RUN filing to receipt of a fresh Certificate of Incorporation, can be completed within 15 to 25 working days. Companies requiring Central Government approval (rather than delegated ROC approval) should budget additional time.

Post‑Approval Compliance Checklist After Changing Your Company Name

Receiving the fresh Certificate of Incorporation is not the final step. Companies must complete a series of operational and regulatory updates to ensure that all records, registrations and third‑party relationships reflect the new name. Failure to make these updates can result in penalties, operational disruptions and compliance defaults. This post‑approval checklist addresses the question: how do I update my company name across all statutory and commercial touchpoints?

• Update internal statutory registers. Amend the register of members, register of directors and the register of charges to reflect the new company name. Update the MOA and AOA master copies held at the registered office.
• PAN and TAN update. Apply for a revised PAN card reflecting the new company name through the NSDL portal or the Income Tax e‑filing portal. Attach a copy of the fresh Certificate of Incorporation. Similarly, apply for TAN correction through the NSDL TAN application process. Processing typically takes 7–14 working days.
• GST registration amendment. File an amendment application on the GST portal (Services → Registration → Amendment of Registration, Core Fields) to update the legal name of the business. Attach the new Certificate of Incorporation. The amendment is typically processed within 15 working days of filing.
• Bank account updates. Submit a certified copy of the fresh Certificate of Incorporation, a board resolution authorising the name change on bank records, and updated KYC documents to each bank where the company holds accounts. Banks may issue new cheque books, update RTGS/NEFT beneficiary names and refresh digital banking credentials.
• Contracts and agreements. Notify all contractual counterparties, customers, suppliers, landlords, insurers and lenders, of the name change. In most cases, a formal notice accompanied by a copy of the new COI is sufficient; novation is generally not required unless the contract specifically provides otherwise. However, where contracts contain assignment or change‑of‑control clauses that could be triggered by a name change (rare but possible in financing agreements), seek legal advice before proceeding.
• Intellectual property. If the company holds registered trademarks, patents or designs, file an application to update the proprietor name with the relevant IP office (e.g., Trade Marks Registry for trademarks, Patent Office for patents). If the new company name itself is to be used as a brand, file a fresh trademark application promptly to secure protection.
• Website, signage and stationery. Update the company website, email domains, letterheads, invoices, visiting cards and office signage. Section 12 of the Companies Act requires the company’s name to be displayed at the registered office and used on all official documents, so this is a compliance obligation, not merely a branding exercise.
• ROC annual return. Ensure the next annual return (Form MGT‑7 / MGT‑7A) and financial statements filed with the ROC reflect the new company name.

Documents to Send to Banks and Key Vendors

Prepare a standard notification pack containing: (1) a cover letter on new‑name letterhead, (2) a certified copy of the fresh Certificate of Incorporation, (3) a board resolution confirming the name change for bank/vendor records, and (4) updated KYC documents (address proof, director identity documents if required by the counterparty). Sending a consistent pack to all counterparties simultaneously accelerates the transition and reduces follow‑up queries.

Practical Contingencies and Common Pitfalls

The company name change process in India is generally straightforward, but several pitfalls can cause delays or outright rejection.

• RUN rejection for similarity. The CRC may reject a proposed name if it is phonetically or visually similar to an existing company or LLP. If both names on the RUN application are rejected, the company must file a fresh application (with a new fee) and address the reasons for rejection.
• Trademark objections. If the proposed name infringes a registered trademark, the CRC or ROC will raise an objection. The company must either obtain an NOC from the trademark holder or choose a different name.
• Expired RUN reservation. If the company fails to pass the special resolution and file INC‑24 within 20 days of RUN approval, the name reservation lapses. A fresh RUN application is then required.
• Failure to file MGT‑14 within 30 days. Late filing attracts additional fees, and persistent non‑filing may result in penalties on the company and its officers under the Companies Act.
• Incomplete INC‑24 attachments. Missing documents, particularly the director’s affidavit or the NOC from a trademark owner, are among the most common causes of ROC queries. A defective application that is not corrected within the stipulated response period may be rejected.
• Post‑approval non‑compliance. Companies that fail to update their PAN, GST registration, or statutory records after the name change risk penalties under the respective statutes and operational complications (e.g., mismatched invoices leading to GST input‑tax‑credit issues).

2026 Regulatory Updates and Section 4 Penalty Signals

Early indications suggest that the MCA has intensified enforcement of Section 4 naming provisions during 2026. Industry observers expect continued tightening of the declaration requirements at the RUN stage, with the CRC demanding more detailed director affidavits confirming that the proposed name does not mislead the public or imply government association. Companies should ensure that their RUN applications include robust justifications and pre‑clearance from the Trade Marks Registry where the proposed name contains words associated with regulated sectors (finance, insurance, exchange).

The ICSI has also issued updated guidance recommending that company law practitioners in India strengthen their due diligence on proposed names, including a comprehensive search of the MCA master data, IP India trademark database and any sector‑specific registries, before filing the RUN application. These steps reduce the risk of rejection and the associated time and cost of re‑filing.

Conclusion

Knowing how to change company name in India online requires a clear understanding of the four‑step MCA procedure: RUN name reservation, special resolution and MGT‑14 filing, INC‑24 submission and ROC approval, followed by a thorough post‑approval compliance sweep. With 2026 bringing tighter name‑reservation scrutiny and continued MCA V3 digitisation, companies should approach the process with careful planning, accurate documentation and professional guidance from a qualified company law specialist.

Sources

1. Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA), e‑Forms & Services
2. Companies Act, 2013, India Code (Legislative Department, Government of India)
3. Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI), Guidance on Alteration of Name
4. Gazette of India, Official Notifications
5. Income Tax Department, PAN / TAN Services
6. GST Portal, Registration Amendment Services