How to Change Your Company Name with MCA: A Step-by-Step Guide

The process to change a company name with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) involves three main stages: board approval, shareholder approval, and MCA approval. You must first pass a board resolution, then obtain shareholder consent through a special resolution, and finally file the appropriate forms with the MCA.

Under Section 13 of the Companies Act, 2013, a company may change its name by passing a special resolution and obtaining the Central Government's approval. The entire process typically takes 15–30 days, depending on the availability of the proposed name and the speed of filings.

The key steps are:

1. Check name availability on the MCA portal
2. Convene a board meeting to approve the change
3. Call an extraordinary general meeting (EGM) for a special resolution
4. File Form MGT-14 (resolution) and Form INC-24 (name change application)
5. Receive the fresh Certificate of Incorporation

You must check name availability on the MCA portal before proceeding. Use the "RUN" (Reserve Unique Name) service or the "Name Availability" tool on the MCA website. The proposed name must comply with the Companies (Incorporation) Rules, 2014, and should not be identical or too similar to an existing company or trademark.

The MCA guidelines prohibit names that:

• Are identical or phonetically similar to an existing company
• Contain words prohibited under the Emblems and Names (Prevention of Improper Use) Act, 1950
• Suggest government patronage (e.g., "National", "India", "State") without approval
• Are offensive or against public policy

You can file a RUN form to reserve the name for 20 days. The fee is ₹1,000 for normal processing. If the name is approved, you will receive a name approval letter. If rejected, you can file a fresh application with a different name.

You need the following documents for a company name change with the MCA:

1. Board resolution – Passed in a board meeting authorising the name change
2. Special resolution – Passed by shareholders in an EGM with 75% majority
3. Form MGT-14 – Filed within 30 days of passing the special resolution
4. Form INC-24 – Application for change of name, filed with the MCA
5. Altered Memorandum of Association (MoA) – Showing the new name
6. Proof of name approval – The RUN approval letter
7. Board resolution for name approval – If the name was reserved through RUN

For private limited companies, you also need:

• Copy of the board meeting notice
• Copy of the EGM notice
• Explanatory statement under Section 102 of the Companies Act
• Consent of directors (if applicable)

All documents must be digitally signed by a director or company secretary.

The MCA name change process typically takes 15–30 working days from start to finish. The timeline depends on the complexity of the name change and the MCA's processing speed.

Here is a realistic timeline:

• Name reservation (RUN): 1–3 working days
• Board meeting and EGM: 3–7 days (including notice period)
• Filing Form MGT-14: 1 day (must be within 30 days of resolution)
• Filing Form INC-24: 1 day
• MCA processing: 7–15 working days
• Receiving fresh Certificate of Incorporation: 1–2 days after approval

If the MCA raises any queries or objections, the process may take longer. You must respond to such queries within the specified time (usually 30 days). Delays can also occur if the proposed name is rejected and you need to apply again.

The fee for changing a company name with the MCA depends on the company's authorised share capital. The primary fees are:

1. RUN form fee: ₹1,000 (for name reservation)
2. Form INC-24 fee: Based on authorised capital:
   • Up to ₹1,00,000: ₹200
   • ₹1,00,001 to ₹5,00,000: ₹300
   • ₹5,00,001 to ₹25,00,000: ₹500
   • Above ₹25,00,000: ₹1,000
3. Form MGT-14 fee: Based on authorised capital (typically ₹200–₹1,000)
4. Stamp duty: Varies by state (typically ₹100–₹500)
5. Professional fees: If you engage a company secretary or chartered accountant, expect ₹5,000–₹15,000

Additional costs may include:

• Printing of new share certificates (if applicable)
• Updating bank accounts, GST registration, and other statutory records
• Publishing a notice in the Official Gazette (if required by the MCA)

The total government fee is usually under ₹5,000 for most small companies. Professional fees can increase the total cost to ₹10,000–₹25,000.

After the MCA approves the name change and issues a fresh Certificate of Incorporation, you must update all your company records and registrations. The new name takes effect from the date of the fresh certificate.

You must:

1. Update the Memorandum and Articles of Association – Print the altered documents
2. Update the company's common seal (if used)
3. Notify the Registrar of Companies (ROC) – The MCA automatically updates its records
4. Update bank accounts – Inform your bank and provide the fresh certificate
5. Update GST registration – File Form GST REG-14 on the GST portal
6. Update other registrations – Such as import-export code, professional tax, ESI, PF
7. Update contracts and agreements – Inform clients, vendors, and partners
8. Update the company website, letterheads, invoices, and business cards
9. Update the company's PAN and TAN – File an application with the Income Tax Department

You must also ensure that all statutory registers (register of members, register of directors, etc.) reflect the new name. The company must continue to use the old name for any pending legal proceedings until they are concluded.

If you are planning to change your company name, start by checking name availability on the MCA portal. Draft the board resolution and special resolution carefully, ensuring compliance with the Companies Act. For complex name changes or if you have multiple shareholders, consult a company secretary or chartered accountant to avoid procedural errors.

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This page provides preliminary information. It is not legal advice. For your matter, consult a qualified professional.