How to Change Company Name on the MCA website?

Changing a company's name on the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) portal involves a structured process under the Companies Act, 2013. Here's a concise overview:

Procedure for Changing Company Name:

1. Board Meeting Resolution

• Action: Convene a Board meeting to:

  • Approve the proposed new name.

  • Authorize the filing of necessary applications.

  • Set a date for an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM).

• Notice Period: Minimum 7 days prior notice as per Section 173(3) of the Companies Act, 2013.

2. RUN Application for Name Approval

• Platform: MCA V3 Portal

• Process:

  • Login and navigate to Company e-Filing → RUN Application.

  • Suggest up to two proposed names in order of preference.

  • Attach required documents:

    • Board Resolution copy.

    • No Objection Certificate (NOC) from trademark owner (if applicable).

    • Clarification letter (optional).

• Fee: ₹1,000 (subject to MCA revisions).

• Processing Time: Typically 7–20 days.

• Validity: Reserved name is valid for 60 days from approval.

3. Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM)

• Notice: Send EGM notice to shareholders at least 21 days before the meeting.

• Resolution: Pass a Special Resolution (requires at least 75% shareholder consent) to approve the name change and alterations to the Memorandum of Association (MOA) and Articles of Association (AOA).

4. File MGT-14 (Special Resolution)

• Timeline: File within 30 days of passing the Special Resolution.

• Attachments:

  • Certified copies of the Special Resolution.

  • Notice & explanatory statement of EGM.

  • Altered MOA & AOA.

  • Attendance sheet of EGM.

5. File INC-24 (Application for Name Change)

• Timeline: File within 30 days of passing the Special Resolution.

• Attachments:

  • Minutes of the EGM.

  • Certified true copies of the Special Resolution.

  • Affidavit from directors.

  • Altered MOA & AOA.

  • Certificates from relevant authorities (if required).

6. Issuance of New Certificate of Incorporation

• Upon approval by the Registrar of Companies (RoC), the company will receive a new Certificate of Incorporation (INC-25) reflecting the updated name.

Documents Required:

• Board Resolution: For approval of the new name.

• RUN Application: For name reservation.

• EGM Notice & Explanatory Statement: For shareholder approval.

• Special Resolution: Certified copy.

• Altered MOA & AOA: Reflecting the new name.

• Minutes of EGM: Documenting the proceedings.

• Affidavit from Directors: As per Rule 29(1) of the Companies (Incorporation) Rules, 2014.

• Proof of Registered Business Address: For address verification.

Estimated Timeline:

• RUN Application Processing: 7–20 days.

• EGM and Special Resolution: 1–2 weeks.

• Filing MGT-14 & INC-24: Within 30 days post-EGM.

• RoC Processing Time: 7–15 working days.

• Total Duration: Approximately 15–30 working days, depending on the RoC's processing time and document accuracy.

Post-Change Compliance:

After the name change is approved, ensure to update the new name across all official documents and platforms:

• MOA & AOA: Update all copies.

• Common Seal: If applicable.

• Bank Accounts: Update account details.

• Tax Registrations: PAN, TAN, GST, EPF, ESI, etc.

• Statutory Registers: Reflect the new name.

• Official Documents: Letterheads, invoices, contracts, etc.

• Digital Platforms: Website, social media profiles.

Note: The new name must be displayed on all official documents for at least two years from the approval date .

Estimated Costs:

• RUN Application Fee: ₹1,000.

• MGT-14 Filing Fee: ₹300–₹600 (based on authorized capital).

• INC-24 Filing Fee: ₹1,000–₹20,000 (based on authorized capital).

• Professional Fees: If availing services of a Company Secretary or legal expert.

Important Considerations:

• Compliance Status: Ensure all statutory filings (Annual Returns, Financial Statements, etc.) are up to date before initiating the name change process .

• Name Availability: The proposed name should comply with the Companies Act, 2013 naming guidelines and not conflict with existing trademarks or company names.

• Multiple Name Changes: A company can apply for a name change multiple times, but frequent changes may attract scrutiny from the RoC or Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) .

If you need assistance with any step of the process or have specific questions, feel free to ask!