Change of Business Name – Complete Guide (All Entities)

1. What is Change of Business Name?

Change of business name means legally altering the registered name of a business entity with the respective authority (MCA, Registrar of Firms, GST, etc.), while the business may continue the same or change its activities.

2. Entities Covered

This guide covers name change process for:

• Private Limited Company

• Public Limited Company

• One Person Company (OPC)

• Section 8 Company

• Limited Liability Partnership (LLP)

• Partnership Firm

• Sole Proprietorship

PART A – COMPANY NAME CHANGE

(Private Ltd / Public Ltd / OPC / Section 8)

Governing Law

Companies Act, 2013

Authority

Registrar of Companies (ROC)

Key Forms

• RUN / SPICe+ Part A

• MGT-14

• INC-24

Process (Summary)

1. Board Resolution

2. Name approval from MCA

3. Shareholders’ Special Resolution

4. Filing with ROC

5. New Certificate of Incorporation

Time Required

⏱ 10–15 working days

👉 (Detailed process already explained above)

PART B – LLP NAME CHANGE

3. Change of LLP Name

Governing Law

LLP Act, 2008

Authority

Registrar of LLP (MCA)

When LLP Can Change Name

• Rebranding

• Change in business activity

• Trademark issues

• Partner decision

Step-by-Step LLP Name Change Process

Step 1: Partner Resolution

• Pass resolution approving new name

• Authorize partner to apply

Step 2: Name Reservation

• Apply through RUN-LLP

• ROC checks availability

Step 3: File Form LLP-5

• File within 30 days of name approval

• Attach resolution

Step 4: ROC Approval

• ROC issues Fresh Certificate of Incorporation

Forms Required (LLP)

Documents Required

• LLP Agreement

• Partner Resolution

• DSC of partner

Time Required

⏱ 7–10 working days

PART C – PARTNERSHIP FIRM NAME CHANGE

4. Change of Partnership Firm Name

Governing Law

Indian Partnership Act, 1932

Authority

Registrar of Firms (State-wise)

Step-by-Step Process

1. Consent of all partners

2. Draft Supplementary Partnership Deed

3. Execute deed on stamp paper

4. File application with Registrar of Firms

5. Update records

Documents Required

• Existing partnership deed

• Supplementary deed

• Partner consent

• Address proof

Time Required

⏱ 7–15 days (state dependent)

Important Point

• Registration of name change is optional but recommended

• Mandatory for banks, GST, licenses

PART D – SOLE PROPRIETORSHIP NAME CHANGE

5. Change of Proprietorship Name

Governing Law

❌ No specific Act
✔ Based on business registrations

How Name is Changed

Name is changed by updating:

• GST Registration

• Shop & Establishment

• Bank Account

• MSME (Udyam)

Step-by-Step Process

1. Choose new business name

2. Update GST (if registered)

3. Update bank & licenses

4. Inform customers & vendors

Documents Required

• Proprietor PAN & Aadhaar

• Address proof

• GST certificate (if applicable)

Time Required

⏱ 5–7 working days

PART E – SECTION 8 COMPANY NAME CHANGE

6. Section 8 Company Name Change (NGO)

Additional Requirement

✔ Approval from Central Government / RD

Process Includes

• Board Resolution

• Special Resolution

• Name approval

• INC-24 filing

• Fresh License

⏱ 15–25 working days

7. Comparison Table – Name Change Across Entities

8. Common Points for All Name Changes

✔ Legal identity remains same
✔ Assets & liabilities unchanged
✔ Existing contracts remain valid
✔ PAN remains same (except proprietorship)

9. Post Name Change Compliance (All Entities)

✔ Update PAN / GST
✔ Update bank accounts
✔ Update invoices & letterheads
✔ Update licenses & registrations
✔ Inform stakeholders

10. FAQs (All Entities)

Q. Can a business change name multiple times?
Yes, with proper approval.

Q. Is trademark registration mandatory?
No, but strongly recommended.

Q. Is physical presence required?
No, mostly online.