How to File Form INC-24 for Change of Company Name

Changing a company name looks simple from the outside, but the MCA treats it as a serious compliance action. The entire process moves through approvals, resolutions, and a final filing known as Form INC-24.

If you plan to change your company name, this guide will help you file it smoothly, avoid common mistakes, and stay aligned with the Companies Act.

What Is Form INC-24

Form INC-24 is the official Form for Company Name Change. It is filed after your shareholders approve the new name through a special resolution. The Registrar of Companies reviews this form and, if all details are correct, issues a fresh Certificate of Incorporation with the updated name.

You can file Form INC-24 online through the MCA portal. The form is available for form INC-24 download on the MCA website.

Why Companies File Form INC-24

Most companies file this form for one of three reasons:

• A shift in branding or business model
• A merger or internal restructuring
• A name that is too similar to an existing business or trademark

Whatever the reason, INC-24 ensures the change is legally recognised and updated in MCA records.

Want to learn the whole process of changing the company name? Here’s the full blog to guide you through the process of name-changing: Change Company Name: Procedure in India Explained Step by Step

Legal Basis for Filing Form INC-24

Form INC-24 falls under Section 13(2) of the Companies Act, 2013. It requires a special resolution and compliance with the naming rules laid out in Sections 4(2) and 4(3). Rule 29(2) of the Companies (Incorporation) Rules adds one important restriction. A company with pending returns, annual compliances, overdue deposits, or unpaid debentures cannot change its name until it clears all defaults.

So before you file Form INC-24, check that your ROC filings are up to date.

Check the due dates for the ROC compliance for your company to make sure you are not falling behind: ROC Compliance for Private Limited Company: Meaning and Requirements

Choosing a Valid New Name for Your Company

The MCA follows strict naming rules. Keep these points in mind while deciding your new company name:

• It must be unique and not identical or confusingly similar to any existing company
• Generic words such as Private, Limited, LLP, or small spelling changes do not create uniqueness
• It should not be offensive or misleading
• It should not imply government approval
• Names referring to sectors, national figures, or government institutions need a strong justification

It is also a good practice to check trademark availability in India. You want a name that is legally clean across both MCA and IP records.

Step-by-Step Procedure to Change a Company Name

A name change involves two major filings. First is the RUN form for name reservation. Second is the INC-24 application. Here is the full sequence.

Step 1: Hold a Board Meeting

The board approves the intent to change the name and authorises the filing of the name reservation request.

Step 2: Check Name Availability

It is important to check your company name availability on the MCA. Apply through the RUN (Reserve Unique Name) service. You can propose two names. Once approved, move ahead with shareholder approval.

Step 3: Hold an Extraordinary General Meeting

You need to conduct an Extraordinary General Meeting to make such changes. Through EGM, get shareholder consent through a special resolution. Update the MOA and AOA clauses related to the company name.

Learn the purpose and when you can have an EGM for your company: Everything you need to know about the Extraordinary General Meeting

Step 4: File Form MGT-14

Form MGT-14 records the special resolution with the ROC. Before moving to INC-24, it is essential to know how to file Form MGT-14 and what constitutes a special resolution.

Step 5: File Form INC-24

This is the final and most important step. You must file Form INC-24 online within 30 days of passing the resolution.

Documents Required for Form INC-24

Prepare these documents before you start the filing:

• Certified true copy of EGM minutes
• Certified special resolution
• Updated MOA and AOA
• Sector-specific approvals, if required
• CA certificate if the new name reflects a shift in business activity
• Any explanatory notes supporting the name change

Clear, readable documents avoid needless delays.

Fee Structure for Filing Form INC-24

The fee for Form INC-24 depends on your company’s size and share capital.

Company Type	Share Capital/Category	Government Fee (₹)
OPC and Small Companies	Up to ₹25 lakh	1,000
	₹25–50 lakh	2,500
Other Companies	Up to ₹25 lakh	2,000
	₹25–50 lakh	5,000
	₹50 lakh–₹5 crore	10,000
	₹5–10 crore	15,000https://taxguru.in/company-law/eform-inc-24-application-approval-central-government-change.html
	Above ₹10 crore	20,000
Companies Limited by Guarantee	No share capital	2,000
Section 8 Company	With valid licence	2,000

How to File Form INC-24 on the MCA Portal

Here is the exact filing flow on the portal.

Step 1: Log in to MCA

Use your registered credentials and open the e-forms section.

Step 2: Enter the CIN

Enter your CIN and use the pre-fill feature. The system will load the registered office address and email ID. Update the email only if necessary.

Here are the full details on what CIN is and its structure for a better understanding of it: CIN Number: What It Is, Structure, Importance & How to Check

Step 3: Add RUN SRN

Enter the approved RUN SRN. Use the pre-fill button again to display the proposed name.

Step 4: Provide Reason for Name Change

State why the company wants to change its name. Keep it straightforward. Common reasons include rebranding, shifting business focus, or regulatory direction.

Step 5: Enter MGT-14 SRN

Type in the SRN of the form filed for the special resolution.

Step 6: Confirm the Original Name

For companies incorporated in the MCA21 system, the original name appears automatically. For older companies, type the original name as it should appear in the final certificate.

Step 7: Add Member and Share Details

Enter the total number of members and the shares held by them. For companies without share capital, type zero in the share column.

Step 8: Attach Documents

Attach the following:

• Certified copy of the minutes of the general meeting
• Approval orders from regulators, if any
• Any other required documents

All attachments must be clear and in PDF format.

Step 9: Digital Signature

A Director, Manager, Company Secretary, CEO, or CFO must sign the form. The identification number or membership number must match the designated individual.

Step 10: Check, Modify, and Pre-Scrutinize

Run the Check Form option. Correct errors, if any. Then complete pre-scrutiny. This step requires internet access.

Step 11: Submit and Pay Fees

Submit the form. A unique SRN and challan will be generated. Keep both safe for future follow-up.

Common Reasons for INC-24 Rejection

Many companies face rejection due to avoidable issues. These are the most common:

• Pending annual filings or financial statements
• Unpaid deposits or debentures
• Weak justification for the name change
• Name reservation expiry
• Missing or incomplete special resolution
• Outdated shareholder list
• Blurry MOA/AOA scans
• Missing Board resolution
• Missing EGM minutes
• Updated MOA/AOA not attached
• Missing approvals from regulators
• No explanation of business activities
• Incorrect or vague objects clause
• Missing auditor certificate where required
• Proposed name not aligned with business operations

A little document checking beforehand saves a lot of trouble.

After the Approval of the Company Name Change

Once the new name is granted, your work is not over. You need to update the following aspects:

• All statutory registers
• PAN, TAN, GST
• Bank accounts
• Invoices, agreements, and letterheads
• Signboards and marketing material
• Website, email, and stationery

All stakeholders should be informed promptly.

Conclusion

A company name change is a legal process that moves through board approval, shareholder consent, statutory filings, and an ROC review. Form INC-24 is the key step, and once approved, you receive a fresh Certificate of Incorporation with the new name.

Clear documents and timely filings keep the process smooth and help you avoid delays or rejection. If you prefer a smooth, error-free filing, LegalWiz.in can handle the entire company name change process for you, from documents to submission. Reach out and complete your Form INC-24 with confidence.