CIPC Name Change: How to Change Your Company Name.

What Is a CIPC Name Change?

A CIPC name change is the process of legally changing the registered name of your company at the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission. You might want to do this because your business has rebranded, you bought an existing company and want to rename it, or your current name no longer fits what you do. The process involves reserving a new name, passing a special resolution, and filing a name change document with CIPC. It is not complicated but you must follow the steps in the right order.

When You Need a CIPC Name Change

You need a CIPC name change if you want to change the name that appears on your company registration certificate (CoR14.3). This is different from just changing your trading name or logo. Your registered name is the legal name of your company. If you only want to change how your business looks on signage or social media, you do not need CIPC. But if you want to open a new bank account, apply for tenders, or sign contracts under a different name, you must change it at CIPC.

Step 1: Reserve the New Name

Before you can change your company name, you must reserve the new name with CIPC. This means checking that the name is available and not already taken by another company.

1. Go to the CIPC website and log into your account.
2. Click on New Name Reservation.
3. Enter up to four name options in order of preference.
4. Pay the name reservation fee.
5. Wait for CIPC to approve or reject your name options.

CIPC will issue a name reservation certificate (CoR9.1) if your name is approved. This certificate is valid for six months. You must complete the name change before it expires.

Step 2: Pass a Special Resolution

Once your new name is reserved, you need to get approval from the directors or shareholders of your company. This is done through a special resolution.

1. Draft a special resolution stating that the company name is changing from the old name to the new name.
2. All directors must sign the resolution.
3. Keep the signed resolution in your company records.

For a private company (Pty Ltd), the shareholders must approve the name change by a majority vote. For a sole director company, the director can sign the resolution alone.

Step 3: File the Name Change with CIPC

After the special resolution is signed, you must file the name change with CIPC.

1. Log into your CIPC account.
2. Select Company Name Change.
3. Enter your company registration number and the approved name reservation number.
4. Upload the signed special resolution.
5. Pay the filing fee.
6. Wait for CIPC to process the change.

CIPC will issue a new registration certificate (CoR14.3) showing your new company name. This is your proof that the name change is official.

Step 4: Update Other Institutions

Changing your name at CIPC is only the first part. You must also update your name with other institutions.

• SARS: You must update your company name with SARS for tax purposes. You can do this through SARS eFiling or by visiting a SARS branch.
• Bank: You must inform your bank about the name change. They will ask for the new CIPC registration certificate.
• UIF and COIDA: If you have employees, update your name with the Department of Labour and the Compensation Fund.
• B-BBEE Certificate: If you have a B-BBEE certificate, you will need a new one with your updated name.
• CIDB: If you are registered with the Construction Industry Development Board, update your name there too.

How Long Does a CIPC Name Change Take?

The name reservation step can take a few days to a few weeks depending on CIPC workload. Once you file the name change, CIPC usually processes it within a few weeks. The total time can be anywhere from a few weeks to over a month. You cannot rush CIPC, so plan ahead if you need the new name for a tender deadline or contract signing.

What Does a CIPC Name Change Cost?

You will pay two main fees to CIPC. The first is the name reservation fee, and the second is the name change filing fee. These fees are set by CIPC and can change, so check the current fees on the CIPC website before you start. If you use a service provider to do the work for you, they will charge their own fee on top of the CIPC fees.

Do You Need a New Logo When You Change Your Name?

Not always, but often yes. If your new name is very different from your old name, your current logo may not make sense anymore. A new name is a good time to refresh your brand so everything looks consistent. If you need a new logo, KAGO offers a Logo Only service for R895 or a full Brand Identity package for R1,790. The Brand Identity includes multiple logo concepts and brand colours, which helps if you are updating signage, business cards, and social media at the same time.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Do not start using the new name on official documents before CIPC approves the change. Your old name is still the legal name until CIPC issues the new certificate.
• Do not forget to update SARS and your bank. If your CIPC name and bank account name do not match, you may struggle to receive payments.
• Do not let your name reservation expire. You have six months to complete the name change after the name is reserved.
• Do not forget to update your company profile and business plan if you use them for funding or tenders. Funders and procurement officers will check that your documents match your CIPC records.

Can KAGO Help with a Name Change?

KAGO does not file the CIPC name change for you, but we can help you update your business documents after the change is done. If you need a new Company Profile for R1,995 or a new Business Plan for R3,495, we can rebuild these with your new name and refreshed content. We can also help with a new logo and brand identity so your business looks professional under the new name. If you are changing your name because you are repositioning your business, this is a good time to make sure your documents and branding are aligned.

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