Changing a registered company name in South Africa is a two-step process — name reservation followed by a name change application. Most business owners get stuck at step one because CIPC rejects names that are too similar to existing registrations, contain restricted words, or do not meet the naming requirements of the Companies Act.
This guide walks through the entire process from start to finish — the forms you need, the fees involved, the timelines to expect, and everything you must update after CIPC approves the change. Whether you are rebranding, correcting a registration error, or restructuring your business, the steps are the same.
Registered name vs trading name — know the difference
Your registered name is the legal name that appears on your CIPC registration certificate. It is the name under which your company enters into contracts, opens bank accounts, and files statutory returns. Changing it requires a formal application through CIPC and triggers updates across every government agency and institution that holds your company records.
A trading name — sometimes called a business name or brand name — is the name under which you market your products or services to customers. You can adopt or change a trading name without any CIPC application or approval. There is no form to file and no fee to pay. The limitation is that a trading name carries no legal protection through CIPC — it does not prevent another company from registering the same or a similar name.
If you only need to change the name your customers see, a trading name change may be all you need. If you need the legal name on your CIPC certificate to change, read on.
Step 1 — Reserve the new name
Before you can change your company name, you must first reserve the new name with CIPC. A name reservation confirms that the name you want is available and meets the requirements of the Companies Act.
Start by checking name availability on the CIPC website or BizPortal. Search for existing company names and trademarks to reduce the risk of rejection. Once you are satisfied the name is likely available, submit your reservation via CIPC eServices or BizPortal.
You may submit up to four names in preference order. CIPC will approve the first name on your list that meets the requirements. If all four are rejected, you will need to submit a new application with different names.
The fee is R50 for electronic submission and R75 for manual submission. Upon approval, you will receive a CoR9.4 — the Name Reservation Confirmation. This reservation is valid for six months. If you do not complete the name change within that period, you can extend the reservation for an additional fee of R30. If you let it lapse, you lose the reservation and another entity can claim the name.
Step 2 — Pass a special resolution
A company name change requires shareholder approval by way of a special resolution. Under the Companies Act, a special resolution requires the support of at least 75% of the voting rights exercised on the resolution.
The resolution must be properly documented in your company's statutory records. Keep a signed copy of the resolution — CIPC may request it as part of the name change application, and your auditor or accounting officer will need it for the annual financial statements.
For single-shareholder companies, this step is straightforward — the sole shareholder simply signs the resolution. For companies with multiple shareholders, ensure the resolution is tabled and voted on in accordance with your Memorandum of Incorporation.
Step 3 — Apply for the name change
With your CoR9.4 in hand and the special resolution passed, you can now apply for the name change. Submit the application via CIPC eServices using the CoR15.2 form — the Notice of Amendment of Memorandum of Incorporation.
The fee for a name change is R250. However, if your company currently has no name — for example, it was registered with a registration number only — the fee is waived.
When submitting, ensure that your customer code on the CoR15.2 matches the customer code used for the name reservation. A mismatch between the reservation and the application is one of the most common reasons for processing delays.
Processing typically takes 5 to 10 business days. Once approved, CIPC will issue an updated registration certificate reflecting the new company name. The effective date of the name change is the date CIPC files the amendment — not the date you submitted the application.
After approval — what you must update
A CIPC name change only updates your company name on the CIPC register. Every other institution that holds your company records must be updated separately. Failing to do so creates mismatches between your CIPC records and other government databases, which can delay tax refunds, trigger compliance queries, and cause problems with contracts.
Here is what you need to update after CIPC approves the name change:
SARS (RAV01) — Submit an updated RAV01 form via SARS eFiling to reflect the new company name across your income tax, VAT, PAYE, and UIF registrations. This is the single most important post-change update because SARS cross-references your company name with CIPC records.
Banking — Notify your bank and provide the updated CIPC registration certificate. Your bank account name must match your registered company name. Some banks require a new resolution authorising the name change on the account.
Contracts and agreements — Review all active contracts, leases, and service agreements. While the name change does not invalidate existing contracts, you should notify counterparties and update the company name in any renewals or amendments.
COIDA — Update your company name with the Compensation Fund to ensure your Return of Earnings and any claims are processed under the correct name.
UIF and PAYE — These are updated through the SARS RAV01 process, but verify that the Department of Labour's records also reflect the change, particularly if you file UIF declarations via uFiling.
Beneficial Ownership declaration — If you have already filed your BO declaration with CIPC, you do not need to refile solely because of a name change. However, if your next BO filing is due soon, ensure the new name is reflected.
Letterheads, invoices, and stationery — Section 32 of the Companies Act requires that your registered name appear on all official documents. Update your invoice templates, letterheads, email signatures, and any printed materials.
Domain and digital presence — Update your website, social media profiles, Google Business Profile, and any online directories. If your domain name no longer matches your company name, consider registering a new domain and setting up redirects.
What a name change does NOT affect
Your registration number stays the same. A name change does not create a new company — it amends the existing registration. Your company's registration number, which appears on all CIPC correspondence and your registration certificate, remains unchanged.
All rights and obligations carry over. Contracts, debts, tax obligations, and legal proceedings continue under the new name. The company is the same legal entity before and after the name change — only the label has changed.
Your anniversary date is unchanged. Your CIPC annual return filing date is still calculated from the original registration date, not from the date of the name change. Do not assume the name change resets any compliance deadlines.
Trading name alternative — when you do not need CIPC
If your goal is simply to operate under a different brand name without changing your legal registration, a trading name may be sufficient. No CIPC application is needed, there is no fee, and there is no waiting period.
The limitation is that a trading name carries no legal protection through CIPC. Another company can register an identical or confusingly similar name, and your only recourse would be through common law or trademark law — not through CIPC's name dispute mechanisms. If brand protection matters to your business, a formal name reservation and registration — combined with a trademark application — is the stronger route.
Frequently asked questions
Can I change my company name if I have outstanding annual returns?
No. CIPC will not process a name change — or most other amendments — if your company is non-compliant. Outstanding annual returns, beneficial ownership declarations, or other overdue filings must be brought up to date before the name reservation or name change application will be accepted. Check your compliance status first to avoid wasting the reservation fee.
Can a competitor object to my new company name after CIPC approves it?
Yes. Any person who believes a company name does not satisfy the requirements of section 11 of the Companies Act may file a complaint with the Companies Tribunal. Additionally, CIPC does not cross-check company names against the trademarks registermaintained by CIPC's trademarks division. A name approved by CIPC may still infringe a registered trademark, exposing your company to an infringement claim. Always conduct a trademark search before finalising your new name.
Does a company name change affect my VAT registration?
Your VAT registration number stays the same. However, you must update the registered name on your SARS profile by submitting a RAV01 form via SARS eFiling. Failing to update can cause mismatches between your CIPC records and SARS records, which may delay refunds or trigger queries.
How do I change the name of a Close Corporation (CC)?
Close Corporations use a different process and different forms. The name change is not done via BizPortal. You will need to submit the applicable CC amendment forms directly through CIPC. The process involves a CK2 form and follows the Close Corporations Act 69 of 1984 rather than the Companies Act. If you are considering converting your CC to a company, that conversion process includes the option to adopt a new name at the same time.
Can I reserve a company name that is similar to an existing trademark?
CIPC does not cross-check name reservations against the trademarks register. A reservation may be approved even if it conflicts with a registered trademark. This does not give you the right to use the name — the trademark holder can still bring an infringement claim against your company. Always conduct a trademark search through CIPC's trademarks database or consult a trademark attorney before reserving a name you intend to use commercially.