How do I change my company name on CIPC?

Log into your CIPC account, reserve a new name, submit the necessary forms including CoR 9.4, pay the fee, and await confirmation from CIPC.

How long does it take to change a company name?

The process typically takes 5 to 10 working days after submitting all correct documents and paying the required fees.

What documents are needed for a name change on CIPC?

You need the CoR 9.4 form, a signed company resolution, certified ID copies of directors, and any supporting company documents.

Will my registration number change after a name change?

No, your company registration number remains the same; only your business name updates in the CIPC records.

Can I use the old company name after changing it?

No, once the name change is approved, you must use the new name in all business documents and communications.

How to Change Your Company Name with the CIPC

EasyCIPCRegister
Jul 20
6 min read

Need to update your business name? Learn how to change your company name on CIPC step by step, with details on forms, costs, timelines, and avoiding common application mistakes.

Author: written by the EasyCIPCRegister team, experts in South African company registration and compliance. Trusted by hundreds of readers, EasyCIPCRegister delivers up-to-date, practical advice on how to start and manage a successful business.

How to Change Your Company Name with the CIPC

There are several reasons why a South African business might want to change its company name. Rebranding is one of the most common. As businesses grow, shift direction, or reposition themselves in the market, the original name may no longer reflect the brand identity. Other times, a company may merge with or acquire another business, prompting a name change to unify branding. Legal reasons can also drive a change, especially if a business receives a cease-and-desist for a name that’s too similar to another entity. Companies may also correct typos or update names to align with new services.

Some common reasons include

Business rebranding or repositioning
Mergers or acquisitions
Legal issues or disputes
Errors in the original name
Changing target market or business focus

No matter the reason, the change must go through the CIPC system to ensure all records and documents are legally updated. If you’re starting fresh, explore our company registration services to get your business set up quickly and correctly.

What must you do before getting started?

Before beginning the process to change your company name, there are key steps you should follow to avoid delays or rejections. Start by making sure your company is in good standing with CIPC—this means all annual returns are filed and no compliance issues are outstanding. Next, pick a new name and check its availability using the CIPC Name Reservation tool. You can submit up to four name options in one application.

You also need the proper internal approvals:

A signed resolution from the directors (for private companies)
A resolution from shareholders (for other company types)
Your updated company information (address, contact details)

Prepare scanned copies of:

Certified director IDs.
Company registration documents.
Supporting documents if applicable (e.g. amended MOI).

Having all of this ready before you start saves time later. Protect your brand identity by learning how to register a trademark with CIPC the right way.

A flowchart titled "Steps to Change Company Name" depicted as a winding road with five labeled milestones. The first milestone, "Prepare Scanned Documents" (yellow), involves gathering and scanning required documents. The second, "Check Name Availability" (blue), requires using the CIPC tool to check name availability. The third, "Ensure Good Standing with CIPC" (green), involves verifying compliance with CIPC regulations. The fourth, "Obtain Internal Approvals" (green), requires securing necessary approvals from directors or shareholders. The fifth, "Pick New Name" (blue), involves selecting a new name for the company. The image is created with Napkin.

How do you start the application process?

To begin, log into your CIPC eServices or BizPortal account using your registered credentials. Once inside, go to the “Name Reservation” section. Here, you can submit up to four name options for CIPC to consider. You’ll receive feedback within 2 to 5 working days.

If the name is approved:

Download the CoR 9.4 form provided with the approval.
Use this form to proceed with the name change application.
Make sure you’ve prepared the necessary resolutions and certified ID copies.

If the name is rejected:

Submit a new set of name options.
Avoid using names that are too similar to existing companies.

This first step ensures you secure the right to use the new name. A solid foundation begins with a clear strategy; see our guide on what a business plan is to plan your success.

What forms and documents must you submit?

Changing your company name with CIPC requires submitting specific forms and documents accurately.

Here’s a list of what you’ll typically need:

CoR 9.4 Form: Issued after name reservation is approved.
CoR 15.2 Form: Required if your company MOI is being amended.
Resolution: Signed by all directors or shareholders (depending on company type)
Certified ID copies of the person submitting the application and directors.
Supporting Documents: If your company has special circumstances or structures.

Make sure all ID documents are

Certified within the last 3 months
Clearly legible with no marks or smudges

You can upload the documents through your CIPC profile or email them to the designated CIPC address for manual processing.

How long does the process usually take?

Once you’ve submitted all documents, the name change process typically takes 5 to 10 working days, but it can vary depending on the volume of submissions CIPC is handling. Errors or missing documents often cause delays.

Here’s what affects turnaround time:

Document accuracy
Submission channel (online is usually faster)
Current CIPC workload
Use of third-party services (like EasyCIPCRegister)

With third-party assistance:

Documents are pre-checked.
Submissions are typically faster.
You receive updates and support during the process.

Once approved, CIPC will issue a new company registration certificate showing your updated business name.

A flowchart titled "Name Change Process Sequence" depicted as a horizontal sequence of seven steps with icons. The steps are: 1) "Submit Documents" (blue), where documents are submitted for processing; 2) "Check Accuracy" (cyan), where documents are checked for accuracy; 3) "Process Documents" (green), where CIPC processes the submitted documents; 4) "Consider Submission Channel" (lime), where the submission channel is considered for speed; 5) "Assess CIPC Workload" (yellow), where CIPC workload is assessed for potential delays; 6) "Use Third-Party Services" (orange), where third-party services are used for assistance; and 7) "Receive Updates" (red), where updates and support are provided during the process, leading to "Issue New Certificate" (pink), where a new company registration certificate is issued. The image is created with Napkin.

What does it cost to change names?

The total cost to change a company name with CIPC depends on two things: official fees and whether you use a service provider. Here’s a breakdown:

Name Reservation: R50 (for up to 4 name options)
Name Change Application: R250 (paid to CIPC)
Optional Service Fees: R300 to R1000+ depending on the provider and service package

Why many businesses use a third party:

Saves time on admin and paperwork
Reduces chances of rejections
Helps ensure compliance

If you’re confident with the process, you can apply directly. If not, using a registered service provider can streamline the process.

How can you avoid common application mistakes?

Avoiding mistakes is crucial for a smooth application. Here are common errors and how to avoid them:

Incorrectly filled forms: Always double-check your CoR forms.
Uncertified or expired ID copies: IDs must be certified within 3 months.
Wrong resolution type: Make sure the resolution matches your company structure.
Unavailable name: Use the CIPC tool to check availability before applying.
Using a restricted or misleading name: Certain words require additional approval (e.g., “bank” or “university”).

Tips:

Have someone else review your documents.
Scan documents clearly and legibly.
If unsure, consult a professional.

Avoiding these issues can cut processing time and prevent unnecessary delays.

A flowchart titled "How to avoid common application mistakes?" with three main branches converging into a central point labeled "Verify Resolution Type" (green), which aligns with company structure and ensures legal compliance. The first branch, "Certify ID Copies" (green), validates identity and avoids compliance delays, pointing left. The second branch, "Double-Check Forms" (blue), ensures accuracy and completeness, preventing rejection, pointing left. The third branch splits into "Check Name Availability" (cyan), which prevents conflicts and ensures uniqueness, pointing right, and "Avoid Restricted Names" (red), which prevents legal issues and requires additional approval, also pointing right. The image is created with Napkin.

Should you use a professional service provider?

Working with a CIPC service provider like EasyCIPCRegister can save time and prevent errors, especially for busy business owners. These providers understand the system, forms, and common pitfalls.

Benefits of using a provider:

Fast document review and submission
Real-time updates on progress
Assistance with corrections or rejections
Help with additional services like MOI updates

Who should consider using one:

First-time business owners
Companies with complex structures
Owners unfamiliar with the CIPC system

Instead of navigating the process alone, a service provider helps you stay compliant and speeds things up.

Conclusion

Changing your company name through CIPC lets you update your brand legally and professionally. It helps you stay relevant, align with your business goals, and avoid legal issues with similar names. The process also updates your official records, ensuring consistency across all documents and communications.

By following the correct steps and using the right forms, you can complete the change smoothly and on time. If you want to save time and reduce errors, consider using us as your trusted service provider.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Will my old company documents stay valid?

No, once your company name changes, all documents bearing the old name become outdated and can no longer be used in legal or formal settings. You must update your company records, tax profiles, and any bank accounts to reflect the new name. Inform all stakeholders, including clients, suppliers, and regulators. Keep copies of the old documents for internal history, but use your new certificate and documents for all business transactions moving forward.

Q2: Do I need to update SARS information?

Yes, after your name change is approved by CIPC, you must update SARS. Visit a SARS branch or log into your SARS eFiling profile and submit a request to update your business name. You will need to provide your new company registration certificate from CIPC and certified ID documents. Updating SARS ensures your tax status, VAT profile, and other records stay valid and aligned with your business registration.

Q3: Can I still use the old company name?

No, using your old company name after the CIPC has approved a name change can lead to confusion and legal issues. Contracts, invoices, and marketing must reflect the new name. Continuing to use the old name might invalidate agreements and harm your credibility. Inform clients, update signage and branding, and revise online listings. It’s your responsibility to maintain consistency with your new official business name across all platforms.

Q4: Will my registration number remain the same?

Yes, your company registration number stays the same after changing your name. The number identifies the legal entity, not the business name. This ensures continuity for your records at banks, SARS, and other institutions. So while the name may change, your business's legal identity does not. Always include your registration number on invoices, letterheads, and official correspondence, especially when notifying stakeholders about the name update.

Q5: What happens if my name is rejected?

If CIPC rejects your name reservation, you’ll need to submit a new set of name options. Rejection reasons often include similarity to existing businesses, use of restricted words, or non-compliance with naming rules. Avoid this by researching current business names and using CIPC’s guidelines. Submit multiple name choices to increase your chances. A service provider can assist with choosing compliant, unique names that are more likely to be approved quickly.