How to Change a Company Name at CIPC
Quick Answer
How to Change a Company Name at CIPC
To rename a company you first reserve the new name at CIPC (R50), pass a special resolution of shareholders, then file the name change with the resolution – about R300 in total CIPC fees. The company registration number never changes, but you must then update SARS, the bank, the CSD, contracts and licences.
Before you reserve: clearance checks
- Trademark search – a CIPC name reservation does not clear trademarks. Search the CIPC trademarks register and consider registering the new name as a trademark.
- Domain and social handles – secure them before announcing.
- Google the name – avoid inheriting someone else’s bad reputation.
Related: How to Register a Trademark in South Africa.
How to change the name step by step
- Reserve the new name on CIPC eServices (R50, up to 4 options).
- Pass a special resolution (75% shareholder approval) adopting the new name.
- File the notice of amendment with the name reservation reference, resolution and fee.
- Download the amended registration certificate with the new name.
- Update SARS trading name, bank account name, CSD, invoices, contracts, B-BBEE affidavit and licences.
What changes – and what does not
The enterprise (registration) number stays the same, so the company remains the same legal person – contracts and debts continue. What must change is every label: letterheads, invoices, bank mandates, insurance, COIDA and UIF registrations, and your payment gateway.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Reserving a name that infringes a trademark – you can be forced to rebrand twice
- Announcing the new name before the CIPC filing is approved
- Forgetting to update the SARS trading name so tax invoices mismatch
- Leaving the old name on the B-BBEE affidavit used for tenders
A South African example
A Pretoria bakery rebrands from ‘Sunrise Bakes’ to ‘Karoo Crumb’. The owner reserves the name, holds the special resolution, files the change, then spends a focused week updating the bank, SARS, her card payment account, the WhatsApp catalogue and supplier contracts – customers never notice a gap in trading.
Related questions
- How to Register a Trademark in South Africa
- How to Change a Company Address at CIPC
- Name Reservation (glossary)
- Trademark (glossary)
Always verify this information with official South African government sources. Rules, fees and thresholds change. Check CIPC before you act.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a company name change cost?
Roughly R300 all-in at current CIPC tariffs: R50 reservation plus about R250 for the amendment filing.
Does the company number change when the name changes?
No – the enterprise number is permanent; only the name changes.
How long does a name change take?
Plan for 1-3 weeks including the reservation, resolution and CIPC processing.
