CIPC Company Name Change: Cost, Process, and Documents (2026)
OurPower - Last verified 2026-05-03
What it costs
- Name extension (e.g. "Apex (Pty) Ltd" -> "Apex Solutions (Pty) Ltd"): R30 online, R50 manual
- Full name change (replace one approved name with another): R250 (filed as MOI amendment)
- Name reservation for the new name (R50 online) - separate, optional but cleaner first
Process
- Pass a special resolution of shareholders authorising the name change (75% approval required by default - your MOI may differ).
- Reserve the new name at CIPC. Use BizPortal name-availability or our name-rejection-rules guide first.
- File Form CoR15.2 (Notice of Amendment of Memorandum of Incorporation) at CIPC eServices, attaching: special resolution, new name reservation confirmation (if reserved), CoR9.4 if applicable.
- Pay R250 (or R30/R50 for an extension only).
- CIPC processes within 21 working days. New CoR14.3 issued.
- Update SARS, your bank, customers, suppliers, regulator, and any government registrations (CSD, BBBEE, CIDB, PSIRA, NHBRC).
Common rejection reasons
- New name fails CIPC's name-acceptance rules (restricted words, similarity to existing companies).
- Special resolution not signed by shareholders representing 75%+ of voting rights.
- MOI does not allow name change with a special resolution alone (rare, but check yours).
- Outstanding Annual Returns or Beneficial Ownership filings - CIPC will reject the amendment until you're current.
- Name reservation expired before you filed CoR15.2.
Special resolution template
[Company Name] (Pty) Ltd | Reg No: [number]
SPECIAL RESOLUTION OF SHAREHOLDERS
Date: [date]
Resolved as a special resolution that the name of the Company be changed from [old name] to [new name], and that the Memorandum of Incorporation be amended accordingly.
Authorisation: this resolution is supported by shareholders representing not less than 75% of the voting rights exercisable on the resolution.
Signed: [each shareholder name + ID + signature]
Frequently asked questions
Does my registration number change?
No. The CIPC registration number stays the same. Only the trading name changes.
Do I need to inform SARS separately?
Yes. Update via eFiling -> SARS Registered Details -> Maintain Company. Banks, regulators, and suppliers also need to be informed.
How long does the change take?
21 working days at CIPC, then 1-3 weeks for SARS and bank updates. Total: 1-2 months for the change to fully propagate.
Can I just trade under a new name without changing CIPC?
Yes - operate under a "trading as" name without formally changing CIPC. Cheaper, faster, but the legal name on contracts and invoices is still the registered name.
Tools to help
Related guides
General guidance for South African company registration. Not legal or tax advice. CIPC fees and SARS rules change - figures verified 2026-05-03. Sources: CIPC, SARS, BizPortal.