How do I change my company name with CIPC?

Reserve your new name on the CIPC eServices portal (CoR9.1), receive a CoR9.4 approval certificate, complete the CoR15.2 form, upload supporting documents, and submit. CIPC will issue a new registration certificate with your updated company name.

Do I need to re-register my company to change the name?

No. Changing your company name does not create a new entity. Your registration number stays the same — only the company name is updated.

How long does it take to change a company name with CIPC?

Name reservations usually take 1–2 business days, and the final name change process takes around 3–5 business days after submission.

What documents are needed to change a company name?

You’ll need a certified director ID, a board resolution, the CoR9.4 name reservation certificate, and a completed CoR15.2 form.

How to Change Your Company Name with CIPC (Step-by-Step Guide)

Q: Can Smartbook change my company name for me?

Yes. Smartbook can reserve your new name, file your CoR15.2 form, and deliver your updated registration certificate directly to you.

Johan De Wet
Oct 15
3 min read

If you’ve rebranded, changed your business focus, or simply want a fresh start — you can easily change your company name with the CIPC.

The Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC) allows registered companies in South Africa to change their name at any time, as long as the new name is available and not already in use.

This guide explains how to change your company name step-by-step, what documents you need, and how Smartbook can do it for you quickly and correctly.

When Should You Change Your Company Name?

Businesses often change names to:

Rebrand or modernize their image
Reflect new services or ownership
Avoid confusion with similar company names
Fix spelling or legal name issues

Whatever your reason, your new name must still comply with CIPC’s naming rules — meaning it can’t be misleading, offensive, or identical to another company.

How Company Name Changes Work

Changing your company name involves two key steps with CIPC:

Reserve your new company name (using CoR9.1).
Apply for the name change (using CoR15.2).

Once approved, CIPC will issue an updated Registration Certificate (CoR14.3) reflecting your new name.

Documents You’ll Need to Change Your Company Name

Before starting, have these ready:

Certified ID copy of at least one active director or member
Board or shareholder resolution approving the name change
Name reservation confirmation (CoR9.4)
Completed CoR15.2 form (Notice of Amendment)

Smartbook prepares and submits all these documents on your behalf — no forms, no rejections.

How to Change Your Company Name with CIPC (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Reserve Your New Company Name

Go to https://eservices.cipc.co.za.Select “Name Reservation” under the “Companies” tab.

Enter up to four possible name choices in order of preference.If your first choice is approved, CIPC will issue a CoR9.4 Name Reservation Certificate valid for six months.

Smartbook Tip: Use short, memorable names that reflect your business — and check domain name availability too.

Step 2: Prepare Your Supporting Documents

Gather:

Certified ID copy of a director
Board/shareholder resolution
CoR9.4 certificate

Smartbook can prepare these automatically for you.

Step 3: Complete and Submit the CoR15.2 Form

The CoR15.2 is the official CIPC form used to request a company name amendment.

You can:

Download it from the CIPC website and complete it manually, or
Let Smartbook auto-generate and submit it electronically.

Step 4: Pay and Submit via CIPC eServices

Upload your documents and submit through the CIPC eServices portal.CIPC will review your submission and verify the new name against its database.

Processing time: 3–5 business days on average.

Step 5: Receive Your Updated Company Certificate (CoR14.3)

Once approved, CIPC will email your new Company Registration Certificate (CoR14.3) showing the updated name.

You can then update your new name with:

SARS (for tax records)
Your bank (for business accounts)
Your accountant, suppliers, and clients

How Smartbook Can Do It for You

If you’d rather skip the forms and waiting time, Smartbook can handle the entire name change process for you, end to end.

We’ll:

Reserve your new name with CIPC
Prepare all resolutions and CoR15.2 documents
File your amendment and track approval
Deliver your updated CoR14.3 certificate directly to you

Just send your company registration number and new desired name, and we’ll take care of the rest.

How Long It Takes:

Step	Typical Timeframe
Name reservation (CoR9.1)	1–2 business days
Name change submission (CoR15.2)	3–5 business days
Smartbook processing time	Usually 24–48 hours once documents are ready

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I change my company name anytime?

Yes. You can change your company name at any time, as long as you follow CIPC’s official process.

2. Do I need to re-register my company?

No. You’re not registering a new company — you’re simply changing the existing company’s name.

3. Does my registration number change?

No. Your company registration number stays the same — only your name changes.

4. How much does it cost to change your company name?

CIPC’s name reservation costs R50. Smartbook may charge a small service fee to handle the process for you.

5. Can Smartbook change my company name for me?

Absolutely. Smartbook manages everything from name reservation to final approval — fast, compliant, and hassle-free.

Final Thoughts

Changing your company name with CIPC is a simple way to refresh your brand and stay aligned with your business goals.

If you’d prefer a hands-free, error-free process, Smartbook can file your name change quickly and send your updated registration certificate directly to you.