Name availability check
We check your preferred name against the CIPC register and help you pick backups.
CIPC name change
Change your registered company name.
Rebranding or fixing a name that no longer fits? Smartbook reserves your new company name, amends your MOI and files the name change with CIPC — leaving your registration number and history intact.
What you get
- New name reserved and confirmed at CIPC
- MOI amended and special resolution drafted
- Name change filed with CIPC
- Same registration number and history kept
From
R690
Turnaround
10 days
For
South African companies changing their registered name
Changing your company name is more than swapping a label. CIPC has to approve the new name, your Memorandum of Incorporation has to be amended by special resolution, and the change has to be filed and issued as an updated registration certificate. Your registration number and legal history stay the same — only the name changes.
Smartbook runs the whole process: we check availability, reserve the name, draft the special resolution and MOI amendment, and file it all with CIPC. You get an updated certificate reflecting your new name, ready for your bank, clients and branding.
When you need this
Change your company name when you:
- Rebrand or reposition the business
- Registered under a placeholder or auto-generated name
- Want your registered name to match your trading name
- Merge, restructure or change ownership direction
- Need a cleaner, more marketable company name
What's included
Name reservation
We reserve and confirm the new name with CIPC before filing the change.
Special resolution
We draft the special resolution the shareholders need to pass to approve the new name.
MOI amendment
We prepare and file the amendment to your Memorandum of Incorporation reflecting the new name.
CIPC filing
We lodge the name change with CIPC and follow up until the updated certificate is issued.
Updated certificate
You receive your amended registration certificate showing the new name and same number.
How it works
Send us the new name
Give us your preferred new name and a backup or two, plus your company number.
We reserve and file
We reserve the name, draft the resolution and MOI amendment, and file the change with CIPC.
New name issued
We hand you the updated registration certificate reflecting your new company name.
What we need from you
- Company registration number
- Preferred new company name (and one or two backups)
- Shareholder approval for the name change
- A director's confirmation to proceed
Common questions
Does my registration number change too?
No. Your company registration number and legal history stay exactly the same. Only the registered name changes, and you get an updated certificate to prove it.
How long does a name change take?
Around 10 working days once your new name is approved. Name approval is the main variable — we help you choose names likely to be accepted quickly, and reserve backups.
What if my preferred name is taken?
That's why we reserve backups. If your first choice is unavailable or too similar to an existing name, we move to your alternatives so the process isn't delayed.
Do all shareholders have to agree?
A name change requires a special resolution, which needs the support of at least 75% of voting rights exercised (subject to your MOI). We draft the resolution for signature.
Will I need new documents everywhere?
You'll want to update your bank, SARS records, contracts and branding to the new name. We flag exactly where the change should be reflected once CIPC issues the updated certificate.
Can I change the name while I have outstanding annual returns?
It's best to be in good standing first. If you have outstanding annual returns, we can file those at the same time so the name change isn't held up.
Related services
Last reviewed: June 2026. Smartbook keeps this page current with CIPC and SARS rules.
Ready to get this sorted?
Tell us about your company and we'll send a free compliance check.
Change my company name