How to Change LLP Name After Registration in India?

Last Updated on July 16, 2026

Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) is a commonly preferred mode of incorporation in India. It combines the flexibility associated with a traditional partnership firm along with the benefit of limited liability. Being regulated by the LLP Act 2008, an LLP has been recognised as a separate legal entity having perpetual existence, and hence, it is one of the best options available to start-ups, professionals, and small and medium enterprises.

Selection of an appropriate name is one of the first and foremost tasks that needs to be performed during the LLP registration process. An LLP name must fulfil the guidelines for the name prescribed by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) and be unique without being identical or deceptively similar to any existing trade name, trademark, or business name. Selection of a good name will make the business unique and promote the business brand name.

Post-registration, an LLP can choose to change its name owing to reasons such as rebranding, business expansion, changes in business activities, acquisition of another business, or other reasons. However, this change should follow the prescribed legal formalities under the LLP Act 2008.

What is an LLP?

Registered under the Limited Liability Partnership Act, 2008, a Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) combines the advantages of limited liability with the operational flexibility of a traditional partnership. After completing LLP registration, the LLP becomes a separate legal entity that can own assets, enter into contracts, initiate legal proceedings, and be sued in its own name. Owing to its simplified compliance requirements, flexible management structure, and limited liability protection, LLP registration is a preferred choice for professionals, startups, and small and medium-sized businesses in India.

Features of an LLP include:

• Distinct Legal Body: The LLP has a legal personality apart from that of its members.
• Each partner’s responsibility is restricted to the degree of their agreed contribution.
• The LLP still exists independently of modifications in its ownership.
• Convertible Management: The LLP Agreement specifies the rights and obligations of the partners.
• No set minimum capital requirement; the establishment has none.
• Shared Agency: Though a partner represents the LLP, they are not responsible for the illegal activities of other partners.
• The LLP may possess property, incur obligations, and transact in its own name.
• Registration improves the legal standing and corporate reputation of the LLP.

Step-by-Step Process to Change the LLP Name After Registration

An LLP can change its name under Section 19 of the LLP Act, 2008, read with Rule 20(2) of the LLP Rules, 2009. Note that a name change can either be voluntary (initiated by partners) or directed by the Central Government under Section 19 if the existing name is found identical/deceptively similar to another registered name or trademark. The process entails the following:

Step 1 – Selection of New Name

The partners have to choose a name that satisfies the provisions of the LLP Act, 2008, LLP Rules, 2009, and naming norms prescribed by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA). The name chosen needs to be unique and cannot violate the trademark of any other LLP or company.

Step 2 – Partner’s Approval for the Change of Name

It is imperative to pass a resolution under the LLP Agreement for approval of the name change proposal. If any modification needs to be done in the LLP Agreement, then it should be made.

Step 3 – Reservation of Proposed Name

Name reservation for an existing LLP is done specifically through the RUN-LLP (Reserve Unique Name–LLP) service on the MCA V3 portal, not a generic application.

Fee for RUN-LLP filing: ₹200 (government fee, subject to revision). Once approved, the name is reserved for 3 months (90 days) — Form 5 must be filed within this window, or the reservation lapses and the process must be repeated.

Step 4 – File LLP Form No. 5

Once approval for the name is obtained, file LLP Form No. 5 (Notice for Change of Name) with the ROC within the specified period along with the necessary documents and fees. Form 5 must be filed along with Form 3 (Information on LLP Agreement/changes) as a linked form, since the name change also requires amendment of the LLP Agreement.

Step 5 – Issue the Certificate of Incorporation

When the Registrar is satisfied that all the legalities have been taken care of, then the New Certificate of Incorporation relating to the changed name will be issued by him. The new LLP name will come into force from the date mentioned in the certificate. This is issued as Form 16 or Form 16A. Typical turnaround: 2–3 working days after Form 5 is approved (subject to MCA processing load).

Step 6 – Execute a Supplementary LLP Agreement

After receiving the new Certificate of Incorporation, partners must execute a supplementary/amendment deed to the LLP Agreement reflecting the new name and file it via Form 3 within 30 days. Need help updating your LLP Agreement after increasing the capital contribution? Our LLP experts can prepare the supplementary deed, file Form 3 with the MCA, and ensure your LLP remains fully compliant.

Learn how to download your LLP Registration Certificate online from the MCA portal with a simple step-by-step process, required details, and troubleshooting tips.

Step 7 – Update the LLP Agreement and other Records

Update the LLP agreement, if necessary, and change the name in PAN, TAN, GST registration, bank accounts, licenses, registrations, contracts, invoices, letterheads, websites, etc., wherever applicable.

Step 8 – Inform the Interested Parties

Inform customers, vendors, bankers, government officials, employees, and other concerned persons of the name change.

The above process will ensure that the name change gets completed and records are updated.

How Long Does It Take?

• RUN-LLP name approval: 2–3 working days
• Name reservation validity: 3 months from approval
• Form 5 processing & new Certificate of Incorporation: 2–3 working days after filing
• Total process (excluding internal partner approvals): typically 7–15 working days

Conditions for Appropriate LLP Name Registration

Selecting a name for a Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) requires that the selected name follow the Limited Liability Partnership Act 2008, the LLP Rules 2009, and the naming guidelines set forth by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA). The main criteria consist of:

• The suggested name should not be identical or deceptively similar to that of an already in place LLP, business, or registered trademark.
• Lawful and Appropriate: The name ought not to be objectionable, insulting, false, or against legal requirements or public policy.
• Trademark Regulations: The suggested name shouldn’t violate any trademarks currently in use. Should it include a registered trademark, the applicant must get permission from the trademark owner as required.
• Business Relevance: The LLP’s expected activity should be fairly reflected in its name without misrepresenting its operating character.
• Terms like bank, insurance, stock exchange, mutual fund, venture capital, national, union, and other restricted words may call for early permission from the relevant regulatory authorities.
• Every LLP name has to start with either Limited Liability Partnership or the acronym LLP.
• Adherence to the MCA Naming Guidelines: The suggested name should follow all the Ministry of Corporate Affairs’ Registrar’s naming criteria to improve the likelihood of getting approval.

Documents Required For LLP Name Change

• Consent letter from all partners approving the new name
• Certified copy of the partner resolution
• Approved RUN-LLP SRN (name approval reference)
• Relevant extract/clause of the LLP Agreement (if it prescribes the name-change procedure)
• Trademark certificate/NOC from the owner (if the proposed name uses a registered trademark)
• Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) of the designated partner

Advantages of LLP Registration

Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) is one of the commonly used types of businesses that combines the flexibility of a partnership and the advantage of limited liability. The key benefits of forming an LLP are listed below:

1. Limited Liability: The partners are responsible only for the amount they undertake to invest in the business, protecting their personal property from business obligations.
2. Separate Legal Entity: LLP is a separate entity, which is capable of owning property, entering into agreements and initiating lawsuits on its own.
3. Perpetual Succession: The LLP exists regardless of changes in the number of partners, caused by admission, retirement, death or resignation of one of them.
4. Flexibility of Management: The partners can run the company according to the LLP Agreement without spending too much money on compliance.
5. Fewer Compliance Obligations: Compared to corporations, an LLP does not have as many compliance obligations.
6. No Requirement for Minimum Capital: The LLP can be formed without a minimum capital requirement.
7. Easier Transfer of Partnership Rights: Partnership rights can be transferred according to the LLP Agreement as per the provisions of the LLP Act 2008.

Kanakkupillai – Your Trusted LLP Compliance Partner

Management of LLPs is made simpler through competent management of compliance obligations. At KANAKKUPILLAI, we provide end-to-end assistance in the process of formation, renaming, preparation and revision of LLP agreements, ROC filings, annual compliance, partner compliance, tax, GST registration, and other compliance needs. With us, you will be guaranteed accuracy in documentation and compliance with all relevant regulations, which will help you avoid any form of penalties and allow you to focus on growing your business. Be it forming a new LLP or managing an LLP already in existence, we offer you dependable and smooth solutions customised specifically to your business.

What Happens if You Don’t Update Records After a Name Change?

Continuing to use the old name on invoices, contracts, or licenses after the Certificate of Incorporation is updated can create documentation mismatches with GST, PAN, and banking records, leading to compliance queries or rejected filings. The LLP’s legal identity, PAN, and existing contracts remain valid, but every reference to the old name in statutory and business records should be updated promptly to avoid disputes.

Conclusion

A change in the name of an LLP after its registration is a tactical step that can help in rebranding, expansion of business, restructuring, or better positioning. This should be done in accordance with the Limited Liability Partnership Act, 2008 and the rules laid down in that connection for ensuring the legality of the process. All steps, right from reserving the new name and making relevant filings through receiving the new certificate of incorporation of the LLP to updating the statutory as well as business records, should be made flawlessly and timely in order to avoid any hindrances.

KANAKKUPILLAI provides complete professional help in the changing of the name of the LLP, filing of ROC papers, annual compliance, amendment of the LLP Agreement and all other legal matters regarding LLPs. You will find us very helpful and efficient in the entire process.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is it possible for an LLP to change its name after registration?

Yes, by applying the provisions outlined in the Limited Liability Partnership Act of 2008 and other applicable laws, it becomes possible to change a Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) name after registration. Prior to carrying out the change, the Registrar should vet and approve the new name.

2. What are the reasons for changing the name of an LLP?

In addition to expansion of the firm, re-branding efforts, change in the nature of business operations, merger and acquisition activities, among other reasons, a Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) might feel the need to change its name. The new name will help it improve its image in the market.

3. Does changing the name create a new legal entity?

Negative: When the name of a Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) is changed, it does not imply the creation of a new legal entity. Everything else remains the same, while only the name will be different.

4. Is there a need to obtain approval for changing the name of an existing LLP?

Yes. Before the name change takes place, the LLP is required to obtain clearance from the Registrar of Companies (ROC). This is because the name has to be in compliance with the LLP Act of 2008 and LLP rules and should not be similar to any existing name or trademark.

5. Is it necessary for an LLP to update its records after a name change?

Yes. After obtaining the name change, LLP is required to make changes in its bank accounts, PAN, GST registration, license, agreements, invoices, letterheads, website, and many more.

6. How long does it take to change an LLP’s name?

The entire process typically takes 7–15 working days, including RUN-LLP name approval (2–3 days) and Form 5 processing (2–3 days), depending on MCA workload and document readiness.

7. Can the government force an LLP to change its name?

Yes. Under Section 19 of the LLP Act, 2008, the Central Government can direct an LLP to change its name if it is found identical or deceptively similar to an existing LLP, company, or registered trademark.