Company Name Change in South Africa
A company name change updates the registered name your company trades under at CIPC, while the registration number and tax records stay the same. You do it to rebrand, drop a placeholder name, or clear a CIPC objection. Govchain drafts the special resolution, files the change, and emails your new COR15.2 certificate.
CostR720
Timeframe10 working days
ForSouth African companies updating their registered name at CIPC
When you need a company name change
You change your registered name when the company is rebranding, when the original name no longer fits, or when CIPC has flagged the existing name (e.g. it conflicts with another registration). The registration number stays the same.
- You’re rebranding the business
- You registered a placeholder name and want the real one
- CIPC has objected to the current name
- You need an official COR15.2 confirmation certificate to update your bank, SARS, and contracts
Your CIPC registration number doesn’t change, only the registered name. All your existing tax numbers and historical records stay linked to the same entity.
What’s included
- Drafting of the special resolution
- Reservation of the new name with CIPC (3 to 4 options)
- Submission of the name change to CIPC
- Follow-up with CIPC if they query the application
- COR15.2 confirmation certificate emailed to you once CIPC approves
Pricing
Company name change
Special resolution, name reservation, CIPC submission, and your COR15.2 certificate. No CIPC fees on top.
R720
Not included
- Trademark registration for the new name (separate service)
- Domain name registration (separate service)
Turnaround time
Most name changes complete in 10 working days after payment. CIPC processing times vary. We email updates if it runs longer.
How a company name change works
You complete the form online. We draft the resolution, file with CIPC, and email your COR15.2.
Step 1
Tell us your company details and your 3 to 4 preferred new names in order of preference.
Step 2
Credit card, EFT, or cash deposit at any ATM.
Step 3
We draft the special resolution and submit the name change to CIPC.
Step 4
Once CIPC approves, the COR15.2 certificate confirming the new name is emailed to you.
What you’ll need
- Your ID number
- Your ID document (or passport for foreign directors)
- 3 to 4 new name options in order of preference
- Special resolution (we draft the template)
Used by companies across South Africa
Over 124,000 small business owners use Govchain. More than 59,000 CIPC filings have been handled through the platform.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Company Name Change in South Africa
How long does a company name change take?
Around 10 working days from the point we have your signed documents. CIPC turnaround can vary. We email you if it runs longer.
How much does a CIPC name change cost?
R720 once-off through Govchain. CIPC does not charge a separate fee on top. The cost covers the special resolution, the name reservation, the CIPC submission, and your COR15.2 certificate.
Does my company registration number change?
No. Your CIPC registration number stays the same. Only the registered name changes. All your tax numbers, historical CIPC records, and existing contracts remain linked to the same entity.
What is the COR15.2 certificate?
COR15.2 is the official CIPC certificate confirming your new company name. Banks, SARS, and contract counterparties will ask for it as proof of the change. We email it to you once CIPC approves the application.
What is the special resolution and do I need to draft it?
A special resolution is a formal document signed by the shareholders authorising the name change. CIPC requires it for every name change. We draft it for you, you sign it, and we file it.
What happens if my new name is already taken?
You give us 3 to 4 name options in order of preference. We reserve the first available one with CIPC. If none of them are available, we come back to you for new options before filing.
What do I need to update after the name change?
Once you have the COR15.2, update your business bank account, SARS profile (VAT, PAYE, income tax registrations), municipal accounts, supplier contracts, and any other parties that have your company name on file. Your registration number stays the same, so most updates are administrative.
Can I change my company name more than once?
Yes. There is no legal limit. Each change goes through the same CIPC process and is charged separately.
What is the difference between a name change and a name reservation?
A name reservation locks a name with CIPC for six months before you register a brand-new company. A name change updates the registered name of a company that already exists. This service is the latter.
Can a foreign director apply for a company name change?
Yes. Foreign directors need a passport and proof of address, both not older than three months. The signed special resolution is the same regardless of nationality.
Change your company name
Reserve the new name with CIPC and update the registration. R720 fixed fee, COR15.2 certificate emailed to you.
- Online application
- R720 fixed fee
- COR15.2 certificate by email