How to Change the name of LLP? Step-by-Step Guide

Changing the name of your Limited Liability Partnership is a decision. It is very important to choose a name for your business. Sometimes after you start doing business you may want to change the name of your Limited Liability Partnership. This can happen for reasons, such as changing the way you do business adding or removing partners or having problems with trademarks.

The good news is that Indian law allows you to change the name of your Limited Liability Partnership. However, you cannot just start using a name without following the proper process. You need to get approval from the Registrar of Companies.

In this guide we will explain the process of changing the name of your Limited Liability Partnership in simple and easy manner.

Table of Contents

What is Limited Liability Partnership name change?

Changing the name of your Limited Liability Partnership means updating the name that is officially registered with the government.

After the government approves the change:

Your Limited Liability Partnership remains the same.
Your Limited Liability Partnership registration number stays the same.
Your business contracts and debts remain the same.

Only the name on records changes.

Why do Limited Liability Partnership change their name?

Many Limited Liability Partnerships change their name for reasons such as:

To change the way they do business or coming up with a business plan
To remove partners
To Change the kind of business they do
To have problems with trademarks
To merge with another company or restructuring
To want a name for marketing or branding

A new name can help your business grow and become stronger.

Basic rules before changing Limited Liability Partnership name

Before you apply for a name remember these important points:

The new name must be unique

The new name should not be similar to:

Other companies
Other Limited Liability Partnerships
Trademarks
Your partners must agree to the name change

Your partners must vote for the name change and make a record of it.

Check your Limited Liability Partnership agreement

Your Limited Liability Partnership agreement should allow your partners to make changes like this. If it does not you can change the agreement.

Step-by-step process to change Limited Liability Partnership name

Lets go through the process step by step.

Step 1. Partner meeting and decision

Your partners decide:

The new name for your Limited Liability Partnership
Who will file the paperwork

You must make a record of this decision.

Step 2. Apply for name reservation

Next you apply for name reservation on the government website using the RUN-LLP service.

Important points:

You can suggest two names
You must give a reason for changing the name

If the Registrar of Companies approves the name it will be reserved for a short time._

Step 3. Get trademark consent if needed

If the new name includes a trademark or brand name that someone else owns:

You need a No Objection Certificate

Without it your application may be rejected.

Step 4. Change your Limited Liability Partnership agreement

Your partners agree to change the Limited Liability Partnership agreement to reflect the name.

You will make an agreement later.

Step 5. File Form LLP-5

After the name is approved:

You file Form LLP-5 with the Registrar of Companies

This form tells the Registrar of Companies about the name change.

It must be:

Signed by a partner
Certified by a professional like a Chartered Accountant, Company Secretary or Cost Management Accountant

Step 6. Registrar of Companies verification

The Registrar of Companies checks:

Your documents
If the name follows the rules

Sometimes they may ask for information or for you to resubmit the application.

Step 7. Get an incorporation certificate

Once everything is approved:

The Registrar of Companies gives you a new incorporation certificate with the new name.

The name change is official from this date.

Documents required

You usually need:

A record of the partner decision
The name approval letter
Partner consent
Trademark No Objection Certificate if needed
The supplementary Limited Liability Partnership agreement
A digital signature

Make sure your documents are clear and signed properly to avoid delays.

Government fees and timelines

Fees include:

Name reservation fees
Filing fees
Professional certification charges

Government fees are generally reasonable.

Timeline

Usually:

Process Time Required
Name approval 2-5 working days
Registrar of Companies approval 5-10 days

The whole process takes around 10-20 working days depending on how long the Registrar of Companies takes.

What to do after Limited Liability Partnership name change?

Many Limited Liability Partnerships forget this part.

After you get approval:

Update your government registrations

Update:

Your PAN records
GST registration
Professional tax
Shops and Establishment license

Update Bank records

Submit:

The new incorporation certificate
A copy of the partner decision

Your bank account name will be updated.

Update your business documents

Change:

Your letterheads
Invoices
Website
Email signatures

For some time you can write:

“New Name Limited Liability Partnership (formerly known as Old Name Limited Liability Partnership)”.

Common mistakes to avoid

Avoid these errors:

To choose a name that’s too similar to another company
Not checking for trademarks
Getting the business description wrong
Delaying the change, to your Limited Liability Partnership agreement
Not updating your GST or bank records

Plan carefully to save time and avoid resubmitting your application.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Does the Limited Liability Partnership Identification Number change when the Limited Liability Partnership name is changed?

No. The Limited Liability Partnership Identification Number remains the same.

2. Will the old agreements become invalid after the Limited Liability Partnership name change?

No. All the contracts will continue normally.

3. Is it necessary to get approval from all the partners of the Limited Liability Partnership?

Yes. The consent of the partners of the Limited Liability Partnership through a resolution is mandatory.

4. Can the Limited Liability Partnership change its name more than one time?

Yes. The Limited Liability Partnership can change its name times with the approval of the Registrar of Companies.

5. Do I need to get a Permanent Account Number after the Limited Liability Partnership name change?

No. The Permanent Account Number remains the same. It must be updated.

6. How many names can be applied for at one time for the Limited Liability Partnership?

Two names can be proposed at one time in the RUN-LLP form.

Conclusion

To change the name of a Limited Liability Partnership is not very complicated if you follow the steps. The main things you need to do to get approval from the partners of the Limited Liability Partnership, reserve the name, file the necessary documents, with the Registrar of Companies and update the registrations after you get the approval.

A completed Limited Liability Partnership name change allows your Limited Liability Partnership business to grow under a new identity without affecting the existing operations.