If you’re a business owner in South Africa, you may reach a point where you want to change your company’s name—perhaps to rebrand, reflect growth, or align with a new direction. Along with this, many entrepreneurs often need to retrieve important company documents, like registration or name change certificates, from the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC).

In this article, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process to change your company’s name with the CIPC and how to retrieve a certificate from the CIPC, while also showing how TechAcc can help make the entire process fast, accurate, and hassle-free.

Why Change Your Company’s Name?

There are several strategic reasons why business owners decide to change their company names:

• Rebranding to reflect a new image or identity
• Mergers or acquisitions
• Expansion into new markets or services
• Correcting spelling errors or updating outdated names
• Avoiding duplication or confusion with another brand

Whatever the reason, updating your company name legally is crucial for maintaining compliance and ensuring consistency across all your business documentation.

Step-by-Step: How to Change Your Company’s Name on CIPC

Changing your company’s name through the CIPC involves several key steps:

1. Reserve a New Company Name

Before you can change your company’s name, you must reserve the new name with the CIPC. Here’s how:

• Visit the CIPC eServices portal
• Log in using your customer code and password
• Navigate to “Name Reservations”
• Submit up to 4 name options, in order of preference
• Pay the required fee (R50)

The CIPC will then check if the name is available and doesn’t conflict with any existing registered businesses or trademarks. If successful, you’ll receive a Name Reservation Certificate (CoR9.4), valid for 6 months.

Tip from TechAcc: Name reservation rejections are common due to similarity with existing names or incorrect formats. TechAcc can help ensure your name submission meets all requirements the first time.

2. Apply for the Company Name Change

Once your name reservation is approved, the next step is to submit the application to change your company’s registered name. You’ll need:

• Your approved CoR9.4 Name Reservation Certificate
• A completed CoR15.2 form (Application to change company name)
• The applicable fee payment (around R250 for private companies)

Submit your application via:

• CIPC eServices
• BizPortal
• Or physically at the CIPC office (for manual submissions)

After approval, CIPC will issue a CoR14.3 certificate, confirming the successful change of your company’s name.

3. Update Your Business Records

After receiving your CoR14.3 certificate, it’s crucial to update your company name across all legal and operational platforms, including:

• SARS (South African Revenue Service)
• UIF and Compensation Fund (WCA)
• Banking institutions
• Business licenses and permits
• Websites, stationery, and contracts

Let TechAcc Help: We assist you not only with the name change process but also with updating your name across all the relevant government and business platforms—ensuring a smooth transition.

How to Retrieve a Certificate from the CIPC

CIPC issues several important company documents and certificates. Whether you’ve lost your original, need a new copy, or just want a digital version, retrieving these documents is relatively simple—if you know where to look.

Commonly requested certificates include:

• Company Registration Certificate (CoR14.3)
• Name Change Certificate
• Tax Clearance Certificate (via SARS, but linked)
• Memorandum of Incorporation (MOI)

Here’s how to retrieve them:

1. Access the CIPC Website

• Go to the CIPC eServices portal
• Log in using your customer code and password
• Navigate to “Certificates and Disclosures”

2. Download Your Documents

Within your profile, you can search for your company and download available documents such as:

• CoR14.3 (Registration Certificate)
• Name Change Certificate
• Disclosure Certificates
• Memorandum of Incorporation (MOI)

Most documents are available in PDF format and free of charge, while some may require a small retrieval or verification fee.

At TechAcc: We can retrieve all your official CIPC documents quickly and securely. You won’t need to deal with logins, queues, or technical errors—we’ll get it for you and send it straight to your inbox.

Why Use TechAcc for CIPC Name Changes and Certificate Retrieval?

Changing your company name or retrieving official documents from CIPC can be time-consuming and confusing—especially if you’re unfamiliar with the system or already busy running your business.

At TechAcc, we specialize in CIPC services and support. Here’s how we can help:

— Fast and Hassle-Free Process

We handle the entire name change process, from name reservation to final certificate delivery. No paperwork errors, no delays—just fast results.

— Expert Advice and Guidance

Our team ensures that your new company name complies with CIPC’s naming rules, increasing your chances of quick approval. We also advise on the legal and branding implications of a name change.

— Secure Certificate Retrieval

Need your registration certificate, MOI, or name change certificate urgently? We retrieve official CIPC documents on your behalf—accurately, securely, and with minimal effort from your side.

— Seamless Business Updates

We don’t just stop at CIPC. We’ll help you update your name with SARS, banking institutions, and other relevant bodies—ensuring compliance across the board.

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