How do I change the name of my company if it was initially registered with only a registration number?

Practice note 1 of 2014

The Companies Act, 2008 provided that a company can be registered with the company number as its name. This is the quickest way to secure a company registration in order to start doing business.  

The process of doing the consequent name change was found by the public to be cumbersome and requires additional costs, and the CIPC strive to assist in always streamlining processes.

Therefore, the CIPC has approved a separate name change process to be followed in instances where the company registration was done without a name reservation and was awarded a registration  number as the name of the company. In such instances the company in question still need to apply for a relevant name reservation and lodge the necessary name change application documentation with the CIPC, but the name change process will be free of charge.

The requirements for the waived fee to be applicable is as follows:

• Company must have been incorporated with its registration number as its name;
• Only companies amending its name for the first time after being incorporated with its registration number as a name;
• Applicable from 3 March 2014

Companies meeting the above criteria will be allowed the waiver of the R250 amendment fee and must   ensure that the correct documents are lodged via the dedicated e-mail address for this purpose, namely namechange@cipc.co.za.

Important to note is that only the amendment fee is waived, and it is still the responsibility of the relevant company to see to the name reservation following the normal process protocols, prior to lodgment of the name change application.

Required documentation:

• COR15.2 (completed and signed by active director / company secretary)
• Copy of the resolution confirming the approval of the name change
• Copy of the approved name reservation – COR9.4
• Copy of the certified ID of the COR form signatory
• Approved names which include the word “sure” (e.g telesure, insurance, etc) must lodge an approval by the Financial Services Board (FSB) to use the name
• Ensure the customer code is clearly visible on the COR form for tracking purposes

How do I view my account statement/the balance in my customer account?

Follow these steps to view your account statement online:

• Visit the CIPC website – www.cipc.co.za
• Log in using your customer code and password
• Click on “Additional services”
• Click on the second link on the left menu, i.e. “Customers Transactions”
• Select the relevant icon to download your statement

How do I request a refund?

Submit your request together with the following to refunds@cipc.co.za

• Certified ID document of the owner of the customer code
• Proof of payment
• Bank details on bank letterhead or bank stamp
• Letter signed by account holder indicating the reason for the refund, the amount and customer code

Refunds will be processed within 30 working days upon receipt of a request for refund providing all the required documentation is submitted.

How do I update my customer contact details?

CIPC is committed to customer service, and to communicate important information and developments to our customers.

1. Updating customer contact details

To enable CIPC to reach customers, all customers are requested to update their customer profile (customer code details) with CIPC.  Updated e-mail address and cell phone numbers are of special importance for communication purposes.

Steps to view and edit your customer profile:

• Log in as CIPC customer on the Home page by clicking on Customer login. 
• In the top left corner of the screen, click on your customer name displayed.  This will display the customer profile information.
• Review all information and update.

2. Updating company details

Updating of company contact details is very important from a compliance perspective.  Enterprises should ensure that CIPC are always kept up to date with the latest company information.  To view information on how to update private company details, click here.