How Can I Change the Name of My Corporation?

Sometimes a corporation needs to change its name – perhaps its products or services have changed, or the name is similar to another company’s name, or there is a better way to suggest what makes the company special. This post explains how easy it is for California and Delaware corporations to change their names. (There are exceptions, but the following will apply under most circumstances.)

California corporations:

• Both the board of directors and the shareholders (before or after the board) must approve the name change. (Corporations Code Section 902(a))
• Then the corporation files a Certificate of Amendment of Articles of Incorporation.

Delaware corporations:

• The board of directors must approve the name change, then the shareholders must meet to approve it. (General Corporation Law Section 242(b)(1))
• Then the corporation files a Certificate of Amendment of Certificate of Incorporation.

Related posts:

• What’s in a Name? A Lot, if You’re a Corporation
• Name that Business – Avoiding Rejection by the Secretary of State

Photo credit: Bob Delgado via stock.xchng

Dana H. Shultz, Attorney at Law  +1 510-547-0545 dana [at] danashultz [dot] com
This blog does not provide legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship. If you need legal advice, please contact a lawyer directly.