How to Change a Corporation Name
From time to time corporations have the need to change their names, either as a marketing tool or a change of times. However, changing a corporation's name is not as easy as it sounds. The change must take place according to both the rules set forth in the corporation's articles as well as according to the rules of the state in which the corporation is set up.
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Instructions
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Secure approval by the board of directors for the name change. Unless your corporation's articles of incorporation state that a name change must be adopted by the shareholders, your name change amendment may be adopted by the board of directors.
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Publish the change of name in local newspapers. States require that you announce your corporation's change of name in at least one of your local newspapers, sometimes more. Check your state's specific requirements to determine how many papers must carry such an advertisement and how long the announcement must run. (See Resources 1.) The online resource US Newspaper List will guide you to local newspapers in which you can place such an advertiseent or announcement. (See Resources 2.)
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File the amendment to the articles of incorporation with the Secretary of State Division of Corporations of the state in which your company was incorporated. You must ensure that the amendment states the old name, new name, and the date the amendment was adopted. Also specify whether the amendment needed to be approved by shareholders or directors and whether that took place as well as whether you published the change in a newspaper. Statelocalgov.com lists secretaries of state for all 50 states. (See Resources 1.)
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Pay all fees. The fee for filing the amendment to the articles of incorporation is minimal, but you must pay that as well as any fees associated with the corporation's annual registration. Check with your secretary of state division of corporations for a listing of fees.
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Consult with an attorney. It is prudent to have your corporate attorney (either with your legal department or an outside law firm) review the procedure for changing your corporation's name in order to ensure that it is done correctly. Failing to follow the rules can result in fines from the state and problems both inside your company and among those clients or companies with which you deal.
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