Change Company Name

A company may, by special resolution and with the approval of the Registrar of Companies signified in writing, change its name.

Registering a Change of Company Name

To register a change of name the presenter should submit a Form G1Q together with an amended copy of the memorandum and articles of association and the approved filing fee. A form G1Q can be completed online using www.core.ieLinks to external website and is cheaper than completing a paper copy (€50 compared to €100). A copy of the Form G1Q can also be downloaded from the site.

Link to Form G1Q.          Link to Fees.

The change of name is subject to approval by the registrar of companies in accordance with section 23 Companies Act 1963, as amended. The onus for checking the suitability of a name lies with the presenter.  Applicants are advised to check that the name proposed is not similar to one already registered by checking the register of companies using the Company Search Facility.

On registration, a certificate of change of name will be issued by the CRO. The new name may not be used by the company until this certificate has been issued. The change of name is effective from the date on the certificate.

The Registrar of Companies may withhold his consent to the name change if the name is in his opinion undesirable (e.g. too like the name of a company that is already on the register) or if the company is in default of its annual return filing obligations under sections 125 and 127 of the Companies Act 1963. A company seeking approval of a name change should, accordingly, ensure that it is up to date with its annual returns; an application for change of name will not be approved where a company is out of date with its annual returns.


Display of company name

A company is required to paint or affix its name in a conspicuous place, in legible letters, on the outside of every office or place in which its business is carried on. A company is further required to have its name mentioned in legible characters in all business letters of the company and in all cheques, invoices and receipts of the company. A fine may be imposed on the company and on any officer in default for breach of the foregoing. If an officer of a company issues or authorises the issue of any business letter of the company or signs a cheque or order for goods, and the name of the company is not mentioned in legible characters, that officer is liable to be fined and will also be personally liable unless the amount due on foot of the cheque or order for goods is paid by the company.

Company letterhead

The following particulars must be shown on all business letters:

  • The full name of the company (note that the only permissible abbreviation is Ltd. for Limited, PLC for Public Limited Company, etc.);
  • The names and any former names of the directors;
  • Nationality of any director who is not Irish.

The following additional particulars must be shown on letters and order forms (this does not apply to unlimited companies):

  • The legal form of the company;
  • The place of registration e.g. registered in Dublin, Ireland;
  • The registered number i.e. number on the certificate of incorporation;
  • The address of the registered office (where this is already shown, the fact that it is the registered office must be indicated);
  • In the case of a company exempt from the obligation to use the word limited or teoranta as part of its name, the fact that it is a limited company;
  • In the case of a company which is being wound up, the fact that it is so;
  • If the share capital of a company is mentioned on business letters and order forms, the reference must be to the paid-up share capital.

Company Seal

Every company must have its name engraved in legible characters on its seal. The company secretary is frequently given responsibility in practice for the safekeeping of the company's seal.

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