How to Check Company Name Availability in India
Choosing a unique company name is the first and most crucial step before you register a Private Limited (Pvt Ltd), LLP, OPC, or other entity in India. Here’s a step-by-step, updated guide for 2025 to help you verify and reserve your preferred name using official government sources.
Steps to Check Company Name Availability (2025)
| Step | Description | Where/How |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Go to MCA Portal | mca.gov.in |
| 2 | Click “MCA Services” → “FO Services” | Main menu/front office section |
| 3 | Select “Check Company/LLP Name” (RUN Service) | Enter proposed name & business activity |
| 4 | View System Results for Availability | See if name is available, similar, or prohibited |
| 5 | (Optional) Reserve the Name | Pay ₹1,000, provide docs, reserve for 20 days |
| 6 | Check Trademark Registry (Recommended) | IP India Trademark Search |
1. Using the MCA Portal to Check Name Availability
Step-by-Step Process
- Go to the Official MCA Portal
- Visit mca.gov.in.
- Navigate to “MCA Services” & Open ‘FO Services’
- Find “MCA Services” in the main menu, then select “FO Services” (Front Office).
- Check Company/LLP Name (RUN Service)
- Click on “Check Company/LLP Name“ or access the “RUN (Reserve Unique Name)” service.
- Choose your entity type (Company or LLP) and enter your desired name.
- Add a brief description of your main business activity (IT, consulting, manufacturing, etc.).
- Submit & Review Results
- The tool will immediately show whether the name is available, already in use, or too similar to existing entities.
- If your preferred name is available, you can move ahead and submit a RUN application.
- Reserve Your Name (Optional but Recommended)
- Pay the application fee (₹1,000—as of 2025) and attach any necessary documents.
- Reserved names remain valid for 20 days, during which time you must apply for full company registration.
2. Important Rules & Guidelines
- Uniqueness: Names must not be identical, too alike, or phonetically similar to existing company/LLP names or registered trademarks.
- No Prohibited Words: Don’t use words like “Bank”, “Stock”, “Exchange”, “Government”, etc., unless regulatory permissions are secured.
- Descriptiveness: Clearly reflect your business’s core activity or purpose in the proposed name.
- Entity Suffix: End with “Private Limited”, “Limited”, or “LLP”, as required.
- Trademark Cross-Check: It’s vital to check at the Trademark Registry to ensure no conflicts with registered marks.
3. Expert Tips for Hassle-Free Approval
- Propose 2–3 alternate names in order of preference in the RUN application in case your primary choice is unavailable.
- Search the web and domain registries to secure matching website domains and avoid digital conflicts.
- Steer clear of generic, geographic, or excessively restricted words for quickest processing.
- Names reserved through the RUN service are not permanent—stick to the 20-day timeline.
4. Why Name Availability Check Is Essential
- Avoids Rejection: MCA and Registrar can reject applications for non-unique or improper names, leading to process delays and extra costs.
- Brand Protection: Secures your business identity against infringement or challenges.
- Facilitates Digital Presence: Helps match domain names and social handles for unified branding.
- Complies with Law: Meets all Companies Act & Incorporation Rules requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. How much does MCA name reservation cost?
₹1,000 per RUN application (as of 2025), valid for one submission of up to two names.
Q2. How many names can I include in a single RUN application?
You can propose up to 2 names per application.
Q3. What if my reserved name expires?
You must make a new application and pay the fee again.
Q4. Is trademark search mandatory?
Not legally, but highly recommended to prevent legal disputes or application rejection.
Q5. Where to get help if a name is repeatedly rejected?
Platforms like TaxQue and legal professionals can analyze objections and suggest compliant alternatives.
Quick Summary Table
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| Step 1 | Visit mca.gov.in |
| Step 2 | Go to “Check Company/LLP Name” |
| Step 3 | Enter name, select entity type |
| Step 4 | View results, reserve if available |
| Step 5 | Comply with all naming and trademark rules |
Conclusion
Properly checking and reserving your company name is the first vital step in your entrepreneurial journey in India. Use the MCA portal’s online services, follow all rules, and run a trademark search for best results—saving time, money, and ensuring legal safety. If you seek expert guidance, trusted Indian platforms like TaxQue offer step-by-step assistance for company incorporation, trademark, and compliance needs.
