Introduction and Purpose
To err is human. Many a time, an approved name is no longer wanted by the promoter, the promoter wants a slight change in the suffix, or the SPICe+ Part A application has an error such as a wrong category or a spelling mistake. Waiting for the reservation period to expire is costly when the time to incorporate matters. This article covers the procedure and documents for withdrawing a name from the Central Registration Centre (CRC), Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA).
Legal Framework
Under Section 4(5)(i) of the Companies Act, 2013, read with Rule 9 of the Companies (Incorporation) Rules, 2014, a name approved for a new company is reserved for 20 days from the date of approval, and a name approved for a change of name is reserved for 60 days. If it is not used within that period, the reservation lapses on its own.
Section 4(5)(ii) separately empowers the Registrar to cancel a reservation where it was obtained by furnishing wrong or incorrect information, with a penalty of up to ₹1,00,000. That is cancellation by the Registrar as a consequence of a default, and it should not be confused with a voluntary withdrawal by the applicant.
MCA clarification
There is no e-form on the MCA portal for voluntary withdrawal. The route is laid down in MCA's SPICe+ FAQs (Question No. 88). Where an applicant wishes to reapply for an already reserved name because of issues such as a category or spelling mistake, the applicant must first withdraw the reserved name and only then apply again. The withdrawal is made by an application to crc.escalation@mca.gov.in, supported by an affidavit for withdrawal and the KYC details of the applicant.
Step-by-Step Procedure
Normally the CRC accepts the application in two to four days. Once it is approved, the applicant receives an e-mail and certificate from the CRC with the subject "Withdrawal of name".
| Step | Action | Who Does It |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Prepare the affidavit: the approved name, the SRN of the RUN or SPICe+ Part A application, the date of approval, and a clear, detailed reason for withdrawal. Declare that no company or LLP has been incorporated with the name, and request the CRC to withdraw the reservation so the name becomes available again. | Applicant |
| 2 | Print the affidavit on stamp paper, or have it franked, for the value prescribed for affidavits under the stamp law of your State. | Applicant |
| 3 | Sign the affidavit before a Notary Public. Keep self-attested copies of KYC documents (PAN, proof of identity and address) ready. | Applicant |
| 4 | E-mail crc.escalation@mca.gov.in with the scanned notarised affidavit, the name approval letter and the KYC documents. Mention the SRN and the approved name in the subject line. | Applicant |
Draft Affidavit
AFFIDAVIT FOR NAME WITHDRAWAL FOR ………………… CO/LLP (SRN ………… dated …………)
I, Mr …………, S/o …………, R/o …………, aged ……, applicant of the Co/LLP name ………… do hereby solemnly affirm and state as under:
- That the Co/LLP name submitted vide SRN ………… dated ………… to the Registrar of Companies, Central Registration Centre, Ministry of Corporate Affairs, wherein I requested the name …………, has been approved by the Hon'ble ROC.
- That the name of the proposed Co/LLP has been inadvertently applied as ………… whereas I wanted to apply for …………
- That due to the mistake in writing the name of the proposed Co/LLP, I request the Hon'ble ROC, CRC, MCA to withdraw the name reserved vide SRN ………… dated ………… so that I can apply for a fresh name.
- That this affidavit is only for the cancellation of the Co/LLP name ………… having SRN ………… dated ………… and not for any other purpose.
- That I shall be personally liable for any future liability or obligation arising, if any, owing to the cancellation of SRN ………… dated …………
I solemnly state that the contents of this affidavit are true to the best of my knowledge and belief, that it conceals nothing and that no part of it is false.
Signature: ………… (Deponent)
Verification: I verify that the contents of this affidavit are true to the best of my knowledge and belief. Place: ………… Date: ………… Signature: ………… (Deponent)
Practical Points and Common Issues
- Send the e-mail from the address used in the original application wherever possible. This helps the CRC verify that the request comes from the applicant.
- No statutory timeline applies to such requests. Keep a record of the e-mail and follow up if there is no response within a reasonable time.
- Where the reservation is due to expire shortly anyway, it may be simpler to let it lapse than to go through the withdrawal process.
Conclusion
Withdrawing an approved name is a simple process, but it rests on administrative practice rather than a prescribed form. A well-reasoned affidavit and a complete e-mail with all supporting documents make the CRC's job easy and the outcome quick.
Updates to this Article
| Date | What Changed | Authority / Reason |
|---|---|---|
| 02-11-2026 | Initial publication | — |
Legal Sources and References
| Source / Authority | Provision / Reference | Link or File |
|---|---|---|
| Companies Act, 2013 | Section 4(5) | India Code |
| Companies (Incorporation) Rules, 2014 | Rule 9 | — |
| MCA, SPICe+ and linked filings FAQs (V3, 22-01-2023) | Question No. 88 | mca.gov.in |
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