How do you change the name of a corporation?
By Tim Berry •
Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.
I have a company that I started back in 2000 and I would like to change the name. Can the name of a corporation be changed, or must I form a new company?Do you really want to change the name of the corporation, or just change the name that people know you by? You don't have to change the name of the corporation to change your marketing name and the name that others know you by. Acme Inc. can operate as Emerald Manufacturing with just a bit of paperwork called DBA for "doing business as" or fictitious business name. That alternative is common and it preserves your business history.
If you want to actually change the name of the corporation, then you'd have to check with an attorney about the rules in your state. Details are different for different states.
As to how you do it, your first step is to contact a local attorney with small business experience. It shouldn't be expensive -- this is bread and butter for a small business attorney.
