Changing your society's name

To change your society’s name, you need to follow the same process as that for changing your rules. This is because a society’s name is established by its rules – in fact, it’s the first rule of an incorporated society.

If, however, you only want to add macrons to your society’s name you don’t need to change your rules — you can just ask us to update the register and issue a new certificate of incorporation (see below).

Adding macrons to your society’s name

In 2019 we made changes to our register system so that it's possible to record macrons in names. If your society’s registered name should have always included macrons, you can ask us to change your name on the register and issue a new certificate of incorporation. You don't need to change your rules to add macrons, just complete our request form and send it to us – our addresses are on the form.

How to change your society’s name on the register

When changing your society’s name, you’ll need to provide us with:

• a copy of the updated rules (with the alterations highlighted) or
• a copy of the rule (or rules) that have been changed.

In each case, the document you upload must have been signed by 3 members of your society.

To update your society's name online, you must have:

• a RealMe® login
• an online services account for the Incorporated Societies Register
• authority to manage information on the register for your society.

Step by step

Log in to your online services account. From the dashboard select the society you’re updating and follow these steps.

1. On the 'View Details' page, select 'Name Change’.
2. Enter the proposed name. You can use the ‘Name availability check’ button to ensure the new name is available.
3. Upload a copy of the updated rules.
4. Include any documents to support your change of rules or change of name.
   For example, If another organisation has given its consent to use the name, upload their written consent as a supporting document.
5. Tick the certification box.
6. Complete the signatory details and select ‘Submit’.

What happens next

We will review the details you’ve provided, and this may take up to 3 working days. When we register the change, we'll send you an email confirming that both the change of name and the rule change has been registered. We’ll also send you an updated Certificate of Incorporation.

The changes take effect from the date we register them.

How to change your society’s name on the register

To change your society's name online, you must have:

• a RealMe® login
• an online services account for the Incorporated Societies Register
• authority to manage information on the register for your society.

Step by step

Log in to your online services account. From the dashboard select the society you’re updating and follow these steps.

1. On the 'View Details' page, select 'Name Change’.
2. Enter the proposed name. You can use the ‘Name availability check’ button to ensure the new name is available.
3. Include any documents to support your change of name.
   For example, If another organisation has given its consent to use the name, upload their written consent as a supporting document.
4. Complete the signatory details and select ‘Submit’.

What happens next

We will review your application, and this may take up to 3 working days. When we register the change, we'll send you an email confirming that the name change has been registered. We’ll also send you an updated Certificate of Incorporation.

The new name takes effect from the date we issue the updated certificate.