Chapter VII - Registration of Firms
Section 58
Section 58: application for registration of a firm
Section 58 sets out the central-law statement for applying to the Registrar of Firms. The state in which the firm applies may prescribe additional forms, documents, fees and timing.
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This article is for general information. Refer to the Indian Partnership Act, 1932 official text for the official provisions. If you need professional advice for your situation, contact Bizeneed.
Statutory text
Bare law
(1) The registration of a firm may be effected at any time by sending by post or delivering to the Registrar of the area in which any place of business of the firm is situated or proposed to be situated, a statement in the prescribed form and accompanied by the prescribed fee, stating— (a) the firm name, (b) the place or principal place of business of the firm, (c) the names of any other places where the firm carries on business, (d) the date when each partner joined the firm, (e) the names in full and permanent addresses of the partners, and (f) the duration of the firm. The statement shall be signed by all the partners, or by their agents specially authorised in this behalf.
(2) Each person signing the statement shall also verify it in the manner prescribed.
(3) A firm name shall not contain any of the following words, namely:— “Crown”, “Emperor”, “Empress”, “Empire”, “Imperial”, “King”, “Queen”, “Royal”, or words expressing or implying the sanction, approval or patronage of Government, except when the State Government signifies its consent to the use of such words as part of the firm name by order in writing.
Introduction
Registration is recorded under section 59 after the Registrar is satisfied with the section 58 statement. Submitting a statement by itself does not establish that the firm has been entered in the Register of Firms.
The central text and state amendments must be read together. For example, India Code records Maharashtra changes to the timing and details of the section 58 application; do not assume one India-wide deadline or portal process.
Key takeaways
Identify the Registrar's area
The statement goes to the Registrar for an area in which a business place is situated or proposed.
List the prescribed firm particulars
The central statement identifies the firm name, principal and other business places, each partner's joining date, full name and permanent address, and the firm's duration.
Sign and verify
All partners or their specially authorised agents sign; each signature is verified in the prescribed manner.
Check state variation
State amendments and registration rules can change timing, name restrictions, supporting documents, fees and the filing method.
What the central application contains
Section 58(1) lists the core particulars. Compare them with the partnership deed and identity records before filing. A business place that is proposed, rather than already occupied, can still determine the Registrar's area under the central text.
Who signs the statement
The partners can sign themselves, or specially authorised agents can sign for them. Section 58(2) requires verification by each signer in the prescribed manner. Check the state's current execution and portal rules before arranging signatures.
Names and state amendments
Section 58(3) restricts names that imply government patronage without the required consent. State changes may impose other restrictions. India Code's consolidated compilation includes Maharashtra and Rajasthan amendments, so a name or timeline acceptable in one state may not be acceptable in another.
When registration is complete
Section 59 provides for the Registrar to record an entry after section 58 compliance is established. Keep the official acknowledgement and later Register of Firms evidence separately; an application receipt is not the same as registration.
Official source
Read the official text used for this guide:
Practical checklist
Do
- Identify the state and Registrar area from the existing or proposed business place.
- Check that state's current form, portal, fee, timing and supporting-document rules.
- Reconcile names, joining dates, addresses and duration with the signed deed.
- Confirm the Register of Firms entry after submission.
Avoid
- Do not assume the central text's 'at any time' wording applies unchanged in every state.
- Do not treat a submitted application as proof of registration.
- Do not choose a name that implies government patronage without checking the consent and state rules.
Glossary
- Registrar of Firms
- The state-appointed officer who receives registration statements and maintains the Register of Firms for an area.
- Prescribed
- Specified by the rules applicable to the filing, including relevant state rules.
Frequently asked questions
Does section 58 itself register the firm?
No. It sets the application requirements; section 59 deals with the Registrar's entry when the requirements are met.
Can an agent sign?
The central text allows a specially authorised agent to sign. Check the applicable state's execution and verification requirements.
Is there one India-wide online process?
No. State amendments, registration rules and portals must be checked for the filing state.
Need help applying this provision to your situation?
Contact BizeneedLast updated 10 October 2026