LLP Form 4 — Notice for Change in Information of Partner / Designated Partner
Appointment | Cessation | Name & Address Change | 30-Day Deadline | Form 3 Link

An LLP is only as legally current as its MCA records. Every time a partner joins, a partner leaves, a designated partner's address changes, or a partner's designation shifts — the Ministry of Corporate Affairs must be formally notified within 30 days using LLP Form 4, officially titled "Notice for Change in Information of Partner / Designated Partner." This is not an optional update — it is a statutory obligation under Section 25(4) of the LLP Act 2008 and Rule 22 of the LLP Rules 2009. Non-compliance carries a penalty of ₹100 per day with no upper limit. And critically, if an LLP's designated partner count drops below the statutory minimum of two without a timely Form 4 filing to record the change, the LLP becomes unable to file any documents on the MCA V3 portal for six months — a complete compliance blockage that can cascade across all other filings.

LLP Form 4 covers five distinct change scenarios: (1) appointment of a new partner or designated partner, (2) cessation of a partner or designated partner, (3) change in name, (4) change in address, and (5) change in designation between partner and designated partner. When the change involves an appointment or cessation, Form 4 must be filed simultaneously with Form 3 (LLP Agreement change) as linked forms on the MCA V3 portal — one cannot be filed without the other in such cases. Additionally, before the LLP files Form 4, the affected partner must first notify the LLP using Form 6 (Consent to become or cease to be a partner) within 15 days of the change event. According to the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, the MCA V3 portal pre-fills LLP and partner details based on the LLPIN to simplify the Form 4 filing process.

At N D Savla & Associates, we provide complete LLP Form 4 filing services — covering all five change categories, with coordinated Form 3 (LLP Agreement changes) filing where required, DIN/DPIN status verification, Form 6 preparation, KYC document collection, and MCA V3 submission. Our LLP compliance team ensures every partner change is reported accurately and on time, maintaining clean MCA records for the LLP.

LLP Form 4 — Quick Reference Guide

LLP Form 4 is used to report any of the following five categories of changes to partner or designated partner information. All five trigger the same 30-day filing window from the date the change occurs:

1. Appointment of a New Partner or Designated Partner

• Any new individual or body corporate becoming a partner of the LLP must be reported in Form 4
• A new individual becoming a designated partner must have a DPIN (Designated Partner Identification Number) before appointment — the DPIN must be obtained in advance via the MCA portal
• The incoming partner must sign a consent letter (Form 6) agreeing to become a partner — this is a mandatory attachment to Form 4
• If a body corporate is being appointed as a partner, a board resolution from that body corporate authorising the appointment and naming the nominee/designated partner representative is required
• Appointment of a new partner also requires a corresponding update to the LLP Agreement — filed simultaneously via Form 3 as a linked form on MCA V3

2. Cessation of a Partner or Designated Partner

• Cessation includes resignation, retirement, removal, death, or incapacity of any partner or designated partner
• The ceasing partner must provide a resignation letter or evidence of the cessation event (death certificate in case of death, court order in case of removal)
• Cessation also requires Form 3 to be filed simultaneously — the LLP Agreement must be amended to remove the departed partner's details
• If the ceasing partner is a designated partner and their departure reduces the DP count below 2, a new designated partner must be appointed on the same day to avoid the 6-month filing blockage
• Partners who have left an LLP but whose cessation was not filed in Form 4 remain on the MCA records as active partners — creating legal and reputational complications. Backdated cessation filing with accumulated penalties is the only remedy

3. Change in Name of a Partner or Designated Partner

• Any legal change in a partner's name — through marriage, court order, gazette notification, or deed poll — must be reported in Form 4 within 30 days
• Supporting documents: a gazette notification, name change certificate from an appropriate authority, or updated Aadhaar showing the new name
• This is a standalone Form 4 filing — Form 3 is not required for a mere name change unless the LLP Agreement itself names the partner and must be updated to reflect the new name
• The DIN/DPIN database must also be updated separately — if the partner is a designated partner, their DPIN record on the MCA portal must be updated via the Director KYC mechanism to reflect the name change

4. Change in Address of a Partner or Designated Partner

• Any change in residential address must be reported in Form 4 within 30 days of the address change
• The partner must first inform the LLP of the address change using Form 6 within 15 days — then the LLP files Form 4 within 30 days
• Documents required: updated utility bill, Aadhaar reflecting new address, or a bank statement from the new address within the last 3 months
• Address changes for designated partners must also be updated in the DIR-3 KYC filing — the two records should be consistent. For reactivation of deactivated DPINs, see our DIN Reactivation service

5. Change in Designation — Partner to Designated Partner or Vice Versa

• When an existing partner is elevated to designated partner status, Form 4 must be filed to record the change in designation
• The incoming designated partner must obtain a DPIN before the designation change takes effect — they cannot function as a designated partner without one
• When a designated partner steps down to become an ordinary partner, their DPIN remains valid but they are no longer responsible for MCA compliance as a statutory officer
• Designation changes do not require Form 3 unless the LLP Agreement itself specifies the designation of each named partner — in which case, a supplementary agreement is needed

The distinction between a partner and a designated partner is one of the most important — and most misunderstood — aspects of LLP law. Form 4 applies to both, but the compliance consequences of changes to designated partners are more severe:

What Changes Trigger LLP Form 4? Complete Category-Wise Reference

What Is the Two-Step Process Before Filing LLP Form 4? Form 6 Then Form 4

Many LLP managers are unaware that Form 4 is the second step in a two-step notification process. Before the LLP can file Form 4 with the ROC, the affected partner must first notify the LLP of the change using LLP Form 6:

• Step 1 — Partner notifies LLP via Form 6 (within 15 days): The partner who is joining, leaving, or whose personal details have changed must inform the LLP by submitting a consent letter or change notification in the prescribed format within 15 days of the change event. For an incoming partner, this is their formal consent to become a partner. For a departing partner, this is their resignation or cessation notice. For personal detail changes, this is a notification of the change with supporting documents
• Step 2 — LLP files Form 4 with ROC (within 30 days): On receiving the Form 6 notification from the partner, the LLP has 30 days from the original change event (not from the date of Form 6 receipt) to file Form 4 on the MCA V3 portal. The 30-day deadline runs from the date of appointment/cessation/change — not from when the LLP receives the Form 6 notification. This means the LLP should proactively collect Form 6 from partners well before the 30-day window expires

Form 4 must be filed as a linked form alongside Form 3 whenever the change in partner information also triggers an amendment to the LLP Agreement. The MCA V3 system requires both forms to be submitted in the same session. The two forms are linked and cannot be filed independently when a partner appointment or cessation is involved:

• New partner appointment: Always requires both Form 3 (to amend the LLP Agreement to include the new partner's contribution and profit share) and Form 4 (to record the appointment) — filed simultaneously
• Partner cessation: Always requires both Form 3 (to remove the departed partner from the LLP Agreement) and Form 4 (to record the cessation) — filed simultaneously
• Name / address / designation change (standalone): Does NOT require Form 3 unless the LLP Agreement names the partner and needs updating — filed as Form 4 alone
• Filing sequence: On MCA V3, start with Form 3, and the system will prompt for Form 4 as a linked form. Both forms are submitted and receive their respective SRNs in the same session. Attempting to file them separately (Form 3 first, then Form 4 days later) may cause data inconsistency on the MCA portal

The LLP Act imposes strict rules on the composition of designated partners. These rules are checked every time a Form 4 change is processed:

• Minimum 2 Designated Partners: Every LLP must have at least 2 designated partners at all times. This is a hard statutory minimum — it cannot be waived or temporarily reduced even for a single day
• At Least 1 Must Be a Resident of India: Of the 2 (or more) designated partners, at least one must have been present in India for at least 182 days in the immediately preceding financial year. This is verified through DPIN records and annual DIR-3 KYC filings
• What Happens If DP Count Falls Below 2: If a designated partner ceases and the count falls below 2 without an immediate replacement being filed via Form 4, the LLP becomes unable to file ANY forms on the MCA V3 portal for a period of 6 months from the date of the cessation. This means Form 8, Form 11, Form 3, and every other compliance filing is blocked — creating a domino effect of missed deadlines
• Body Corporate Cannot Be a Designated Partner: Only individual human beings (not companies, LLPs, or trusts) can be designated partners. A body corporate can be an ordinary partner of an LLP, but it must nominate a human individual to act as its designated partner — this nomination must be recorded in Form 4
• DPIN Mandatory for All Designated Partners: Every designated partner must have an active DPIN. If a new designated partner does not yet have a DPIN, they must obtain one before the Form 4 appointment is filed. The MCA V3 system will reject Form 4 for a new DP without a valid DPIN

• 2008 — LLP Act enacted: Section 25 of the LLP Act 2008 established the statutory framework for partner changes — introducing the 30-day notification requirement and creating the Form 4 filing obligation for the first time in India's business registration history
• 2009 — LLP Rules notified: Rule 22 of the LLP Rules 2009 prescribed the format and content of Form 4. Rule 7 prescribed Form 6 (consent to become partner) as the prerequisite document — establishing the two-step Form 6 → Form 4 sequence
• 2012-2015 — LLP growth period: Rapid LLP formation in professional services led to many ad-hoc partner changes — particularly in law firms and consulting practices — where formal Form 4 filings were frequently missed, creating a backlog of unfiled partner changes
• 2018 — DPIN aligned with DIN: The MCA aligned the Designated Partner Identification Number (DPIN) system with the Director Identification Number (DIN) system — eliminating separate DPIN applications. Existing DIN holders automatically had their DIN serve as DPIN for LLP designation purposes
• 2021 — LLP Amendment Act: Significantly increased penalties for non-compliance. The 6-month filing blockage for LLPs with fewer than 2 designated partners was codified — making the management of DP count changes a high-stakes compliance matter
• 2022-2023 — MCA V3 migration: Form 4 moved to the MCA V3 web-based portal, with pre-fill functionality that auto-populates LLP and partner details from existing LLPIN records — reducing data entry errors. The linked form functionality for Form 3 and Form 4 was also standardised on V3
• Present: The combination of DPIN requirements, the Form 6 pre-notification step, the 30-day filing window, and the severe 6-month blockage for sub-minimum DP counts makes LLP Form 4 one of the most consequential compliance filings for active LLPs. Tracking partner changes with a professional CA team is essential for LLPs with evolving partner structures

Documents for Appointment of a New Partner or Designated Partner

• Form 6 (Consent Letter): Signed by the incoming partner, confirming their consent to become a partner or designated partner of the LLP. This is the mandatory pre-notification to the LLP. Must be dated before the Form 4 filing date
• DPIN of the incoming Designated Partner: Must be active on the MCA portal before Form 4 is filed. If the new DP does not have a DPIN, apply for one via DIR-3 first
• PAN Card: Self-attested copy of the incoming partner's PAN card (mandatory for all individual partners)
• Identity Proof: Aadhaar card, passport, or voter ID — one government-issued ID in the name of the incoming partner
• Address Proof: Utility bill, Aadhaar, or bank statement showing current residential address (not more than 2 months old)
• Body Corporate Resolution (if applicable): For a body corporate becoming a partner — certified copy of board resolution authorising the LLP partnership and naming the individual nominee as designated partner
• DSC of minimum 2 Designated Partners: Both designated partners (including the new one if they are a designated partner) must sign Form 4 using valid DSC

Documents for Cessation of a Partner or Designated Partner

• Resignation Letter: Signed by the departing partner, with date of resignation. For designated partners, the resignation should be addressed to the LLP and acknowledge any pending compliance obligations
• Evidence of Cessation Event: Death certificate (in case of death), court order (in case of removal for cause), or resolution of remaining partners (for removal by consent) — depending on the reason for cessation
• Settlement Confirmation (if applicable): For partners with outstanding capital accounts or profit entitlements, a confirmation of settlement or an undertaking regarding the settlement may be required by the LLP
• DSC of minimum 2 Designated Partners: The remaining two designated partners after the departure sign Form 4 — or the outgoing DP's last DSC may be required if they are one of only two DPs (replacement DP appointment must be simultaneous)

Documents for Name or Address Change of a Partner

• Form 6 notification from partner: Partner notifies LLP of the personal detail change within 15 days of the change
• Gazette notification or name change certificate: Official evidence of the name change — as applicable under state law
• Updated KYC documents: Aadhaar card, PAN, and one address proof reflecting the new name or address
• DSC of minimum 2 Designated Partners: For the Form 4 filing on MCA V3

The consequences of missing the Form 4 deadline go beyond the standard ₹100-per-day late fee — they can trigger a complete compliance lockdown for the LLP:

• Late filing fee: ₹100 per day from the 31st day after the change event. No upper cap — accumulates indefinitely until filed
• 6-month portal lockout: If the DP count drops below 2 due to an unfiled Form 4 cessation, the LLP is unable to submit ANY form on MCA V3 for 6 months from the cessation date. This blocks Form 8 (Statement of Account), Form 11 (Annual Return), and all event-based filings — turning a single missed Form 4 into a multi-form penalty cascade
• Legal invalidity of partner changes: Partner changes not reported in Form 4 do not appear on the MCA records. The old partner remains officially listed — creating liability for both the LLP and the partner who believes they have exited
• Judicial penalty under Section 25: Persistent non-filing can attract penalties under the LLP Act beyond the daily late fee — including penalties on both the LLP and its designated partners personally
• Third-party risk: Banks, investors, and government departments verify MCA records before dealing with an LLP. An LLP with stale partner records (departed partners still showing as active, or new partners not yet on record) faces credibility and verification issues in every transaction

Adding a New Partner to the LLP — What Must Be Filed?

Adding a new partner to an LLP is the most common Form 4 trigger — and the one with the most compliance steps:

• Obtain consent from the new partner — signed Form 6 confirming willingness to join
• Get new designated partner's DPIN (if they are a DP) activated on MCA V3 — apply via DIR-3 if not yet obtained
• Draft and execute supplementary LLP Agreement on stamp paper reflecting new partner's contribution and profit share
• File Form 3 (agreement change) + Form 4 (appointment) simultaneously on MCA V3 as linked forms — both within 30 days of appointment date
• Update LLP Annual Return (Form 11) at next filing to reflect updated partner count and contribution details

Partner Resigning or Being Removed from the LLP

A departing partner — whether by resignation, retirement, or removal — creates the most time-sensitive Form 4 obligation:

• Obtain signed resignation letter from the departing partner immediately
• Check remaining DP count: if it falls to 1 or 0, appoint a replacement designated partner on the same day as the cessation — file both the cessation and the replacement appointment in the same Form 4 to avoid the 6-month blockage
• Execute supplementary agreement removing the departing partner from the LLP Agreement
• File Form 3 (agreement change) + Form 4 (cessation) simultaneously within 30 days
• For LLPs considering full wind-down after partner exits, see our LLP Winding Up service for the complete closure process

Partner Changing Name or Address — Is Form 4 Still Required?

Yes — any change in a partner's personal details, even a simple address change, must be formally reported to the MCA via Form 4 within 30 days. The two-step process still applies:

• Partner notifies LLP via Form 6 within 15 days with documentary proof of the change (new Aadhaar, gazette notification, utility bill)
• LLP files Form 4 within 30 days of the change event with the proof documents attached
• No Form 3 needed unless the LLP Agreement itself names the partner and must be updated
• For designated partners: also update DIR-3 KYC separately — the Form 4 MCA update and the DPIN/DIN KYC update are two separate systems that must both be kept current

Foreign National or NRI Becoming a Partner in an LLP — Additional Requirements

When a foreign national, NRI, or foreign body corporate becomes a partner in an LLP, the compliance picture extends beyond Form 4 and Form 3 to include FEMA requirements:

• Same Form 4 + Form 3 filing obligations apply — within 30 days of appointment
• The foreign partner's DIN/DPIN must be obtained from the MCA using passport as identity proof and foreign address proof
• FEMA Form 1: Report the FDI (Foreign Direct Investment) in the LLP to the RBI via the FIRMS portal within 30 days of receiving the foreign capital contribution. See our FEMA Form 1 Filing for LLP service for the complete FDI reporting process
• FDI eligibility check required — certain LLP sectors are restricted or prohibited from foreign investment under the Consolidated FDI Policy
• Residency rule remains: at least one designated partner must be a resident Indian (182+ days) even after the foreign partner joins