Yes — under Section 12(3) of the Companies Act, 2013, every company must paint or affix its name, registered office address, and Corporate Identity Number (CIN) outside every office or place of business, in a legible language, visible during business hours.
What has to be on it
- Company name (as registered)
- Registered office address
- Corporate Identity Number (CIN)
- Some companies also add contact details as a practical addition, though only the above three are strictly required
Is this different from a common seal or rubber stamp?
Yes. A signboard is physically displayed at your office; a common seal is embossed on documents; a rubber stamp is inked on paperwork. Most companies need all three at some point, but the signboard is the one with an explicit display requirement under law.
What happens if I skip it?
Non-compliance with Section 12(3) can attract penalties under the Companies Act. Since it's a one-time purchase with no recurring cost, most companies simply order an online signboard right after incorporation, alongside their stamps.
What to order
A single 3-in-1 acrylic signboard covering company name, CIN, and registered office address satisfies the requirement for most companies, LLPs, and OPCs. You can order this signboard online in a few minutes, with pan-India delivery.
Order your compliance signboard online here.