Learn how to complete a CIPC directors amendment online, including director appointments, resignations, foreign director passport verification, foreigner assurance, OTP consent and COR39 finalisation.
Changing the directors of a South African company is an important corporate compliance process. Whether a company is appointing a new director, recording a director’s resignation, changing an existing director’s details, or dealing with a foreign national, the amendment must be properly captured and verified through the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC) system.
CIPC has introduced an automated process for directors’ amendments that includes additional verification requirements, particularly where non-South African directors and passport numbers are involved. The process also incorporates OTP-based consent from the filer and affected directors.
The CIPC step-by-step guidelines for automated appointments and resignations explain how customers should use the online system to submit a COR39 directors amendment application, complete foreigner assurance where necessary, verify director information, obtain the required electronic consents, and finalise the application.
This guide explains the process in practical terms and highlights important points that companies, directors, accountants, company secretaries, consultants and other CIPC filers should understand before starting.
What Is a CIPC Directors Amendment?
A directors amendment is a filing made with CIPC to update the official director information associated with a registered company.
The amendment process can be used for matters such as:
- Appointing a new director
- Resigning a director
- Changing the status of an existing director
- Updating director information
- Updating a passport number
- Appointing a non-South African director
- Recording certain changes involving directors
- Updating information relating to existing directors
The CIPC process is designed to ensure that the company’s official records accurately reflect its current directors.
For companies, this is more than an administrative formality. Director information can affect corporate governance, banking, contracts, tenders, beneficial ownership-related processes and other compliance matters.
Understanding the CIPC COR39 Process
The COR39 is associated with changes to a company’s directors.
The automated process described by CIPC requires the filer to provide the necessary company and director information and, depending on the circumstances, obtain consent from affected parties through OTP verification.
One of the most important developments in the process is the integration of foreigner assurance.
This becomes particularly relevant when:
- A non-South African is being appointed as a director; or
- A passport number is being added or updated.
The system may require the relevant passport to be verified before the COR39 application can proceed.
CIPC Directors Amendment Process for Unverified Customers
Customers who have not yet completed the relevant verification process must first verify their account before they can file the COR39.
The process begins through the CIPC online platform.
Step 1: Log In and Select “Transact”
Log into your CIPC account.
Once logged in, select “Transact”.
The transaction area provides access to various CIPC services, including directors’ amendments.
Step 2: Select “More Services”
After selecting Transact, proceed to “More Services”.
This will display additional services available through the platform.
Step 3: Agree to the Terms and Select Directors’ Amendments
Select the option relating to directors’ amendments.
You will be presented with the applicable terms and conditions.
Read the terms and conditions and proceed if you agree to them.
Step 4: Accept the Agreement
Click the agree checkbox and select “Continue”.
This confirms that you accept the applicable terms and conditions for the transaction.
Step 5: Continue With the Verification Process
Select “Continue” to proceed.
The system will then require you to update the necessary information associated with your account.
Step 6: Update the Required Information
Complete the required fields displayed on the screen.
Make sure the information is accurate and corresponds with the relevant identification and contact information.
Incorrect information at this stage can create problems later when OTP verification is required.
Step 7: Continue Updating the Information
Move down through the form and complete any remaining required information.
Do not assume that completing the first section means the process is finished. Review the entire form carefully.
Step 8: Complete OTP Verification
The system will require SMS and email OTPs.
Enter the OTPs received and select “Verify”.
The OTP process is important because it confirms the customer’s contact details.
Step 9: Submit the Verification
Select “Submit”.
According to the CIPC guidelines, the account will then be verified and enabled to file a COR39.
Once the verification has been completed, the customer can proceed with the directors’ amendment process.
CIPC Directors Amendment Process for Verified Customers
Verified customers can proceed directly to the directors’ amendment process.
The process is slightly different because the customer’s account has already been verified.
Step 1: Log In and Select “Transact”
Log into your CIPC account.
Select “Transact”.
Step 2: Select “More Services”
Select “More Services” to view the available transactions.
Step 3: Select Directors’ Amendments
Agree to the applicable terms and conditions and select the directors’ amendments service.
Step 4: Accept the Terms
Click the agree checkbox and select “Continue”.
Step 5: Continue
Select “Continue” to move into the application.
Search for the Company
Step 6: Enter the Company Registration Number
Enter the company’s registration number and select “Search”.
If the company appears in your list of companies, select the “File” button.
This step is important because the directors’ amendment must be linked to the correct company.
Practical advice
Before proceeding, double-check:
- Company registration number
- Company name
- Company details
- Whether you are filing for the correct entity
Submitting changes against the wrong company can create unnecessary complications.
Foreigner Assurance and Passport Verification
One of the most important parts of the automated directors amendment process concerns foreign directors.
Step 7: Select the “File” Button
Select the “File” button next to the relevant company in the searched company information list.
This starts the directors amendment application.
Step 8: Determine Whether a Non-South African Director Is Involved
The system asks whether you will:
- Appoint a non-South African; and/or
- Update a passport number.
If the answer is yes, capture the relevant passport numbers and select “Verify”.
If the passport cannot be verified, the system will provide an option to begin the foreigner assurance process.
If you are not appointing a non-South African and are not updating a passport number, select “No”.
What Is Foreigner Assurance?
Foreigner assurance is an important verification mechanism for transactions involving foreign nationals.
Instead of allowing an unverified passport number to proceed directly through the director amendment application, the system requires additional verification.
This helps establish that the foreign director’s passport information has been appropriately verified before the amendment is submitted.
For businesses appointing international directors, this means the process should be planned in advance.
What Happens When a Passport Is Not Verified?
If a passport is not verified, the applicant can select the relevant “here” link to access the foreigner assurance process.
The user is then redirected to the foreigner assurance process.
Important point
Do not simply continue with the COR39 application while waiting for the passport verification.
According to the CIPC guidelines, the filer should wait until an email confirms that the passports submitted through the foreigner assurance process have been successfully verified.
Only then should the filer proceed with capturing the COR39 application.
What If All Passports Are Already Verified?
If all applicable passports have successfully passed verification, select “OK” and continue with the application.
This can make the process considerably smoother because the additional foreigner assurance step has already been completed.
Updating Enterprise Contact Details
Step 10: Review Company Contact Information
The system allows the filer to update the company’s enterprise contact details where necessary.
Review the information carefully.
If changes are required, update them before selecting “Continue”.
Keeping company contact information current is important because CIPC communications and future transactions may depend on the details recorded on the system.
Reviewing Existing Directors
Step 11: Review Current Directors
The system displays the company’s existing directors.
Use the “Edit” button to review each director’s information.
This gives the filer an opportunity to determine whether a director’s details should remain unchanged or whether a change must be recorded.
Step 12: Select “No Change” or “Status Change”
For an existing director whose information does not need to be changed, select “No Change”.
Then select “Save” at the bottom of the screen.
If the director’s status or other information needs to be changed, select “Status Change” instead.
This distinction is important because the system needs to know whether the existing director’s record is being amended.
Step 13: Select the Director’s Status
Where a status change is required, select the appropriate status.
The system will then provide the relevant fields for the change.
Step 14: Update the Required Information
Enter the required information.
Work through the form carefully rather than entering only the information that appears immediately visible on the screen.
Step 15: Complete the Remaining Information and Save
Move down through the form.
Complete all required information and select “Save”.
Saving the information ensures that the changes entered for that director are recorded in the application.
Appointing a New South African Director
Step 16: Continue With the Application
Select “Continue”.
The system provides an option to appoint a new director.
Step 17: Select “New Director”
If you are appointing a new director, select “New Director”.
If you are not adding another director, select “Continue”.
This allows the filer to move between existing director amendments and new appointments.
Appointing a South African Director
Step 18: Enter the New Director’s Identification Information
When appointing a South African director, select “No” when asked whether the person is a non-South African.
The relevant identification information must then be captured.
Step 19: Verify the ID Number
Capture the director’s ID number and select “Verify”.
The system uses the relevant government verification process to validate the identification information.
Important warning about DHA availability
The CIPC guidelines specifically indicate that you will not be able to continue with the application if DHA is offline.
Therefore, an applicant should not necessarily assume that an inability to verify an ID means the director’s information is incorrect.
The problem may be temporary system availability.
Step 20: Capture the Required Information
Enter all required information about the new director.
Depending on the fields presented by the system, this may include personal and contact information required for the director’s record.
Step 21: Complete the Remaining Fields
Move down through the form and complete all remaining required information.
Select “Save” when finished.
Step 22: Review and Save
Continue through the form, complete any remaining required information and select “Save”.
Before continuing, review the information carefully.
Errors in director information can cause problems with company records and future transactions.
Appointing a Non-South African Director
The automated process also supports the appointment of foreign directors.
However, the verification process is different because a foreign director generally uses passport information rather than a South African ID number.
Step 23: Select “New Director”
Select “New Director” to begin adding another director.
This can be used when appointing a non-South African director.
Step 24: Select “Yes” for a Non-South African
When the system asks whether the director is a non-South African, select “Yes”.
Step 25: Enter Passport Details
Capture the director’s:
- Passport number
- Passport expiration date
Then select “Verify”.
If the passport has not been verified, follow the foreigner assurance prompt provided by the system.
Step 26: Capture the Required Information
Enter the remaining required information for the foreign director.
Accuracy is particularly important because passport information is used to identify the individual.
Step 27: Complete and Save the Application
Move down through the form and complete all required fields.
Once the information has been captured, select “Save”.
At this stage, the new foreign director should have been captured as part of the directors amendment application.
Attaching Supporting Documents
Step 28: Continue to the Document Section
Select “Continue”.
The system may provide an option to attach supporting documents.
Are Documents Mandatory for a CIPC Directors Amendment?
The CIPC guidelines distinguish between different types of director amendments.
According to the supplied CIPC instructions, documents are optional when:
- Updating director details
- Appointing a director
- Resigning a director
However, documents are mandatory for certain status changes, including:
- Status removed
- Deceased
- Term expired
This distinction is important.
A filer should not assume that every COR39 amendment requires the same supporting documents. The documentation requirement depends on the nature of the amendment being submitted.
Confirming the Application
Step 29: Confirm the Application
Once all the relevant information has been captured, proceed to the confirmation stage.
Attach any required documents and select “Continue”.
Step 30: Select “Confirm”
Select “Confirm”.
CIPC specifically warns users to click the button only once.
This is a small but important instruction.
Repeatedly clicking a submission or confirmation button can potentially create confusion about whether the transaction was submitted successfully.
Once the confirmation action has been initiated, allow the system to process it.
Finalising the Application
Step 31: Click “OK”
After confirming the application, finalise the application by selecting “OK”.
The application then moves into the next stage of the automated process.
CIPC OTP Consent Process
One of the most important parts of the automated directors amendment process happens after the application has been submitted.
The application enters a submitted status with type OTP.
At this point, the process is not necessarily complete.
Step 32: Proposed Changes Email
The filer and directors who are being:
- Appointed; or
- Resigned
must check their email.
CIPC sends a proposed changes email containing the relevant information and proposed amendments.
This means that a director appointment or resignation may require action from the affected individuals rather than being completed solely by the person who initiated the application.
Directors Must Review the Proposed Changes
Step 33: Review the Proposed Changes
The filer and affected directors should:
- Open the proposed changes email.
- Review the attached proposed changes document.
- Follow the link provided in the email.
- Capture the required identification number.
- Enter the SMS OTP.
- Enter the email OTP.
This provides an additional layer of consent and verification.
Why is this important?
The OTP process helps ensure that the individuals affected by the proposed director amendment have an opportunity to review and consent to the changes.
For example, where a person is being appointed as a director, that individual should be aware that the company is proposing to record them as a director.
Likewise, where a director is resigning, the process requires the affected parties to participate in the electronic confirmation process.
Completing the Red Consent Process
Step 34: Select the Red Consent Button
After following the link from the CIPC email, select the red “Consent” button.
This takes the individual to the consent process.
Step 35: Enter Identification and OTP Information
Move down through the form and enter:
- Identification information
- SMS OTP
- Email OTP
Then select the agreement checkbox.
Finally, select “Submit”.
Each person affected by the application must complete their required OTP consent.
What Happens When Multiple People Must Give Consent?
Step 36: All Relevant People Must Complete the Process
The filer and all impacted directors must complete the OTP process.
This is especially important where the application includes multiple changes.
For example, an application could involve:
- One director resigning
- One new director being appointed
- Another director’s information being updated
The relevant people must complete their respective OTP submissions.
The process only reaches the final stage once the required participants have submitted their consents.
The Last Submitter Can Finish the Application
An important feature of the automated process is that the last person to submit their OTPs will see the “Finish” button.
This person can proceed to finalise the application.
Step 37: Select “Finish”
Select the “Finish” button to finalise the application.
Interestingly, according to the CIPC guidelines, any person who has already submitted their OTPs can also complete this final step, even if they have already captured and submitted their OTPs.
This provides some flexibility in completing the transaction after all required OTP submissions have been made.
What Happens After the Application Is Finalised?
Once the directors amendment process has been completed, all active directors will receive an email containing the COR39 attachment.
The COR39 provides an important record of the directors amendment submitted to CIPC.
Companies should keep this documentation with their corporate records.
Practical Checklist for a CIPC Directors Amendment
Before starting a directors amendment, it is useful to prepare everything in advance.
Company information
- CIPC login details
- Company registration number
- Correct company selected
- Current company contact information
Existing directors
- Names checked
- Identification information checked
- Director statuses reviewed
- Changes clearly identified
- Supporting documents prepared where mandatory
New South African directors
- ID number available
- ID verification possible
- Required personal information available
- Contact information available
New foreign directors
- Passport number available
- Passport expiration date available
- Passport verification completed
- Foreigner assurance completed where required
- Foreign director’s required information available
OTP stage
- Filer’s email accessible
- Affected directors’ email accounts accessible
- SMS numbers available
- OTPs can be received
- Proposed changes reviewed
- Consent submitted by all required parties
Common Issues That Can Delay a Directors Amendment
Although the CIPC automated process is designed to streamline director amendments, several issues can interrupt the process.
1. Passport Verification Problems
Foreign directors can create additional verification requirements.
If a passport cannot immediately be verified, the filer may need to complete the foreigner assurance process and wait for confirmation before continuing.
Advice
Do not leave foreign passport verification until the last minute, especially if the company needs the director amendment completed urgently.
2. DHA Is Offline
South African directors may experience problems when their ID information needs to be verified.
The CIPC guidelines indicate that the application cannot continue if the relevant DHA service is offline.
Advice
If verification fails, first determine whether the issue is caused by incorrect information or system availability.
3. Missing OTPs
The automated process depends heavily on email and SMS OTPs.
Problems can occur when:
- An email address is incorrect
- A phone number is outdated
- An OTP expires
- The person does not have access to the registered email account
- The email goes to spam or junk
- A director fails to complete the consent process
Companies should therefore ensure that all relevant participants are available before submitting the application.
4. Affected Directors Do Not Complete Consent
Submitting the COR39 application does not necessarily mean the entire process is finished.
The affected directors and filer may still need to complete the proposed changes and OTP consent process.
Advice
If you are coordinating a directors amendment for a company, inform all affected directors beforehand that they will receive an email from CIPC and must complete the consent process.
5. Clicking “Confirm” More Than Once
CIPC specifically instructs users to click “Confirm” only once.
If the system appears to be processing the transaction, avoid repeatedly clicking the button.
How Long Does a CIPC Directors Amendment Take?
The supplied CIPC guideline explains the process but does not establish a universal processing time for every directors amendment.
The actual duration can depend on several factors, including:
- Whether the customer is already verified
- Whether foreigner assurance is required
- Passport verification
- DHA availability
- Accuracy of the submitted information
- Whether supporting documents are required
- Whether all affected directors complete their OTP consent
- System availability
For this reason, businesses should avoid assuming that every directors amendment will be completed within the same timeframe.
How Foreign-Owned or International Companies Should Prepare
Companies with foreign directors should pay particular attention to the passport verification stage.
A director amendment involving a foreign national is not necessarily difficult, but it can involve additional steps compared with a straightforward South African director appointment.
Before starting the application, ensure that you have:
- The correct passport number.
- The passport expiration date.
- The foreign director’s required personal information.
- Access to the relevant email address.
- A working phone number for OTP verification.
- Enough time to complete foreigner assurance if required.
This preparation can reduce unnecessary delays.
Why Accurate Director Information Matters
Director information is not merely administrative data.
Companies rely on accurate director records for numerous business activities.
Incorrect information can potentially create difficulties when dealing with:
- Banks
- Government departments
- Tax authorities
- Investors
- Business partners
- Tender applications
- Corporate compliance processes
- Company secretarial matters
- Legal documentation
For this reason, a directors amendment should be treated as an important corporate record update rather than simply another online form.
Difference Between Appointing, Resigning and Updating a Director
Although these transactions are processed through the directors amendment system, they represent different corporate changes.
Appointing a Director
An appointment adds a new individual to the company’s director records.
The filer must capture the person’s required information and, where applicable, complete ID or passport verification.
Resigning a Director
A resignation removes the relevant director from the company’s active director records.
The affected parties may need to participate in the OTP consent process.
Updating Director Details
A company may need to update information associated with an existing director.
Where there is no substantive status change, the system provides a “No Change” option.
If the director’s status or other information must change, the filer can select the appropriate status change option.
Special Attention to Status Changes
Not all status changes have the same documentation requirements.
The CIPC instructions specifically state that supporting documents are mandatory for certain statuses, including:
- Removed
- Deceased
- Term Expired
By contrast, documents are described as optional when:
- Updating director details
- Appointing a director
- Resigning a director
This means that the filer should identify the precise nature of the director amendment before starting the transaction.
Why the OTP Consent System Matters
The OTP-based process adds another layer to the directors amendment workflow.
Instead of relying solely on the filer to submit changes, CIPC’s automated process requires the filer and affected directors to participate in the confirmation process.
This can help improve the reliability of director amendments because the people affected by the proposed changes receive an opportunity to review the information.
For businesses, however, it also means that directors cannot simply be told that “the filing has been submitted.”
They may still have an action to complete.
Best Practices When Filing a CIPC Directors Amendment
Prepare Before Logging In
Do not begin the transaction without having the necessary information available.
This is particularly important when multiple directors are involved.
Verify Foreign Passports Early
If a foreign director is involved, start the passport verification and foreigner assurance process as early as possible.
Waiting until the final submission stage can delay the entire amendment.
Check Every Director’s Details
Before saving the application, review the information carefully.
Pay attention to:
- Names
- Identification numbers
- Passport numbers
- Passport expiry dates
- Director status
- Contact information
Coordinate With All Affected Directors
Tell affected directors in advance that they will receive CIPC emails and OTP requests.
This is especially important for companies with directors located in different countries.
Keep Corporate Records
Once the process is completed and the COR39 attachment is received, retain it with the company’s corporate records.
A company should maintain an organised record of significant changes to its directors.
What to Do If the CIPC Process Does Not Work
Online government systems can occasionally experience technical or verification issues.
If you cannot continue, first identify where the process stopped.
If the problem is passport verification
Check whether the passport information is correct and whether foreigner assurance must be completed.
If the problem is ID verification
Check the ID information and whether DHA services are available.
If an OTP is missing
Check the relevant email account, spam folder and mobile phone.
If another director has not consented
Contact the affected director and ensure they complete the CIPC email and OTP process.
If the application appears stuck
Avoid repeatedly submitting the same transaction without first determining its current status. Duplicate submissions can make an administrative problem more complicated.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a COR39?
A COR39 is associated with notifying CIPC of changes relating to a company’s directors. The automated process described in the CIPC guidelines allows customers to capture director appointments, resignations and certain other director amendments electronically.
Can I appoint a foreign director through the CIPC automated system?
Yes. The process provides for the appointment of non-South African directors. However, passport verification and, where necessary, the foreigner assurance process must be completed.
What happens if a foreign director’s passport is not verified?
The filer is directed to the foreigner assurance process. According to the CIPC guidelines, the filer should wait for confirmation that the passport submitted through foreigner assurance has been successfully verified before continuing with the COR39 application.
Are supporting documents always required?
No. The CIPC instructions state that documents are optional for director detail updates, appointments and resignations. They are mandatory for certain status changes, including removed, deceased and term expired.
Why can’t I continue when verifying a South African director?
The CIPC instructions state that the application cannot continue if DHA is offline during the ID verification process. Therefore, a verification problem may be related to system availability rather than necessarily being an error in the director’s information.
Do directors need to approve the amendment?
The automated process includes an OTP-based consent stage. The filer and directors being appointed or resigned must receive the proposed changes email, review the proposed changes and complete the identification, SMS OTP and email OTP process.
What happens after everyone submits their OTPs?
The last submitter will see the Finish button. The application can then be finalised. The CIPC instructions also state that a person who has already submitted their OTPs can complete the finalisation step.
Will directors receive confirmation after completion?
Yes. The CIPC guidelines state that all active directors will receive an email containing the COR39 attachment after the process has been finalised.
Final Thoughts
The CIPC automated directors amendment process provides a structured way for companies to update their director records electronically. However, the process involves more than simply entering a new director’s details and clicking submit.
The most important areas to understand are customer verification, company selection, director information, passport verification, foreigner assurance, ID verification, supporting-document requirements and OTP consent.
For companies appointing foreign directors, passport verification should be treated as an early priority. For companies appointing or removing several directors, all affected individuals should be informed in advance about the OTP consent stage.
The process can be summarised as:
- Log into CIPC.
- Select Transact.
- Open More Services.
- Select Directors’ Amendments.
- Accept the terms and continue.
- Select the relevant company.
- Complete passport or ID verification where applicable.
- Use foreigner assurance where required.
- Review existing directors.
- Update director statuses or information.
- Add new directors where required.
- Verify South African IDs or foreign passports.
- Attach mandatory documents where applicable.
- Confirm the application.
- Wait for the proposed changes emails.
- Have the filer and affected directors complete their OTP consent.
- Select Finish to finalise the transaction.
- Retain the resulting COR39 documentation.
The biggest practical lesson is that submission is not necessarily the end of the process. The affected parties must complete their OTP consent before the directors amendment can be finalised.
For businesses, maintaining accurate CIPC director records is an essential part of corporate compliance. Preparing the required information and coordinating all affected directors before beginning the transaction can make the automated process significantly smoother.
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