how to register business name CAC

 If you’re in Nigeria, CAC = Corporate Affairs Commission. Here’s how to register a Business Name (BN) with CAC.

Step-by-step

- Check name availability

  - Do a name search on the CAC e-Services portal to make sure your proposed business name isn’t already taken.

- Create or log in to your CAC e-Services account

  - Go to CAC’s e-Services site (often services.cac.gov.ng) and create an account if you don’t have one. Verify your email/phone as required.

- Prepare the information you’ll need

  - Proposed business name

  - Details of the proprietor(s): full name(s), address, occupation, phone, email

  - Principal place of business address

  - Nature of business (what you will do)

  - Date of commencement of business

  - For partnerships: names/addresses of all partners

  - Means of identification for the proprietor(s) (IDs like National ID, passport, driver’s license)

- Prepare and upload documents

  - Valid IDs for each proprietor

  - Passport-sized photos (if required)

  - Any other documents requested by the portal (check the BN1 form requirements)

- Complete and submit Form BN1 (Application for Registration of a Business Name)

  - Fill in all required fields on the BN1 form via the portal. This form is for new BN registrations.

- Pay fees

  - The portal will show the applicable fees for name search (if not done), registration, and any other charges. Pay using the available payment options.

- Wait for processing

  - CAC will review your submission. If there are issues or clarifications needed, you’ll be contacted. This can take from a day to several days.

- Receive your BN certificate

  - If approved, you’ll download or print the Certificate of Registration for your Business Name and the BN certificate with the registration number.

- Post-registration requirements

  - File annual returns (update/renewal) to keep the business name active.

  - Ensure you comply with tax and regulatory obligations (e.g., tax identification, licenses relevant to your business).

Notes and tips

- Fees vary by year and service type. Check the current fee schedule on the CAC portal.

- You can also hire a CAC-registered agent or lawyer to handle the filing for you if you’d prefer help.

- If your intention is to operate as a company, you might consider registering a company (not just a business name) as the process, requirements, and implications differ.