How to Check CAC Name: A Step-by-Step Guide
If you're a business owner in Nigeria, having your business registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) is a must. Registering your company with CAC is a legal requirement and it is important to ensure that the name you choose for your business is not already registered by someone else. In this article, we'll take you through the process of how to check CAC name availability.
What is CAC?
The Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) is a government agency in Nigeria that is responsible for the regulation and supervision of companies, businesses, and other types of organizations. One of the key roles of CAC is to ensure that businesses are registered and operate in accordance with the law.
Why is it important to check CAC name availability?
Registering your business with CAC is important because it gives your business legal recognition and helps to protect your business name. If you do not register your business with CAC, anyone can use your business name and this can cause confusion among your customers. Checking the availability of your business name before registering it with CAC is important because it helps you avoid infringing on someone else's trademark or business name.
How to check CAC name availability
Checking the availability of your business name with CAC is a simple process. Follow these steps:
Step 1: Go to the CAC website
Visit the CAC website at https://services.cac.gov.ng/ and click on "Public Search" at the top of the page.
Step 2: Search for your business name
Enter the name you want to check in the "Company Name" box and click on "Search". If your business name is available, it will display on the next page. If it is not available, you will need to choose another name.
Step 3: Check the availability of your name variations
If your preferred name is not available, you can try different name variations to see if they are available. For example, if "ABC Limited" is not available, you can try "ABC Nigeria Limited" or "ABC Holdings Limited".
Step 4: Reserve your name
Once you have found an available name, you can reserve it by clicking on "Reserve Name" at the bottom of the page. This will take you to the payment portal where you will be required to pay a reservation fee.
Step 5: Complete your registration
After reserving your business name, you can proceed to complete your registration with CAC. You will be required to provide additional information about your business such as your company's registered address, directors, and shareholders.
Conclusion
Checking the availability of your business name with CAC is an important step in the process of registering your business in Nigeria. It helps to protect your business name and ensures that you do not infringe on someone else's trademark or business name. Following the steps outlined in this article will help you check the availability of your business name with CAC and reserve it if it is available.
FAQs
Q1. How much does it cost to reserve a business name with CAC?
A1. The cost of reserving a business name with CAC varies depending on the type of business you want to register. You can find the current fees on the CAC website.
Q2. How long does it take to check CAC name availability?
A2. Checking CAC name availability is a quick process and can be completed in a few minutes.
Q3. Can I change my business name after registering with CAC?
A3. Yes, you can change your business name after registering with CAC. However, you will need to follow the necessary procedures to do so.
Q4. Can I use a name that is similar to an existing business name?
A4. No, you cannot use a name that is similar to an existing business name. This is because it can cause confusion among customers and infringe on someone else's trademark.
Q5. Can I check CAC name availability offline?
A5. Yes, you can check CAC name availability offline by visiting any CAC office near you.
