If you're a business owner in Nigeria, you're probably familiar with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC). The CAC is responsible for registering companies and businesses in Nigeria, and it's essential to ensure that your business is registered with the commission.
Part of the registration process involves checking the availability of your company or business name, and in this article, we'll guide you on how to check CAC name.
Table of Contents
What is CAC?
Before we delve into the process of checking CAC name, let's talk briefly about what CAC is. CAC (Corporate Affairs Commission) is a statutory body responsible for regulating the formation and management of companies in Nigeria. It was established in 1990 under the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA), and since then, it has been responsible for the registration and regulation of businesses in Nigeria.
Why Check CAC Name?
Checking CAC name is important because it ensures that your business name is available and not already in use by another company or business. If you register your business with a name that's already in use, there could be legal consequences, and you may have to change your business name. It's always best to check the availability of your business name before registering with the CAC.
Steps to Check CAC Name
Now that we've established why it's vital to check CAC name, let's take a look at the steps involved in checking the availability of your business name.
Step 1: Visit the CAC Website
The first step in checking CAC name is to visit the CAC website. The website URL is www.cac.gov.ng. Once you're on the website, scroll down to the “Services” section and click on “Public Search.”
Step 2: Enter Your Business Name
On the public search page, you'll see a search box where you can enter your business name. Enter the name you want to use for your business and click on “Search.”
Step 3: Check the Search Results
After clicking on “Search,” you'll see a list of search results that match your business name. If your business name is available, you'll see a message that says, “No Record Found.” If your business name is not available, you'll see a list of companies or businesses that have already registered with the CAC using that name.
Conclusion
In conclusion, checking CAC name is an essential step in registering your business in Nigeria. It's always best to ensure that your business name is available before registering with the CAC. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can quickly and easily check the availability of your business name on the CAC website.
FAQs
1. Can I change my business name after registering with CAC?
Yes, you can change your business name after registering with the CAC. However, the process can be time-consuming and costly, so it's best to ensure that your business name is available before registering.
2. What happens if I register my business with a name that's already in use?
If you register your business with a name that's already in use, you may face legal consequences, and you may have to change your business name.
3. How much does it cost to register a business with CAC?
The cost of registering a business with the CAC varies depending on the type of business and the number of shares issued. You can visit the CAC website for more information on registration fees.
4. How long does it take to register a business with CAC?
The time it takes to register a business with the CAC varies, but it usually takes between 2-4 weeks. The process can be faster if all the required documents are submitted on time.
5. Can I register my business with CAC online?
Yes, you can register your business with the CAC online. The CAC has an online registration portal where you can complete the registration process. However, you will still need to visit a CAC office to submit some documents physically.
