Every successful business registration in Nigeria begins with a CAC name reservation. Before the Corporate Affairs Commission issues a Certificate of Registration or Certificate of Incorporation, it first confirms that the proposed business name is available and complies with the law. This requirement helps maintain an accurate business register and prevents conflicts arising from duplicate or misleading business names.
In recent years, the CAC has continued to modernize its registration system by expanding its digital services and introducing technology-driven improvements, including an Artificial Intelligence (AI) Service Charge for name reservation and business name registration applications, effective April 1, 2026. These changes reflect the Commission’s ongoing efforts to improve service delivery and streamline the registration process for applicants.
If you’re unsure how to reserve your business name or want to avoid costly mistakes, you’re in the right place. This article provides a step-by-step guide to CAC name reservation, explains the applicable fees, highlights the most common reasons applications are rejected, and shows how DocuTrust Africa can help you complete the process accurately and efficiently.
What Is CAC Name Reservation and Why Is It Important?
CAC name reservation is the process of applying to the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) to reserve a proposed business or company name before registration. During this process, the CAC checks whether your preferred affairming name is available and whether it complies with the provisions of the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA) 2020 and the Commission’s naming guidelines. If approved, the name is reserved exclusively for you for a specified period, allowing you to complete your business registration.
A CAC name reservation is important because it protects your preferred business name from being taken by another applicant while you prepare your registration documents. It also helps ensure that your proposed name is unique, does not conflict with an existing registered name or trademark, and is not misleading, offensive, or prohibited under Nigerian law.
Intimate, reserving your business name before registration reduces the risk of rejection and saves you the time and cost of repeatedly submitting new name options. It is the first official step toward registering a Business Name, Limited Liability Company, Incorporated Trustee, or Limited Partnership with the Corporate Affairs Commission.
Who Needs a CAC Name Reservation in Nigeria?
Anyone planning to register a business or legal entity with the Corporate Affairs Commission should complete a CAC name reservation before beginning the registration process. This applies to individuals, entrepreneurs, startups, professionals, non-profit organizations, and established businesses creating new entities.
You will typically need a CAC name reservation if you want to register:
- A Business Name.
- A Private or Public Limited Company.
- An Incorporated Trustee (NGO, church, mosque, association, or foundation).
- A Limited Liability Partnership (LLP).
- A Limited Partnership (LP).
How to Do Your CAC Name Reservation
Completingh a CAC name reservation is the first step toward registering your business in Nigeria. Meanwhile, the process is fully automated on the CAC’s integrated Company Registration Portal.
Follow this step-by-step guide to complete your reservation: .
#1: Visit the Portal
- Go to the CAC Company Registration Portal here.
- If you don’t have an account, click Sign Up to create one using your email address, phone number, and password.
- Log in with your credentials and complete the One-Time Password (OTP) verification sent to your email.
#2: Start a New Reservation
- Once on your dashboard, select Name Reservation from the menu.
- Select your Business Classification (e.g., Company, Business Name, or Incorporated Trustee) and your specific Business Type (e.g., Private company limited by shares, Sole Proprietorship) from the dropdown menus.
#3: Check Name Availability
- Type in your Proposed Name (you can usually provide up to two choices in order of preference).
- Select your Nature of Business and Specific Nature of Business from the dropdown lists.
- Click Check Availability.
- If the system confirms the name is free, click Continue. If it is taken, you will need to tweak your name or use the portal’s AI-powered name suggestions.
#4: Pay the Reservation Fee
- The system will direct you to a summary page. Review all your entries carefully as you cannot change these details after paying.
- Click to proceed to payment. You will be redirected to the Remita payment gateway.
- Pay using your preferred method (Debit card, bank transfer, or internet banking).
#5: CAC Review and Approval
- Once payment is successful, you will receive an acknowledgment receipt. The CAC will review your application to ensure the proposed name complies with the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA) 2020 and its registration guidelines.
- If the application is successful, the CAC reserves the approved name for 60 days. This will give you the time to complete your business registration. If the name is rejected, you’ll also be notified.
Kindly note that you must complete the full incorporation and file your documents before this 60-day window expires, or you will lose the name and have to reapply.
To help you with the next stages of your business setup, you can reach out to our team of experts.
Similarly, if you prefer a faster and more guided experience, DocuTrust Africa can assist with your CAC name reservation and business registration process. Our team of experts help applicants choose compliant business names, prepare the required information, and complete their applications accurately, reducing the risk of avoidable rejections.
Register Your Business Name Without Stress
Fast CAC registration support with professional guidance from start to finish.
Start RegistrationHow Much Does CAC Name Reservation Cost in Nigeria?
If you’re planning to register a business, one of the first questions you’ll likely ask is, “How much does CAC name reservation cost in Nigeria?” According to the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), a CAC name reservation attracts the prescribed statutory fee under the Companies Regulations 2021 (as amended).
In addition, the Commission announced that effective April 1, 2026, every Name Reservation (Availability) application attracts an Artificial Intelligence (AI) Service Charge of ₦200 per application. This AI service charge is separate from and does not replace the statutory name reservation fee prescribed by the Regulations.
Similarly, applicants registering a Business Name are required to pay an additional ₦500 AI Service Charge for each registration application. Like the name reservation charge, this fee is an additional service charge and does not affect the statutory registration fees already established by the CAC.
Similarly, when calculating the total cost of your CAC name reservation, you should consider the applicable statutory CAC name reservation fee and any applicable service or administrative charges if you engage a professional registration service.
While it is possible to complete the process yourself through the CAC portal, many entrepreneurs, freelancers, and busy professionals prefer to use DocuTrust Africa for a smoother experience. Instead of navigating the registration process alone, DocuTrust Africa helps you choose compliant business names, prepares your application accurately, and guides you through every stage of your CAC name reservation and business registration. This not only saves valuable time but also reduces the likelihood of errors that could lead to delays or rejected applications.
Common Reasons Why CAC Name Reservations Are Rejected
Although the CAC name reservation process is straightforward, not every application is approved on the first attempt. The Corporate Affairs Commission may reject a proposed name if it does not comply with the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA) 2020 and the Commission’s naming guidelines. Hence, understanding the common reasons for rejection can improve your chances of securing approval.
Some of the most common reasons include:
- The proposed name is already registered
The name is misleading: Names that may confuse the public about the nature, ownership, or purpose of the business are likely to be rejected. - The name contains restricted words: Certain expressions or words like National, Federal, Government, State, Group, Holdings, Authority, Co-operative, or Chamber require special consent or documentation and will be rejected if used without approval.
- The name is offensive or contrary to public policy: The CAC may reject names that are considered offensive, deceptive, or inconsistent with public interest.
- The proposed name infringes on an existing trademark or business identity: If the name appears to violate another party’s intellectual property rights, the application may be declined.
- Information Discrepancies: Details on the reservation application, such as the applicant’s name or date of birth, must perfectly match the submitted valid ID (e.g., NIN, International Passport).
- Inappropriate Acronyms or Combinations: Using disjointed letters or abbreviations that do not translate into a proper, distinct business identity.
How DocuTrust Africa Makes CAC Name Reservation Fast and Hassle-Free
While you can complete a CAC name reservation on your own, many entrepreneurs choose DocuTrust Africa because it simplifies the process and helps reduce avoidable mistakes that can delay business registration.
Here’s how DocuTrust Africa supports applicants:
- Professional Guidance: Receive expert assistance in selecting business names that are more likely to comply with CAC naming guidelines.
- Accurate Application Preparation: We help in ensuring your application is completed correctly, reducing the likelihood of delays caused by errors or incomplete information.
- End-to-End Registration Support: Beyond name reservation, DocuTrust Africa assists with the subsequent stages of CAC business registration. Helping applicants move from name approval to successful incorporation.
- Convenient Online Service: Begin your application from anywhere without the need to navigate complex registration procedures on your own.
- Time-Saving Process: By providing clear guidance and application support, DocuTrust Africa helps applicants avoid common pitfalls that often result in repeated submissions.
Register Your Business Name Without Stress
Fast CAC registration support with professional guidance from start to finish.
Start RegistrationFrequently Asked Questions About CAC Name Reservation
How long does a CAC name reservation last?
A successful CAC name reservation is valid for 60 days from the date of approval. During this period, you are expected to complete your business registration.
Can I reserve more than one business name with the CAC?
Yes. You can submit multiple name reservation applications if you have different business ideas or if your affirming name is unavailable. However, each application attracts the applicable statutory fee and the prescribed AI Service Charge.
What should I do if my CAC name reservation is rejected?
If your application is rejected, carefully review the reason provided by the Corporate Affairs Commission. You can then submit a new application using a more distinctive name that complies with CAC naming guidelines.
Can DocuTrust Africa help me with my CAC name reservation?
Yes. DocuTrust Africa assists entrepreneurs, startups, and business owners with CAC name reservation and business registration. The platform helps applicants choose compliant business names, prepare accurate applications, and navigate the registration process with less stress, making it an excellent option for busy professionals and first-time business owners.
What happens if I don't register my business before the name reservation expires?
If you do not complete your business registration before the reservation period ends, the reserved name may become available to other applicants. To avoid losing your preferred business name, it’s advisable to complete the registration process within the validity period or seek professional assistance to keep your application on track.
References
en.wikipedia.org: Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA) 2020
cac.gov.ng: CAC News
