How to Register Your Business Name with CAC in Nigeria Using Your Phone (2026 Guide)

Do you have a small business but you have not registered it? Maybe you sell thrift clothes, you make liquid soap, you bake cakes, or you do POS business. If you register your business name with CAC, customers will trust you more, you can open a corporate bank account, and you can apply for grants.

The good news is you can register your business name with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) using only your smartphone in 2026. You do not need to travel to Abuja or pay an agent N40,000.

Here is a simple step-by-step guide.

What is CAC Registration?

CAC means Corporate

Affairs Commission. It is the government agency that registers all businesses in Nigeria. When you register, you get a certificate with your business name and a RC number or BN number. This certificate is proof that the business is yours legally.

There are two types:

1. Business Name: For small businesses owned by one or two people. Example: Amobi Ventures. This is cheap and easy.

2. *Limited Liability Company (LTD):* For bigger businesses. Example: Africa Hustle Hub Ltd. This costs more.

If you are just starting, register a Business Name.

Requirements to Register Business Name on Your Phone

Before you start, get these ready on your phone:

1. Two business names you want. Have an alternative in case the first one is taken. Example: First choice - "Mama T Cakes Port Harcourt", Second choice - "Mama T Confectioneries"

2. Your NIN (National Identification Number)

3. Your passport photograph (take a clear photo with your phone, white background)

4. Your signature on white paper (sign on white paper and snap it)

5. Your email address and phone number

6. Your business address

7. Nature of business - what you do in one sentence. Example: "Retailing of thrift clothes and fashion accessories"

Step-by-Step Process Using Your Phone

Step 1: Create an Account on CAC Portal

Open Chrome on your phone. Go to `crs.cac.gov.ng` or `pre.cac.gov.ng`. Click on "Create Account". Fill your name, email, and NIN. You will get an OTP. This account is free.

Step 2: Check if Your Business Name is Available

Inside the portal, click on "Name Availability Check" or "Name Reservation". Type your first business name choice. Pay the fee for name search. In 2026, it is around N1,000 to N2,000. You can pay with your bank card or transfer on your phone.

If the name is available, CAC will reserve it for you for 60 days. You must complete registration within 60 days.

Step 3: Fill the Registration Form

After your name is reserved, click on "Register Business Name". Fill the form:

- Business name: The reserved name

- Business owner details: Your name as it appears on your NIN

- Address, phone number, email

- Nature of business

Upload your passport photo and signature photo you snapped earlier.

Double-check your NIN. If your NIN name is "Chukwuma Amobi John" write exactly that. Do not use nickname.

Step 4: Pay the Registration Fee

For Business Name registration, the official CAC fee in 2026 is between N25,000 and N30,000. You pay online inside the portal with your ATM card. Do not pay any agent outside the portal. The portal will give you a receipt.

Step 5: Download Your Certificate

After payment and approval (usually takes 3 to 7 working days), you will get an email from CAC. Log back into the portal, go to "My Businesses" and download your certificate. It will be a PDF. Save it on your phone and print it when you can.

That certificate has your BN number. You are now officially registered.

How Much Does an Agent Charge?

Many agents in Port Harcourt charge N40,000 to N60,000 for Business Name registration. They are doing the same thing you can do on your phone for N27,000. If you do it yourself, you save money and you learn.

If you don't have time, use a trusted agent, but ask them to show you the receipt from CAC portal.

Why You Should Register Your Business

1. Trust: Customers trust registered businesses. You can put "Registered with CAC" on your flyer.

2. Bank Account: You can open a corporate account with Moniepoint, Opay Business, or any bank using your certificate.

3. Grants and Loans: SMEDAN, BOI, and Tony Elumelu Foundation ask for CAC certificate.

4. Protection: No one else can register your business name after you do.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

- Using a business name that contains "Limited" or "Ltd" when you are only registering a Business Name. Only LTD companies use Limited.

- Uploading blurry passport photo. CAC will reject it.

- Using fake NIN or another person's NIN. Your NIN must match your name.

Conclusion

Registering your business name with CAC is not difficult. You can do it with your phone in one week without leaving your house. It is one of the best investments you can make for your small business in Nigeria.

If you have registered your business before, share your experience in the comments to help others.

Disclaimer: We are not staff of CAC. This guide is for educational purposes based on information from the official CAC portal as of 2026. Fees may change slightly. Always check http://pre.cac.gov.ng for current fees.