A CAC name search and reservation is one of the first things you must learn if you want to register a business in Nigeria. Before CAC allows you to register any company or business name, you must first check if the name is available and then reserve it. This simple step prevents two businesses from using the same name and protects your brand from the beginning.
Many people want to start a business, but they get confused when they reach the CAC portal. They do not know how to check if a name already exists, how to reserve a name, or what to do if CAC rejects their proposed name. The process is actually very simple once you understand the exact steps.
In this guide, you will learn how to conduct a CAC name search and reservation in Nigeria, the requirements you need, the exact steps to follow on the CAC portal, and the common mistakes that cause name rejection. By the end of this guide, you will know exactly how to secure your business name and move to the next stage of registering your business in Nigeria.
What Is CAC Name Search?
A CAC name search is the process of checking whether the business name you want is still available on the Corporate Affairs Commission portal. In simple terms, you are asking CAC, “Has anyone already taken this name?”
CAC requires this step so two businesses do not use the same or confusingly similar name. It also helps CAC block names that are misleading, offensive, too generic, or restricted by law. This step comes before registration because you cannot register a business name that fails the availability check. On the current CAC portal, this starts through the public search and name availability process.
What Is CAC Name Reservation?
CAC name reservation is the stage where CAC keeps an approved name for you after the search shows it can be used. This means the name is temporarily set aside so another person does not take it while you prepare the full registration.
The difference is simple. A name search checks availability. A name reservation secures the name for your use. On CAC’s current CRP process, once your application and payment go through, you get an approval or validation code for that reserved name. You need that reserved name before moving fully into business registration.
Requirements Before You Conduct a CAC Name Search
Before you start, have two proposed business names ready because CAC allows a maximum of two options in a name availability request. You also need a CAC-CRP account, a working phone or laptop, internet access, and a valid payment method for the fee. CAC’s FAQ also shows that other basic details about the business may be required depending on the type of entity you want to register.
It is smart to prepare names that are clear, unique, and related to what your business does. That saves you from rejection and repeated payments.
Step 1: Visit the CAC Registration Portal (CAC Public Search / CRP)
Go to the official CAC registration portal. The main portal is the iCRP platform, and it has links for Public Search, Sign Up, and Login. Public Search helps you check existing entities, while the portal itself is where you submit the name reservation request.
Make sure you are using the official CAC website or official iCRP portal, not a random third-party site. This is important because you will enter personal details and make payment there. Once you open the portal, you can either search first through Public Search or move straight to account login if you already have an account.
Step 2: Create or Log In to Your CAC Account
If you are new, create an account on the CAC portal as a Public User. The sign-up page allows new users to open an account before starting any application. If you already have an account, just log in with your details and continue.
This account is important because CAC uses it to track your application, payment, approval, and later registration steps. Without it, you cannot properly submit a name availability request on the portal. Use an email and phone number you can access easily, because that is where updates may reach you.
Step 3: Check Business Name Availability
Use the Public Search page to check whether your proposed name already exists. The CAC public search lets you search existing entities and approved names. This quick check helps you avoid wasting time on a name that has already been taken.
Type the exact name you want first. Then try close variations too. For example, if your preferred name is already taken, check whether a similar spelling also exists. If many similar names appear, CAC may still reject yours because it can confuse the public. This step is not the final approval, but it gives you a strong idea before you proceed to reservation.
Step 4: Prepare Two Alternative Business Names
CAC allows a maximum of two name options in a name availability request, so prepare two strong names before you start. This gives you a backup if the first name is rejected.
Your names should be simple, distinct, and easy to understand. Avoid names that are too broad, too similar to existing brands, or likely to look misleading. Also avoid restricted words unless you have the right approval. A good name should match your business activity and still sound unique. This one step can save you a lot of stress because many rejections happen simply because people submit weak or crowded name options.
Step 5: Fill the Name Reservation Form on the CAC Portal
After logging in, complete the name availability or reservation request on the CAC portal. Enter your first and second proposed names carefully and fill in the other required details about the business type and applicant information. CAC’s FAQ confirms that you need the names, your account access, and other required information depending on the business.
Check every spelling before you move on. One small mistake in a business name can affect approval or force you to start again. Use the exact name format you want CAC to approve.
Related: How To Stay Compliant With Nigerian Business Laws And Regulations
Step 6: Pay the CAC Name Reservation Fee
After filling the form, pay the CAC name reservation fee through the portal. CAC’s current official fee schedule published in 2025 shows that name reservation for business names is N1,000, while name reservation for restricted words is N5,000. The payment on the current CRP process is done through the online payment flow.
Be careful here because some older CAC FAQ pages still mention N500 for name availability, but the newer official fee schedule is more recent and should be treated as the current guide.
Step 7: Submit Your Application for CAC Name Reservation
Once payment is complete, submit the application on the portal. At this stage, your request goes in for CAC processing. On the current CRP 3.0 user guide, CAC states that after successful payment, the name reservation is instantly approved and an AV Code is issued.
In practice, still review the final page before you submit or confirm. Make sure the names, applicant details, and business type are correct. A wrong entry can create delay later when you want to complete full registration. After submission, save any receipt, reference number, or application details shown on the screen.
Step 8: Wait for CAC Approval
After submission, wait for the result of your application. CAC’s recent CRP 3.0 guide says successful payment can lead to instant approval and AV Code issuance. An older CAC service charter also listed name availability timeline as about 4 hours, which shows the process is usually not meant to take long when the system works well.
You can track the status through your CAC portal account. If there is a delay, log in and check the application status instead of guessing. Approval speed may still vary based on portal traffic, technical issues, or whether the name needs closer review.
Step 9: Download Your CAC Name Reservation Approval
Once CAC approves the name, log in to your portal dashboard and download the approval record or keep the AV Code safely. The CRP 3.0 guide says that after successful payment and approval, you receive an Approval Validation Code, which is what you use for the next stage of registration.
Do not ignore this step. Save the approval on your phone, laptop, email, or cloud storage. You will likely need it when you move on to full business registration. Losing it can slow you down, especially if you have to start looking for old application details later.
How Long Does CAC Name Reservation Last?
CAC’s older operational checklist states that where a name becomes available after a change of name, the Commission may approve that name for another entity after 60 days. This supports the common CAC practice that reservation does not last forever.
In simple terms, once a name is approved for you, do not relax for too long. Move quickly to complete the full registration while the name is still protected for your application. If you delay too much and do not complete the process in time, you may need to start again or risk losing the name.
Common Reasons CAC Rejects Business Names
CAC may reject a name because it is already taken, too similar to an existing name, misleading, too generic, offensive, or uses restricted words without approval. CAC’s regulations and checklists also show that the Commission screens names to protect the public and prevent confusion.
Another common problem is poor formatting. Some people use names that do not match their business activity, or they submit names that sound like government agencies, banks, national bodies, or regulated institutions. Small spelling changes also do not always make a name unique enough.
Tips for Choosing a Business Name That CAC Will Approve
Choose a name that is clear, unique, and easy to remember. Make it relevant to your business, but do not make it too generic. A name like “Blessing Ventures” may face more competition than a more distinct option.
Search the name on CAC Public Search first. Then prepare a second option that is just as strong.
Avoid restricted words unless you know the legal requirements. Also avoid copying famous brands or using names that can mislead people about what your business does.
What To Do After CAC Name Reservation
After your CAC name reservation is approved, move straight to the full registration process. Complete the pre-registration form, upload the required documents, and pay the filing fee through the Company Registration Portal.
This is where many people make mistakes. They reserve the name and stop there, thinking the business is already registered. It is not.
Name reservation only secures the name. Your business becomes properly registered only after you complete the remaining CAC registration steps and get the final registration documents.
Conclusion
CAC name search and reservation is the first step in building a brand, before you can legally grow, open a bank account, attract investors, and operate without legal problems. Many new entrepreneurs rush through this stage.
A well-chosen and properly reserved name can save a business from future disputes, rebranding costs, and even legal challenges.
One important insight many entrepreneurs miss is that business names are becoming more competitive in Nigeria. CAC records show that millions of businesses are already registered, and thousands more are added every month. This means simple or generic names are becoming harder to secure. The earlier you check and reserve a strong name, the better your chances of protecting your brand before someone else takes it.
Another overlooked point is that your business name affects your digital presence. Before reserving a name, smart entrepreneurs also check domain availability and social media handles. If your CAC name matches your website and social platforms, it becomes easier for customers to find you online and trust your brand.
