How to Secure and Reserve Your Business Name on CAC Portal Fast

If you’ve ever tried to start a business in Nigeria, you’ve probably heard about the Corporate Affairs Commission or CAC for short.

It’s the official government body responsible for registering all businesses and companies in the country. But before you can officially register your business, you first need to understand how to reserve a business name on CAC portal.

Reserving a business name on the CAC portal is now a smooth, fully online process. You can complete it yourself in minutes without visiting any physical office or dealing with long queues.

This guide will walk you step-by-step through how to reserve your business name on the CAC portal, from creating your account to confirming your approval.

Business Name Reservation Process

Before diving into the technical steps, it’s crucial to understand what business name reservation actually means. In simple terms, reserving your business name on the CAC portal is like placing a temporary “hold” on that name while you complete your full registration.

When you submit a name reservation request, the CAC checks whether your chosen name is unique and compliant with their rules. If approved, the name is reserved for you for 60 days, meaning no one else can register that exact name during that period.

This reservation step is important because it ensures your brand identity remains yours. Think of it as the “first claim” on your business idea, your legal proof that you were the first to secure it through the CAC portal.

Why You Must Reserve a Business Name Before Registration

Reasons why name reservation is essential:

Avoid duplication: The CAC database automatically checks for existing names. If your name is too similar to an existing one, it gets rejected.
Protect your idea: Once reserved, the name is locked under your account for 60 days, giving you enough time to process full registration.
Ensure compliance: The reservation process screens for names that include restricted words like “National,” “Federal,” or “Government,” or names that suggest illegal or deceptive purposes.

Reserving your name also saves you time and stress. Instead of wasting effort on a rejected registration, you can fix potential issues early during reservation.

Step-by-Step Guide to Reserving a Business Name on CAC Portal

Let’s walk through the practical process. Here’s how to reserve a business name on CAC portal successfully.

Step 1: Create a CAC Account
Start by visiting the official website: https://pre.cac.gov.ng.
Click on “Sign up” and fill in your personal details — full name, email address, phone number and password. You’ll receive a verification link in your email. Click that link to activate your CAC account.
Pro tip: Always use a valid email you have access to because all updates about your business name reservation will be sent there.

Step 2: Log In to Your Dashboard
After verifying your email, log in to your CAC dashboard using your credentials.
Once logged in, you’ll see several menu options. Choose “Name Reservation” or “New Name Reservation Request.” This is where you’ll begin the process of securing your desired business name.

Step 3: Search for Name Availability
Before you pay for anything, you need to check if your proposed name is available.
Click on “Search” and type in your desired name. The CAC system will instantly show whether the name already exists or not.
Here are a few tips for success:

Use simple and unique words.
Avoid generic or overused names like “Global Ventures” or “Universal Enterprises.”
Include creative modifiers like your location, industry or initials.
If your first choice is taken, don’t worry. CAC allows you to submit two names per application. If the first one is unavailable, the second might get approved.

Step 4: Fill Out the Reservation Form
Once you find an available name, click “Reserve Name” and fill out the form.
You’ll need to provide:

Your proposed business names (two options).
Your business type (Business Name, Limited Liability Company or Incorporated Trustees).
A brief nature of business description (e.g., clothing retail, tech consulting, catering).
Be precise with your details. The CAC uses this information to decide whether your name matches the kind of business you want to operate.

Step 5: Pay the Name Reservation Fee
After filling the form, you’ll be prompted to make payment.
The official CAC name reservation fee is ₦500, payable via Remita — an online government payment gateway.
You can choose to pay directly using your debit card, bank transfer or by generating a Remita Retrieval Reference (RRR) to pay at a bank.
After successful payment, your CAC portal will automatically update your transaction as “Pending Approval.”

Step 6: Await CAC Approval
Once your payment is confirmed, your application will be reviewed by CAC officials. This review typically takes 24 to 48 hours, though sometimes it may extend slightly due to workload.
You’ll receive an email notification when your name reservation is approved or rejected. If approved, the message will include a Name Availability Code, which you’ll later use when completing full business registration.

Step 7: Download and Keep Your Approval Letter
After approval, log back into your dashboard, navigate to your completed applications and download your Name Reservation Approval Letter.
This letter is your official confirmation that your business name has been reserved. Keep it safe, as you’ll need it when registering your business or company officially.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Reserving a Business Name

Even though the process sounds straightforward, many applicants still get their name reservation rejected. To avoid that, keep these tips in mind:

Avoid restricted or misleading names: Words like “National,” “Government,” or “Bank” are restricted.
Don’t use identical names: If your name sounds too similar to another registered business, CAC will reject it.
Be specific in your business description: Avoid vague terms like “general business.”
Use real personal details: Fake email addresses or incorrect phone numbers can cause delays.
Don’t forget to check your status: Always log back in to confirm your approval; some people miss their confirmation email.

How to Check If Your Business Name Has Been Approved

Once you’ve submitted your name reservation, it’s essential to monitor your CAC dashboard.

Steps to check approval:

Log into your CAC account.
Click on “Name Reservations” under “My Applications.”
You’ll see your application status: Pending, Approved, or Rejected.

If approved, you can download your Name Availability Code right from there. If it’s rejected, don’t panic. The CAC usually gives a reason, such as a name conflict. Simply tweak the name slightly and reapply.

What Happens After a Successful Reservation

So your name has been approved, congratulations! But what’s next?

After approval, the CAC reserves your business name for 60 calendar days. During that time, no one else can use or register that name.

Within those 60 days, you must proceed to complete your full business registration using the availability code.
If you fail to register within the validity period, the reservation expires and the name becomes available to others again. You can renew your reservation for another 60 days by reapplying and paying the ₦500 fee again.

Cost Breakdown and Payment Methods

Fee details:

Name Reservation Fee: ₦500 per application.
Payment Channel: Remita (online card, transfer or bank deposit).
Optional Agent Fee: Accredited agents may charge ₦2,000–₦5,000 for assistance.

Doing it yourself saves both time and money. The CAC portal is designed to be user-friendly even for beginners.

Troubleshooting CAC Portal Errors and Delays

Sometimes, you may experience technical issues while trying to reserve a business name on CAC portal. Here are common ones and how to fix them:

Email Verification Link Not Received: Check your spam folder or resend the verification email.
Payment Not Reflecting: Log in again after 10–15 minutes. If unresolved, email support@cac.gov.ng with your RRR number.
Portal Timeout or Errors: Clear your browser cache, use Chrome or Edge and try again later.
Name Reservation Rejected Without Reason: Reapply with a more distinct name or contact CAC support.

Always take screenshots of each successful step for your records.

Benefits of Reserving Your Business Name Early

Reasons to act early:

You secure your identity: Your brand name is protected before anyone else can take it.
It simplifies registration: You’ll have a ready availability code for faster processing.
It’s affordable: ₦500 is a small investment for peace of mind.
It helps you plan ahead: You can start designing logos, websites and branding confidently.

Entrepreneurs who skip this step often regret it when they discover their preferred name already taken.

Using an Accredited CAC Agent

If you don’t have time to navigate the CAC portal yourself, you can hire an accredited CAC agent or lawyer.

These agents are trained and authorized to process name reservations and registrations on your behalf. They usually charge a small service fee but can help you avoid errors and handle all documentation quickly.

Always confirm that your agent is listed on the CAC accredited directory and provides you with your Availability Code and official approval letter once completed.

Renewing an Expired Business Name Reservation

If your 60-day window lapses before registration, don’t worry; you can renew your reservation.

How to renew:

Log back into your CAC dashboard.
Click on your expired application.
Select “Re-reserve Name.”
Pay ₦500 again via Remita.
Once renewed, you’ll receive a new 60-day validity period.

The Timeline of CAC Name Reservation

Timeline overview:

Application Submission: Immediate.
Payment Confirmation: Within minutes.
CAC Review: 24–48 hours (sometimes longer).
Approval/Denial Notice: Sent via email.
Reservation Validity: 60 days.
Renewal Option: Yes, for another 60 days.

How to Reserve a Business Name Without Visiting CAC Office

One of the best parts about the modern CAC portal is that the entire process is online. You can:

Create your CAC account.
Search name availability.
Submit your reservation form.
Make payment.
Receive approval, all from your phone or laptop.

This digital system has eliminated the need for middlemen or physical office visits.

How to Reserve a Company Name (Limited Liability) vs Business Name

The process is similar whether you’re registering a Business Name or a Limited Liability Company, but there are slight differences.

For a Business Name, you just reserve your desired name and proceed directly to registration as a sole proprietor or partnership.

For a Limited Liability Company, your reservation must match your intended incorporation type, such as “XYZ Technologies Limited.”
Ensure the name includes a suitable suffix like “Limited,” “Ltd,” “PLC,” or “Incorporated” as required.

Tips for Choosing a Winning Business Name

Guidelines for picking the right name:

Keep it short, simple and easy to remember.
Avoid slang or difficult spellings.
Choose names that reflect your business nature.
Make sure it’s unique by searching Google and social media before applying.
If possible, secure a matching domain name for your website.

A smart, clear name improves your chances of CAC approval and strengthens your brand identity.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does CAC name reservation last?
It lasts for 60 days from the date of approval.

Can I reserve more than one name at once?
You can only submit two names per application, but you may file multiple applications.

How much does it cost to reserve a business name?
It costs ₦500, payable through Remita.

How long does it take for approval?
Usually within 24 to 48 hours.

Can I change my business name after reservation?
No. You’ll need to make a new reservation with the new name.

Can I renew an expired reservation?
Yes, you can renew it by paying ₦500 again.

What if my reservation is rejected?
Check the reason given, adjust your name and reapply.

Can I register without reserving a name first?
No. Name reservation is mandatory before registration.

Do I need an agent to reserve a name?
No, you can do it yourself, though you can hire an accredited agent if you prefer.

Where can I find my availability code?
In your CAC dashboard under “Approved Applications” or in your approval email.

How to Secure and Reserve Your Business Name on CAC Portal Fast