Turn this guide into your personal checklist.
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Online, physical or both?
Use the official online route
Create or sign in to the official CAC iCRP account and open Name Reservation. Then choose the business classification and business type.
No mandatory physical visit is stated in the sources we currently use
The current sources for CAC name reservation do not state a compulsory walk-in stage for the standard route.
Find official offices/centres →If this specific process gets stuck
Use CAC's Company Registration Portal support/contact route with the entity name, application details and payment reference.
View agency guidance →Only authorised routes. We never present an unofficial agent, cybercafé or third-party payment page as an alternative unless the responsible agency authorises it.
Documents, details and prerequisites you need
This is the complete pre-start checklist from the verified guide. Each item below explains what it is for, where it enters the process and whether the official source actually specifies an original, copy or upload.
A proposed entity name
- Why you need it
- This item is explicitly listed in the verified pre-start requirements for this service. Have it ready before beginning so the application is not interrupted.
- Where it is used
- Most directly connected to step 3: Enter the proposed name and business nature, then run the availability check.
- Original, copy or upload?
- The official sources used for this guide do not specify original vs copy here. Follow the exact portal or office prompt instead of assuming.
The correct business classification and entity type, such as Company, LLP, LP or Business Name
- Why you need it
- This item is explicitly listed in the verified pre-start requirements for this service. Have it ready before beginning so the application is not interrupted.
- Where it is used
- Most directly connected to step 2: Choose the business classification and business type.
- Original, copy or upload?
- The official sources used for this guide do not specify original vs copy here. Follow the exact portal or office prompt instead of assuming.
Nature/specific nature of the proposed business
- Why you need it
- This item is explicitly listed in the verified pre-start requirements for this service. Have it ready before beginning so the application is not interrupted.
- Where it is used
- Most directly connected to step 3: Enter the proposed name and business nature, then run the availability check.
- Original, copy or upload?
- The official sources used for this guide do not specify original vs copy here. Follow the exact portal or office prompt instead of assuming.
Step-by-step instructions
Follow the process in order. Each step also shows what to have ready, what to check before continuing and what evidence to keep. Where the agency does not publish an extra requirement, this guide does not invent one.
Create or sign in to the official CAC iCRP account and open Name Reservation.
- A proposed entity name
- The correct business classification and entity type, such as Company, LLP, LP or Business Name
Use the official route linked on this guide and make sure you are working in the correct applicant/entity account before entering data.
Keep the entity/application reference shown in CAC's portal.
Choose the business classification and business type.
- The correct business classification and entity type, such as Company, LLP, LP or Business Name
- Nature/specific nature of the proposed business
Read the next screen or office instruction before moving on; do not assume an extra payment, document or visit is required unless the responsible agency asks for it.
Keep the entity/application reference shown in CAC's portal.
Enter the proposed name and business nature, then run the availability check.
- Nature/specific nature of the proposed business
- A proposed entity name
- The correct business classification and entity type, such as Company, LLP, LP or Business Name
Make sure the displayed record is the correct person/entity and that the information matches the evidence you are using.
Keep the entity/application reference shown in CAC's portal.
If the name is available, continue to the official payment; after successful payment, keep the AV Code for the registration that follows.
- A proposed entity name
- The correct business classification and entity type, such as Company, LLP, LP or Business Name
Confirm the service, applicant/entity details and amount on the official payment screen before paying. Do not continue from an unsolicited payment link.
Keep the official receipt, payment reference or transaction ID.
What exactly happens next?
Keep the application/entity reference, payment evidence and every document generated in the CAC portal.
If the name is available, continue to the official payment; after successful payment, keep the AV Code for the registration that follows.
CAC currently lists 4 working hours for availability/name search and 6 working hours for name substitution.
Use CAC's Company Registration Portal support/contact route with the entity name, application details and payment reference.
Important notes
- CAC's current iCRP FAQ says standard name reservation is automated after successful payment.
- Restricted names and names requiring consent follow a separate manually reviewed route.
Common questions
These answers are generated from the verified requirements, route, fee, timeline and official-source notes for this specific service.
What should I prepare before I start?
Prepare before you begin by gathering every item below. The detailed checklist above explains why each one is needed, where it is used, and whether the official source specifies an original, copy or upload.
- A proposed entity name — Other requirement
- The correct business classification and entity type, such as Company, LLP, LP or Business Name — Other requirement
- Nature/specific nature of the proposed business — Other requirement
Can I do this online, or do I need to visit an office?
Mostly online. Create or sign in to the official CAC iCRP account and open Name Reservation. Then choose the business classification and business type.
The current sources for CAC name reservation do not state a compulsory walk-in stage for the standard route.
How much does this service cost?
See current CAC fee schedule.
Pay only through the responsible agency or the official payment channel linked in this guide.
How long should it take?
CAC currently lists 4 working hours for availability/name search and 6 working hours for name substitution.
Processing can still take longer where identity checks, document corrections, payment confirmation or manual review are required.
What happens after I submit or complete the main step?
Keep the evidence for CAC name reservation: Keep the application/entity reference, payment evidence and every document generated in the CAC portal.
Complete the final published step: If the name is available, continue to the official payment; after successful payment, keep the AV Code for the registration that follows.
What should I do if the portal, payment or application gets stuck?
Use CAC's Company Registration Portal support/contact route with the entity name, application details and payment reference.
Keep any application number, receipt, acknowledgement, transaction reference or screenshot that can help the agency trace the request.
What should I be careful about?
- CAC's current iCRP FAQ says standard name reservation is automated after successful payment.
- Restricted names and names requiring consent follow a separate manually reviewed route.
How do I verify that these instructions are current?
This guide was last checked on 2026-09-28. The official government or agency sources used to verify it are listed directly below this section.
Where an agency changes a fee, deadline or procedure, the official source takes priority over this independent guide.
Is MyNigeriaGuide the government website for this service?
No. MyNigeriaGuide is an independent information service. Applications, payments, approvals and final decisions remain with the responsible government agency.
Official sources
These are the government or agency pages used to verify this guide. Open them directly whenever you want to confirm the source.
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