How Many Names Can I Submit On Cac For Cac Registration

Starting Your Business Journey in Nigeria

Are you ready to turn that brilliant business idea into a legal entity in Nigeria? The first hurdle every entrepreneur faces is the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC). If you have ever tried to register a business name in Lagos, Abuja, or Port Harcourt, you know that the 'Name Availability Search' is where most dreams either take flight or crash land. The question on everyone's lips is usually: 'How many names can I submit on CAC at once?'

Navigating the CAC portal (CRP) can feel like solving a Rubik's cube while wearing a blindfold. One minute you think you have the perfect name, the next minute you receive a 'Denied' notification because the name is too generic or already taken. Understanding the rules of engagement regarding name submission is the secret to saving time, money, and avoidable frustration. In this comprehensive guide, we will break down exactly how many names you are allowed to submit, the costs involved, and how to ensure your first choice gets the green light.

What is CAC Name Reservation?

Before you can get a RC Number or a BN Number, you must first 'reserve' the name. Think of this like booking a table at a popular restaurant in Victoria Island. You aren't eating yet, but you've told the owner (CAC) to hold that spot for you. In Nigeria, the CAC name reservation is the process where you propose a name to the Commission to see if it is available for your use. Once approved, that name is yours for a period of 60 days. If you don't complete the full registration within that window, the name goes back into the 'market' for others to grab.

Many Nigerians make the mistake of printing business cards and flyers before this stage is complete. Never do that! Until you see 'Reserved' on your CAC dashboard, that name is just a suggestion. To increase your chances, you need to know [how to pass CAC name reservation first try](/how-to-pass-cac-name-reservation-first-try-307) so you don't waste your ₦500 fee on a name that will definitely be rejected.

How Many Names Can I Submit on CAC in Nigeria?

The short and technical answer is: You can submit two (2) names per reservation application.

When you log into the CAC registration portal, the name reservation form provides two fields labeled 'Option 1' and 'Option 2'. This is designed to give you a fallback. If Option 1 is already taken or violates the CAC naming guidelines, the registrar will automatically check Option 2. If Option 2 is available, they will approve it for you.

However, it is important to note that you pay a single fee (₦500 plus Remita charges) for this 'search'. You are not paying for two separate chances; you are paying for one application that contains two options. If both names are rejected, you will have to pay another ₦500 to try again with two brand-new names. This is why brainstorming the [best business name ideas for fast CAC approval](/best-business-name-ideas-for-fast-cac-approval-4990) is a critical step before you even touch your computer.

Requirements for CAC Name Submission

To submit your names successfully, you don't just need a cool-sounding brand. The CAC requires specific information to process your request. Ensure you have the following ready:

• Proposed Names: Two unique names (Option 1 and Option 2).
• Classification: You must decide if you are registering a Business Name (Part E), a Limited Liability Company (Part B), or an Incorporated Trustee (NGO/Church/Club).
• Nature of Business: A brief description of what your business will be doing (e.g., 'General Contracts,' 'Information Technology Services,' or 'Fashion Designing').
• The Suffix: You must choose the appropriate ending for your business type. For Limited Liability, it must end in LTD or PLC. For Business Names, no specific suffix is mandatory, but many use 'Enterprises' or 'Ventures'.
• NIN (National Identification Number): The CAC portal is now heavily integrated with the NIMC database. Ensure your details on your NIN match your profile on the CAC portal.

Step-by-Step Process to Reserve Your Business Name

1. Create an Account: Visit the [CAC CRP portal](https://pre.cac.gov.ng/) and create a user account. You will need your NIN and a valid email address.
2. Start New Registration: Once logged in, click on 'New Name Reservation'.
3. Select Entity Type: Choose between Business Name, Company, Incorporated Trustee, etc. Be careful here; changing this later is difficult.
4. Enter Your Two Options: This is where you enter the two names you've prepared. Ensure the spelling is perfect. Small typos can lead to major legal headaches later.
5. Choose the Category: Pick the category that best fits your business (e.g., Agriculture, Manufacturing, Professional Services).
6. Preview and Pay: Review your details. Pay the ₦500 fee using Remita. You can pay with your card or transfer via your banking app.
7. Wait for Approval: It usually takes 24 to 48 hours. You will receive an email notification, or you can check your dashboard under the 'Reserved' or 'Denied' tab.

Cost Breakdown for CAC Registration

Understanding the financial implications is vital for your budget. Here is a breakdown of what you can expect to pay for the initial stages of registration in 2024.

Service Component	Government Fee (Official)	Our Professional Fee (Optional Support)
:---	:---	:---
Name Reservation (2 Options)	₦500	₦2,000
Business Name Registration	₦5,000	₦10,000 - ₦15,000
Private Limited Company (1m Share Capital)	₦10,000	₦20,000 - ₦35,000
Limited Company (Above 1m - 500m)	₦5,000 per 1m shares	Varies based on complexity
Certified True Copy (CTC) of Documents	₦3,000 - ₦5,000	₦5,000

Note: All government fees attract a Remita processing fee of approximately ₦161.25 per transaction.

Comparison: Business Name vs. Limited Liability Company (LTD)

Choosing the right structure is as important as the name itself. Here is a quick comparison to help you decide which one to select during your name submission.

Feature	Business Name (Enterprise/Ventures)	Limited Liability Company (LTD)
:---	:---	:---
Legal Entity	Not separate from the owner.	Separate legal entity from owners.
Liability	Owner is personally liable for debts.	Liability is limited to share capital.
Registration Cost	Cheaper (₦5,000 govt fee).	More expensive (₦10,000+ govt fee).
Annual Returns	Lower yearly compliance cost.	Higher compliance and audit costs.
Professionalism	Often perceived as smaller.	Highly professional, better for big contracts.
Continuity	Ends if the owner dies (unless specified).	Perpetually exists regardless of owners.

Common Mistakes to Avoid During Name Submission

Many Nigerians experience heartbreaks when their preferred names are rejected. Here are the pitfalls you must avoid:

1. Using Prohibited Words: Words like 'National', 'Federal', 'Government', 'Regional', or 'State' cannot be used without special permission from the Registrar General.
2. Choosing a Similar Name: If your name sounds too much like a big brand (e.g., 'Goggle' instead of 'Google'), it will be rejected. Our guide on [how to avoid similar name on CAC Nigeria](/how-to-avoid-similar-name-on-cac-nigeria-1780) is a lifesaver for this specific issue.
3. Generic Names: 'Delicious Catering' is too generic. There are likely 1,000 businesses with that name. Add a unique identifier like your name or a creative word (e.g., 'Zaranda Delicious Catering').
4. Misleading Suffixes: You cannot register 'Ade & Sons Ltd' as a Business Name. The suffix 'Ltd' is reserved strictly for Limited Liability Companies.
5. Wrong Business Nature: Don't describe your business as 'Oil and Gas' if you are only selling engine oil in a small shop. This attracts higher scrutiny and might require special licenses.

Pro Tips for Fast CAC Approval

• The Reverse Search Trick: Before you pay, use the public search tool on the CAC website to see if your name already exists. It’s free and can save you ₦500.
• Be Unique with Prefixes: Instead of using common words, try using a combination of your children's names or a word from your local dialect (Igbo, Yoruba, Hausa) to ensure uniqueness.
• Check Domain Availability: If you plan to have a website, check if the .com or .ng domain for your name is available before registering it with CAC.
• NIN Consistency: Ensure that the way your name is written on your NIN (First Name, Middle Name, Surname) is exactly how you enter it on the portal. Any discrepancy can cause a query.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I submit more than 2 names if I pay more?

No. The system is hard-coded to accept only two options per application. If you want to try four names, you must make two separate applications and pay ₦500 twice.

2. How long does the name reservation last?

Your approved name is reserved for exactly 60 days. If you do not complete the full registration (paying the ₦5,000 or ₦10,000 fee) within this time, you will lose the name.

3. Can I change my business name after it has been approved?

Yes, but it is a complex process called 'Change of Name'. It involves another name search, newspaper advertisements in some cases, and a much higher fee than the initial registration.

4. Why did CAC reject my name when I didn't see it on Google?

Google is not the CAC database. There are many registered businesses in Nigeria that do not have an online presence. Always use the official CAC Public Search portal.

5. Can I register a name that is similar to a defunct company?

Generally, no. If the company is still on the CAC register, even if it hasn't operated in 20 years, you cannot use the name without a formal 'Consent' letter from the original owners.

6. Do I need a lawyer for name reservation?

No, you can do it yourself! However, for complex company structures, having a professional can help you avoid technical queries that lead to delays.

Conclusion

Registering your business is the first step toward building a legacy in the Nigerian market. While the question 'how many names can I submit on CAC in Nigeria' has a simple answer (two), the strategy behind choosing those two names is what determines your success. By following the guidelines of uniqueness, checking the public registry beforehand, and understanding the costs involved, you can navigate the CAC portal with confidence.

Don't let the fear of rejection stop you. Start your name search today, get your ₦500 ready, and move your business from 'Idea' to 'Incorporated'. If you find the process overwhelming, remember that expert help is always available to ensure your registration is handled professionally and swiftly.

Ready to get started? Take the first step today by brainstorming your two unique names and checking their availability. Your future self will thank you for the legal protection and professional credibility that comes with a valid CAC registration!