How to Get a CAC Business Registration Number for Your Business

A friend told me a story of how he missed a big-money sale because of business registration. Omo! You need to read this exactly how he told it:

“I was chilling in my shop one afternoon, sipping a cold bottle of Pepsi, when my phone rang. It was a potential client—the kind that doesn’t just buy one or two items but places orders in BULK. You know, the dream customer.

“Oga, we love your products,” the voice said. “But before we proceed, kindly send us your CAC business registration number.”

Ehn?! My heart did a double backflip.

I tried to play it cool. “Oh, uh, sure. Let me, uh, fetch it real quick.”

Fetch ke? I didn’t even have one! At that moment, my brain started racing. How could I explain that my business wasn’t registered yet? I knew if I admitted that, my chances of sealing the deal would disappear faster than fuel at a Lagos filling station.

Long story short—I lost that customer.”

Hearing this story that day, I made up my mind: my friend and I must register our businesses with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC). We weren’t about to let another big opportunity pass us by because of one simple thing we could fix.

Now, I don’t want you to go through something like this. So, I’ve put together this guide on MyCEO Tribe to help you register your business name quickly and stress-free. No long stories, no confusing jargon—just a step-by-step breakdown so you can start enjoying the perks of having your CAC business registration number.

But let’s answer the elementary questions first, just in case you don’t know what a business name or registration number means.

What Is a Business Name Registration?

Registering your business name is like putting a padlock on your hustle—nobody else can claim it! When you register your business name with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), you’re making it official. It’s no longer just that small side hustle; it’s now a legal entity that people (and banks) will take seriously.

Think of it this way: If your business name isn’t registered, it’s like renting a house without signing an agreement. One day, someone else can show up and claim ownership, and there’s nothing you can do about it. But once CAC recognizes your business, the name is yours and yours alone.

Even if you’re not ready to become a full-blown company, registering your business name helps you operate legally in Nigeria. Plus, it comes with sweet benefits—like opening a business bank account, accessing loans, and landing bigger clients who only deal with registered businesses.

Bottom line? Business name registration is a must if you’re serious about growing your hustle. Now, let’s talk about this RC number everyone keeps mentioning.

What Is an RC Number?

Okay, so you’ve probably heard people talk about an “RC number” like it’s some top-secret government code. Well, it’s just your Registration Number from CAC.

When you successfully register your business, CAC assigns you a unique number. That’s your RC number (for Limited Liability Companies) or BN number (for Business Names). It’s basically your business’s fingerprint—it proves that your business exists legally and isn’t just vibes.

Why is this number important? Well, you’ll need it for:

• Opening a business bank account (so customers don’t think you’re running a scam)
• Applying for loans and grants (because banks don’t trust unregistered businesses)
• Registering on platforms like SMEDAN, NEPC, or for government contracts
• Impressing big clients who only deal with businesses that have proper paperwork

Read More: How To Apply For SMEDAN Loan For Your Small Business

So, if you ever need to prove that your business is legit, just flash your RC number like an ID card. It’s your golden ticket to unlocking plenty of opportunities. 

How to Register Your Business Name in Nigeria with CAC

Alright, let’s get down to business. Registering your business name with CAC is actually easier than people think—as long as you follow the right steps. No need to pay one “CAC plug” extra money when you can do it yourself. Here’s how:

Step #1: Create a CAC Account

First things first, head over to the CAC portal and create an account. You can sign up using your NIN or phone number—no long process. In less than 10 seconds, you’re good to go.

Step #2: Reserve Your Business Name

Now, you need to check if your desired business name is available. This is where reality kicks in because you might find out that “ChopLife Enterprises” has already been taken. 

You can tweak it or try another unique name. Once CAC approves your name, they’ll reserve it for 60 days, so make sure you complete the registration within that time.

Step #3: Fill the Business Name Registration Forms

Next, fill in the registration forms with your business details, address, nature of business, and owner information. Double-check everything because CAC doesn’t joke with mistakes.

Step #4: Pay Your CAC Filing Fees

Now, it’s time to drop some cash. CAC will charge you a filing fee (check their website for the latest rates). You can pay online and keep your payment receipt handy.

Step #5: Wait for Approval & Get Your Certificate

Once CAC reviews and approves your application, boom! Your business name is now officially registered. They’ll notify you when your Business Name Certificate is ready for download or pickup.

And just like that, you’re an official business owner—with papers to show for it! 

Documents You Will Need to Register Your Business Name

Before you rush off to register, let’s make sure you have all the required documents. Nothing is more frustrating than getting halfway through the process and realizing you’re missing one tiny but important detail. Here’s what you’ll need:

1. A Government-Approved ID

CAC doesn’t just take your word for it; they need to know you are who you say you are. So, you must provide a valid, government-issued ID. You can use any of these:

• International Passport
• Voter’s Card
• National Identification Number (NIN)
• Driver’s License

A quick tip: Make sure the name on your ID matches the one you use on your registration forms. If your ID says “Chinedu Okafor,” don’t go writing “Okafor Chinedu” on your form. Even a small mix-up can delay your application.

2. A Professional Passport Photograph

You’ll need a clear, professional-looking passport photo with a white background. No Snapchat filters, no selfies, no cropped group photos. If your picture looks like it belongs on a club flyer, it’s not the one.

Also, ensure your hair isn’t covering your face, and avoid sunglasses or caps. Keep it simple and official.

3. A Clear Picture of Your Signature

On a plain white A4 paper, sign your signature as neatly as possible. Take a clear picture of it because you’ll need to upload it during the registration process. Make sure there are no smudges or unnecessary lines in the background.

Once you have these documents ready, your CAC registration will be smooth and stress-free. Nothing will stop you from getting your business registered quickly and officially.

I’ve Already Registered My Business with CAC, How Do I Fetch My RC Number?

If you’ve registered your business a while ago but for some reason, you can’t find your RC number when someone asks for it, don’t worry. Maybe your CAC certificate is missing, or you just never paid attention to the details. No worries—retrieving your RC number is easy.

Here’s how you can fetch it:

1. Check Your CAC Registration Certificate

The first and easiest place to look is your CAC Business Name Certificate. The RC number is clearly printed on it, so if you still have a copy, you’re good to go.

2. Use the CAC Public Search Tool

If you can’t find your certificate, just head over to the CAC website: https://search.cac.gov.ng/home

• Enter your registered business name
• Click Search
• Your business details, including your RC number, will pop up

3. Contact CAC Directly

If for some reason the search tool doesn’t work, you can reach out to CAC customer service for help. Visit any CAC office near you or send them a message online. Be ready to provide your business details for verification.

With any of these methods, you should be able to retrieve your RC number quickly and keep your business running without stress.

Never Get Stuck With Business Registration Number — MyCEO Tribe Can Help

Now you know exactly how to register your business with CAC and fetch your RC number like a pro. No more running around or getting stuck when big clients ask for your registration details.

But business doesn’t stop at registration. To really grow, scale, and attract bigger opportunities, you need the right support system. That’s why I want to invite you to MyCEO Tribe—a community of serious-minded Nigerian entrepreneurs who are building successful businesses just like you. Inside, we share:

✅ Insider business tips and strategies
✅ Networking opportunities with other business owners
✅ Exclusive access to expert trainings and events

Join us now on WhatsApp and let’s take your business to the next level.