Free Business Tool
CAC Public Search: Free Business Name Checker
See if CAC will accept your business name before you pay to register it, or search CAC's public register for a business and its RC number. Free, no signup required.
Instant & free
No account needed. Type a name, pick what your business does, and get CAC's verdict in seconds.
CAC's own name check
We ask CAC's name-compliance engine, so you see taken, too-similar and restricted names the way CAC does.
No signup, no tracking
We don't ask who you are or tie your searches to you. If CAC can't answer, we say so instead of guessing.
Why check before you register
CAC will reject a business name application if it's identical or too similar to one already registered, or if it breaks CAC's naming rules. Checking first saves you the wasted registration fee and the back-and-forth of a rejected submission. A quick check tells you:
- Whether the name is already registered, or too similar to one that is
- Whether it uses a word CAC restricts (like Bank, Federal or Group)
- Names CAC suggests instead when yours won't pass
- For registered businesses: status, RC number, registration date and category
- A registered business's Tax Identification Number (TIN), where available
How to check a name in 3 steps
Type the name and what the business does
Enter the business name you want, then pick your line of business from CAC's list. CAC checks the two together.
Read CAC's verdict
You'll see whether the name looks good, needs a professional certificate, or won't pass, with the reason and the closest registered name.
Register or try another name
Name looks good? FastCAC can register it for you in as little as 24 hours. Blocked? Try one of CAC's suggestions or a ready-made name.
CAC public search, without the portal
CAC public search is how you see what's already on CAC's register. The "Look up a registered business" tab searches that register for you. Type a name and pick a category if you want to narrow it to business names, companies, Incorporated Trustees or LLPs.
A public search only shows what's registered. It can't tell you whether CAC will accept a new name, because CAC also rejects names that are too similar or use restricted words. For that, use "Check if a name is available".
RC number search by name
Need a supplier's or client's RC number? Search their registered name in "Look up a registered business". Each match shows its RC number (or BN number for a business name), status, registration date and category, and you can fetch its Tax ID (TIN) where CAC has one.
Already have the number? Search by RC number or AV code to confirm the business it belongs to.
Search the CAC registerFound a name that's available?
FastCAC can register it with CAC in as little as 24 hours, one flat fee, complete with your official certificate. Not sure what to call your business yet? Browse our curated marketplace of ready-to-register names instead.
CAC public search and name checker FAQs
Is this the same as CAC public search?
It searches the same public register. "Look up a registered business" runs a CAC public search and shows each match's status, RC or BN number, registration date and category. "Check if a name is available" goes a step further and asks CAC's name-compliance engine whether it would accept a new name.
Can I find a company's RC number by its name?
Yes. Open "Look up a registered business", type the business or company name and search. Each result shows its RC number (BN number for a business name). You can also search the other way, by RC number or AV code.
Is this CAC name checker really free?
Yes. Checking names costs nothing and needs no account. If you check a lot of names in a few minutes we may ask you to wait briefly, so CAC's service stays fast for everyone.
Where does this data come from?
The availability check uses CAC's own name-compliance engine, the same one behind CAC's bulk-registration portal. It checks the name against the register (taken or too-similar names) and against CAC's naming rules (restricted words, missing endings like "Ventures"). The business lookup searches CAC's public registry.
Why do you ask what my business does?
CAC checks the name together with your line of business. Some names need a matching activity, and some activities need a professional certificate, so the same name can pass for one business and fail for another.
If the checker says a name looks good, is it guaranteed?
It's CAC's own check, so it's the best signal you can get before applying, but CAC confirms the name when it reviews your application. If CAC's service is busy we tell you so and ask you to try again. We never guess.
Can I check company names, business names, and NGOs?
The availability check is for Business Names (sole proprietorships and partnerships). To see what's already registered as a Company (Ltd), Incorporated Trustee (NGO) or Limited Liability Partnership, use "Look up a registered business" and pick the category.
Can I get the Tax ID (TIN) for a result?
Yes. In "Look up a registered business", select a result and click "Get Tax ID (TIN)" to fetch its Tax Identification Number from the CAC/FIRS system, where available.
Can I get help on WhatsApp?
Yes. After a check, tap "Continue on WhatsApp". It opens WhatsApp with a message to FastCAC ready to send. Send it and we reply there with your result and help registering. Nothing is shared unless you send the message.
I found a name that's available — what next?
You can register it with FastCAC in as little as 24 hours, one flat fee, complete with your official CAC certificate. If you'd rather browse ready-made options, check out our curated business name marketplace instead.
Business name guides
Plain-English answers to the questions people ask before and after registering.
Branding · 5 min read
Business Name Search Nigeria: How to Check Availability (2026)
Learn how to use the CAC public search portal and FastCAC marketplace to find and reserve the perfect name for your Nigerian business.
Legal · 5 min read
How to Check If a Business Name Is Taken in Nigeria (Check Business Name)
Avoid expensive legal disputes and registration delays. Here is a step-by-step guide to checking if a business name is already registered in Nigeria using our free CAC checker.
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How to Choose a Great Business Name
In 2026, naming is about heritage and minimalism. Learn how to pick a name that resonates with the modern Nigerian consumer while remaining simple and unique.
Legal · 6 min read
Business Name vs. Trademark: Protecting Your Brand in Nigeria
Many entrepreneurs mistake CAC registration for trademark protection. Learn the difference between registering a business entity and protecting your brand identity.
Registration · 10 min read
How to Register a Business Name in Nigeria: Step-by-Step 2026 Guide
A complete walkthrough of the 2026 CAC registration process for business names. From name availability search to downloading your digital certificate.
Who's behind this tool
Not a CAC agent. Something better.
FastCAC isn't a CAC agent. It's a registration platform built by DigitalAbode (RC 8561321), a registered Nigerian technology company, that files your application directly with CAC. You enter your details yourself. FastCAC checks them for errors before CAC sees them, files directly with CAC, and shows you every update until your certificate and TIN arrive.
Register yourself in 24 hours, no agentYour business, registered by tomorrow.
Certificate and TIN in 24 hours. No agent needed.
