Changing a registered business name in Nigeria is not complicated once you know what it costs and what steps are involved. The confusion for most business owners comes from not knowing whether what they are quoting is the official CAC fee, an agent fee, or a combination of both.
This article breaks down exactly what CAC charges for a change of name in 2026, for business names, limited companies, and incorporated trustees.
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What “Change of Name” Means at the CAC
A change of name at the Corporate Affairs Commission is a post-registration filing. The business or company already exists on the CAC register. What changes is the name it operates under. This is different from starting a fresh registration under a new name entirely.
The CAC handles change of name for three main categories:
- Business names (sole proprietorships and partnerships)
- Limited liability companies (private and public)
- Incorporated trustees (NGOs, churches, associations)
Each category has its own fee and process.
Official CAC Change of Name Fees (2026)
The fees below are the CAC’s official statutory charges as published on the CAC fees schedule.
| Entity Type | Filing | Official CAC Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Business Name | Filing of notice of change of business name | ₦5,000 |
| Incorporated Trustees | Filing of notice of change of name | ₦10,000 |
| Private / Public Company | Change of name (special resolution + filing) | ₦10,000 – ₦30,000 (varies by share capital) |
These are the government fees only. They do not include name reservation, agent fees, or the cost of obtaining a new certificate.
Business Name Change of Name: Full Cost Breakdown
For a sole proprietorship or partnership registered as a business name, the process is the most straightforward and the least expensive.
| Cost Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| New name reservation | ₦500 |
| Filing of notice of change of business name | ₦5,000 |
| Remita processing fee (portal charge) | ~₦161 |
| Agent / consultant fee (if applicable) | ₦5,000 – ₦20,000 |
| Total (self-filed) | ~₦5,661 |
| Total (with agent) | ~₦10,000 – ₦26,000 |
The filing itself is done through the CAC’s Intelligent Company Registration Portal (iCRP). Payment is made via Remita. If everything goes smoothly and documents are clean, this can be processed in a few working days.
Company Change of Name: Full Cost Breakdown
For a private or public limited liability company, the process involves an additional step: passing a special resolution at a board or general meeting to approve the new name. That resolution is filed alongside the name change application.
| Cost Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| New name reservation | ₦500 |
| Filing fee for change of name | ₦10,000 – ₦30,000 |
| Certified True Copy (CTC) of new certificate | ₦2,000 – ₦5,000 |
| Agent / legal fee (if applicable) | ₦20,000 – ₦65,000 |
| Law firm fee (for larger companies) | ₦80,000 – ₦220,000 |
| Total (self-filed) | ~₦12,500 – ₦35,500 |
| Total (with accredited agent) | ~₦32,500 – ₦100,500 |
The filing fee for companies varies because some filings attract additional charges based on share capital size. Confirm the exact figure on the portal before payment, as the iCRP system calculates this automatically during the filing process.
Incorporated Trustees Change of Name: Full Cost Breakdown
For NGOs, churches, foundations, clubs, and associations registered as incorporated trustees, the change of name filing is ₦10,000. Additional costs arise if the change of name also requires an amendment to the constitution of the organisation.
| Cost Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| New name reservation | ₦500 |
| Filing of notice of change of name | ₦10,000 |
| Amendment of constitution (if required) | ₦6,000 |
| Agent fee (if applicable) | ₦15,000 – ₦50,000 |
| Total (self-filed, no constitution change) | ~₦10,500 |
| Total (self-filed, with constitution change) | ~₦16,500 |
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What the Fee Covers and What It Does Not
The CAC filing fee covers the processing and approval of the name change on the official register. Once approved, the entity’s new name is reflected in the CAC database and a new certificate is issued digitally.
What it does not cover:
- The cost of updating your bank account details with your new name
- The cost of replacing business stationery, signage, or branding
- Any legal costs if the change involves restructuring the company
- Stamp duty, which applies separately to companies and is calculated on share capital by FIRS, not CAC
What Documents Are Needed
For a business name change of name, the documents typically required are the original CAC certificate, a valid means of identification for the proprietor, and proof of the new name reservation.
For a company, you will need the existing certificate of incorporation, a copy of the board or members’ resolution approving the new name, and the name reservation confirmation. Some filings also require an updated MEMART if the company’s objects or description change along with the name.
Late Filing Penalties
If you changed your business name without informing CAC promptly, late filing penalties apply. For business names, the penalty is ₦50 per proprietor. For companies, late filing of a notice of change attracts higher penalties depending on the filing type and how long it was overdue. Filing promptly after the change is made is the cleaner and cheaper approach.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a CAC change of name take?
Processing typically takes between 3 and 10 working days, provided documents are complete and the name reservation has been approved. Queries or document errors extend this timeline. Filing through an accredited agent can reduce back-and-forth and keep the process closer to the shorter end of that range.
Can I change my CAC business name online?
Yes. The CAC processes change of name filings entirely online through the iCRP portal at cac.gov.ng. There is no need to visit a CAC office in person. Payment is made via Remita on the portal.
Do I need a lawyer to change my business name?
Not for a business name. The process is straightforward enough to handle directly on the CAC portal. For companies, particularly where a special resolution is involved or where the change comes with structural amendments, a lawyer or accredited CAC agent reduces the risk of a rejected filing.
Does changing a business name affect the CAC registration number?
No. The registration number assigned at the time of initial registration remains the same. Only the name changes. Your RC number or BN number stays constant, which is what most banks and government agencies use to verify registration status.
Will my bank need to be notified after a CAC name change?
Yes. Once your CAC certificate reflects the new name, your bank will require you to formally update your account records. Most banks ask for a copy of the new certificate, a board resolution (for companies), and a letter of request. This is a separate process from the CAC filing and does not happen automatically.
Is the CAC fee for change of name the same across all business types?
No. The fee differs depending on the entity type. A business name change costs ₦5,000 in official CAC fees. An incorporated trustee change costs ₦10,000. A company change of name starts at ₦10,000 and can go higher depending on the specifics of the filing. Agent and legal fees on top of these vary widely.
Conclusion: Budget for Both the Official Fee and the Extras
The CAC’s statutory fee for a business name change is ₦5,000. For incorporated trustees it is ₦10,000. For companies the range starts at ₦10,000. Those are the government fees.
What pushes the total higher is name reservation, portal charges, agent fees if you use one, and any downstream costs like updating your bank or reprinting documents. Going in with a realistic budget for the full process, not just the CAC line item, saves time and avoids surprises.
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Let our team handle your CAC registration and help you obtain your certificate without stress. From business name registration to company incorporation.
