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Starting a business can be a thrilling but also overwhelming experience. To ensure that the business is set up correctly and legally, many steps need to be taken. One of the crucial steps in establishing a business is registering the business name. In the Philippines, the DTI is responsible for the registration of business names.

Registering a business name with DTI is essential to avoid legal complications that may arise in the future. This process helps business owners to secure their business names and avoid duplication with other businesses. The DTI Business Name Registration also helps in ensuring that the company is legitimate and recognized by the government.

How to Check Your Business Name during DTI Registration

The business name registration check is an important step when you register your business in DTI. You can use it to identify if other business owners are not using your business name. A unique business name with no duplicates makes it legal to use in the Philippines.

To check your business name in DTI, simply visit the BNRS search page.

Then type in your business name and press enter or click the “Search” button. The results will reveal whether there are already registered businesses with your chosen business name.

If it reveals 0 search results, then your business name is good to go.

Register your business name in the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)

How to Register Your Business Name with DTI

For Online Registration:

1. Prepare your business name. Your business name (BN), according to DTI, is any name you plan to use in connection with your business that is different from your real name.

2. Confirm the availability of your business name. Once you have potential company names, check the DTI website to register your business name.

3. Fill up the online registration form. You can proceed and complete  DTI’s online registration form using their Business Name Registration System if your business name is accessible. You will need to use the reference code that will be given to you in any transactions with BNRS, so make a note of it.

This part will also ask for the following details:

• Proprietors information
• Business scope
• Dominant name
• Business descriptor
• Name availability
• Confirmation of details and reference code
• Business details

4. Pay the registration fee. After you finish filling out the online form, follow the instructions and pay the registration fee within seven days of applying. Paying the charge is possible using GCash, PayMaya, or a credit/debit card.

Registration fee:

Territorial Scope	Fee
Barangay	Php 200
City/Municipality	Php 500
Regional	Php 1,000

5. Download your certificate. Your Company Name will be successfully registered after payment confirmation. Agree to the Terms and Conditions, then go to transaction inquiry and enter the code from the registration form.

Also Read: GUIDE: How to REGISTER your Business Name online via DTI’s BNRS Next Gen Portal?

For In-Person Registration:

1. Proceed to any DTI office or Negosyo centers near you
2. Submit all the documentary prerequisites. Have multiple business name options in case the one you picked is already unavailable
3. Pay for the registration fee
4. Once DTI approves your business name, you must wait for the issuance of the Certificate of Business Name Registration.

Importance of Registering With DTI

Republic Act (RA) 3883 prohibits the use of a business name without first registering it with the DTI. Your right to use your company name will be protected by registration for five years, after which it must be renewed to maintain its legal validity. Failure to do so will result in a penalty equal to an extra 50% of the registration price.

Also, it’s crucial to understand that choosing a business name is only one of the documentation needed when registering a company in the Philippines, not a license to operate.

Eligibility for Business Registration

Anybody who satisfies the requirements established by DTI may submit an application for company registration:

• Those who are at least 18 years old. Non-Filipino nationals under 18 must provide documentation from their country of residence, where the legal age is lower than 18.
• Filipino National
• Non-citizens who possess a sole proprietorship certificate or a certificate of authorization to do business in the Philippines
• Stateless Person

The BN application form, a valid photo ID, and an authorization letter signed by the business owner are all necessary papers that must be provided in order for an authorized representative to register your business on your behalf.

DTI Registration Requirements

DTI requires applicants to provide the following documents upon registering their business in the Philippines. You must provide the following: 

General Requirements:

• Accomplished BN Registration – Sole Proprietorship Application Form
• Present any of the following government-issued valid ID:
  • Passport
  • Driver’s license
  • UMID
  • PRC ID
  • NBI Clearance
  • Police Clearance (in ID form)
  • Postal ID
  • Voter’s ID
  • OWWA ID
  • Seaman’s Book
  • IBP ID
  • Senior citizen ID
  • PWD ID
  • Government office ID
  • Validated state college/university ID

Also Read: Getting Your NBI Clearance: A Step-by-Step Guide for 2024

Requirements for Foreign Nationals:

• Certified copy of Alien Certificate of Registration
• Certificate of Registration for Sole Proprietorship/Certificate of Authority to engage in business in the Philippines

Requirements for Recognized Stateless Person:

• Clear certified copy of the Certificate of Recognition issued by the DOJ-RSPPU or presentation of the original Certificate of Recognition and submission of a duplicate copy.

Benefits of DTI Business Name Registration

There are many benefits to registering your business name with DTI. Here are some of the most significant benefits:

1. Legal protection for the business name – Registering your business name with DTI provides legal protection against unauthorized use by other individuals or companies.

2. Allows businesses to transact with government agencies – DTI Business Name Registration is required when dealing with government agencies, such as the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) and Social Security System (SSS).

3. Legitimizes the business in the eyes of customers – DTI Business Name Registration is an excellent way to increase the credibility and legitimacy of your business.

Tips to Remember for a Successful DTI Registration

Here are some tips to remember when it comes to DTI Business Name Registration Check:

• Always do a DTI Business Name Registration Check before registering a business name with DTI. This will help you avoid using a name that is already registered, preventing legal complications in the future.

• When registering a business name with DTI, make sure that the name is not too generic or similar to an existing business name. This can cause confusion among customers and result in legal issues.

• Keep your Certificate of Registration safe and secure as proof of ownership of the business name.

• Remember to renew your business name registration every five years to avoid losing ownership of the business name.

• DTI Business Name Registration is required when dealing with government agencies, so make sure to register your business name to avoid any delays or issues when transacting with these agencies.

DTI Business Name Registration is a crucial step in setting up a business. It helps to ensure that the business is legitimate and recognized by the government. Doing a DTI Business Name Registration Check is also essential to avoid legal complications in the future.

Final Thoughts

Registering a business name with the DTI is an important step in establishing your business. By ensuring your chosen name is unique and legally recognized, you protect your brand and lay a solid foundation for its growth. Following the steps in this guide can help you efficiently navigate the business name registration process. By taking these proactive measures, you’re well on your way to building a credible and successful business.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here is additional information about the process of registering a business name with DTI that aspiring entrepreneurs will want to take note of:

How long is the DTI business name valid for?

A business name is valid for 5 years upon registration.

Can I cancel my business name in DTI?

Yes. Business owners can cancel their business name by applying for a cancellation with the DTI.

Can I rename my DTI business name?

Newly registered business names can only be corrected if there are typographical errors during registration. For concerns, email bnrshelpdesk@dtiphmail.dti.gov.ph with your name, business name, concern, and attached government ID for validation. – WhatALife!/Jayve

Sources: (1), (2), (3)

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Keep Reading: GUIDE: How to RENEW your Business Name Online via DTI’s BNRS?