Time to Renew Your Business Name Registration? Do It Online
You can renew your business name registration through the DTI website.
As a business owner, one of the government agencies that you will regularly encounter is the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). Your relationship with the DTI doesn’t end once you’ve registered your business name—you’ll also have to register certain promotional activities with the agency and renew the registration before its expiration.
No need to worry about long lines and waiting time because the renewal process can be done online.
How to Renew Your Business Name Registration
To access the online services of DTI, including business name registration renewal, head first to the Business Name Registration System (BNRS) website. Make sure to click “Renewal of BN” to proceed.
Search for your business name by entering your Reference Code/Transaction Reference Number (TRN). A TRN is assigned to a business during the initial registration process with the DTI. Once you’ve found your business name, a pop-up window will appear, and you will have to select between “Renew and Update Info” or “Update Scope and Renew.”
Renew and Update Info
If you select “Renew and Update Info,” you will get the chance to review the details of your registration in the Regular Renewal page. From here, you will have to fill out the required fields and update the following if necessary:
- Business address
- Residential address
Click “Next” to be redirected to the Regular Renewal Summary page. You will be given a new reference code, which you should take note of as this will be used every time you are on the BNRS portal.
When prompted, click “Proceed” to download the Undertaking for your files. You will then be led to the payment section, and will need to select your preferred payment method.
Pay the prescribed fee through your chosen payment method within seven calendar days to formalize your renewal.
Update Scope and Review
If you select “Update Scope and Review,” you will be asked to select your new territorial scope. Your scope will subject your business name to validation.
You will need to enter your Dominant Name and choose the appropriate Business Name Descriptor. You can do this by entering keywords that best describe the nature of your business.
Click the “Check Name Availability” button once ready. If validation has been successful, click “Next” before following the same steps under the “Renew and Update Info” section of this guide.
When to Renew Your Registration
Business names can be renewed as early as 180 days before their expiration date.
Payment of the renewal fee is required. Failure to do so will result in the nullification of your application.
Frequently Asked Questions
Your DTI business name certificate is valid for five years from the date of registration. You must apply for renewal within 180 days before the expiration date.
Yes, the DTI offers a convenient online portal through the BNRS website, allowing business owners to process renewals, pay fees, and print certificates without visiting a physical office.
Failure to renew within the allowed period results in the cancellation of your business name, requiring you to file a new registration and potentially losing your trade name.
You will primarily need your existing business name reference number, an active email address for notifications, and the applicable renewal fee, which can be paid through various online channels.
No, there is no official grace period for late renewals. It is critical to monitor your expiration date and complete the process well before the deadline to avoid issues.
Read more:
Do You Need to Register Your Online Business With DTI?
