How to Register Your Business with DTI

In order for a business to operate without hassles in the country, the owner must register his/her business to the proper government agency. This is an important measure in preventing legal problems as you begin your business operation.

One must also consider possible competitors who might check if you are registered or operating illegally. Without the necessary papers, your operations could be disrupted causing problems that any business owner wishes to avoid.

Going to the Proper Government Agency

The first step in getting a certificate of registration for your business name is going to the proper agency. There are different government agencies where you can register your business depending on its structure.

• Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) – for sole proprietorship
• Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) – for partnerships or corporations
• Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) – for cooperatives

For this article, we are going to discuss DTI business registration for sole proprietors.

Business Name Approval

There are certain rules that should be observed in providing a business name. It is the owner’s responsibility to make sure that the proposed business name is NOT:

• To be used for illegal, offensive, and scandalous operations. Identical or closely resembles other business names already registered.
• Composed purely of generic words.
• Designates quality of goods and services.
• Uses abbreviation of any nation, or governmental organization
• Names by which by law or regulation cannot be appropriated
• Names which are misleading, deceptive or which misrepresent the nature of business

Registration

There are two ways to apply and register. It’s either online or over-the-counter.

A. Online Registration

1. Log in at www.bnrs.dti.gov.ph. Through theEnhanced Business Name Registration System, proprietors can now register their business name online.
2. Click the “New Application” which you can find on the left-hand side of the webpage. Review the BNRS Terms and Conditions carefully then click the “I Agree” to proceed. You will be then directed to fill out an online application form.
3. Fill out the application form providing accurate information.
4. Select “Download” for your business name certification and click “Submit”.
5. Your certification will be sent to your email. Download the e-copy or you can have it printed. Take note of the Transaction Reference Number (TRN) Acknowledgement found in the last page. You will need this when you pay online.
6. Submit the necessary documentation indicated in the acknowledgement to the DTI office in your area. The reserve business name online is only up to 3 working days.
7. Pay your application. If you prefer to avail of the DTI e-Payment, you can choose GCash or Bancnet.

B. Over-the-Counter Registration

1. Find out which area office you should go to. Obtain application forms and fill these up completely. Only the business owner or his/her Attorney-in-Fact is authorized to sign these forms.
2. Make sure you meet all the following requirements:
3. Must be a Filipino citizen of at least 18 years old. If citizenship is questioned, the applicant must submit necessary documents (i.e. birth certificate, voter’s ID, naturalization certificate)
4. Certain types of businesses may need other requirements especially services provided by professionals. (i.e. medical/dental clinics, pawnshops, architectural/engineering services)
5.  Submit application form to the DTI Processor who will check for the availability of the business name.
6. Pay the required registration and processing fee: Barangay: P200.00, City/Municipality: P500.00, Regional:  P1,000.00, National:  P2,000.00
7. Your Business Name Certificate will be released after showing the receipt to the Processor.
8. Your Business name Certificate is valid for 5 years from date of Registration.