Check a company name
Type your preferred name below — without "(Pty) Ltd". We'll check it against CIPC's rules and flag any issues.
ℹ️
What this tool checks: CIPC's published naming rules — restricted words, regulated industries, descriptiveness and naming conventions. What it cannot check: whether an identical or similar name already exists in CIPC's register. After running this check, confirm availability at eservices.cipc.co.za (free) before paying.
—
Approval likelihood
Enter a name above to check
This tool checks against CIPC's naming rules. Type your preferred name and click "Check name" — or just start typing.
How CIPC name reservation works
What happens after you've found a name that passes the rules check.
1
Prepare 4 name alternatives
CIPC checks all 4 names simultaneously and assigns your highest-ranked available option. If all 4 are rejected or taken, you pay again. Always submit 4 thoughtful alternatives in order of preference — not just variations of the same name.
2
Search CIPC's register first
Before paying, run each of your 4 names through the free CIPC name search at eservices.cipc.co.za. Check for exact matches and similar-sounding names — CIPC may reject your name if it sounds like or resembles an existing registered company.
3
Submit via CIPC eServices
Log in or register at eservices.cipc.co.za and submit your name reservation application with all 4 alternatives ranked in order. Pay the reservation fee online.
4
Wait for CIPC to process
CIPC will process your application and issue your name reservation certificate for the approved name. You then proceed to incorporate the company using the reserved name.
What makes a name approvable — and what gets it rejected
Understanding these principles will save you multiple application attempts.
✓Invented or coined words
Made-up words are highly distinctive and almost never conflict with existing names. Think Kodak, Xerox, Google. Combine syllables from your name or industry.
✓Surname + distinctive word
Your surname combined with a meaningful or distinctive word works well. "Nkosi Digital", "Van der Berg Logistics" — distinctive, personal, usually available.
✓Meaningful word combinations
Combining two common words in a unique way creates distinctiveness. "BluePeak", "IronBridge", "ClearPath" — not purely descriptive, not restricted.
✓Geographic + distinctive element
A geographic word plus a non-generic element is usually fine. "Sandton Spark", "Bayview Edge" — but avoid generic endings like "Sandton Plumbing Services".
✕Only generic words
"General Trading Solutions" or "Business Management Services" — purely descriptive, no distinctive element. CIPC will reject these as lacking uniqueness.
✕Names similar to existing ones
Even if not identical, names that sound like or closely resemble registered companies will be rejected. "Gogle", "Amazin", "McDonalds SA" — confusingly similar.
✕Restricted industry words
"SA Bank", "National Insurance", "City Trust Financial" — these contain words reserved for regulated industries and will be automatically rejected without proper authorization.
✕4 near-identical alternatives
Submitting "Apex Solutions", "Apex Solution", "Apex SA Solutions", "Apex SA" as your 4 choices is a wasted application. Make each genuinely distinct.
Examples of likely approved names
Bayview Digital
Zenova Trading
Thabo Nkosi Consulting
ClearPath Logistics
BluePeak Electrical
Lumara Creative
Examples of likely rejected names
SA Bank Services
National Insurance Group
General Business Solutions
South African Trading Co
Municipal Consulting
Trading Services