Skip to content

Cookies on Accounter

With your permission, Google Analytics measures visits to our public pages and Meta measures visits for our advertising. Essential storage always stays on. Change your mind any time with “Cookie settings” in the footer. Cookie policy

CIPC Company Name Search: How to Check a Name or Company

To look up an existing company, use CIPC's search via BizPortal (BizProfile) or CIPC eServices, which require a login; to secure a new name, apply for a name reservation (CoR 9.1), which only counts once CIPC issues written confirmation (CoR 9.4) and lasts six months. Details below come from CIPC's name reservation page.

By Morné Kruger, Founder & SA Tax Editor. Last reviewed 2026-11-04.

Searching for an Existing Company

  1. 1

    Use BizPortal (BizProfile) or CIPC eServices

    CIPC's search page lists BizPortal and eServices for company searches. The eServices search page says the enterprise search has moved to BizPortal, where it is called BizProfile.
  2. 2

    Log in first

    The eServices notice says you now have to log in before conducting any search, which it ties to the Protection of Personal Information regulations.
  3. 3

    Search by name, enterprise number or director ID

    The eServices page describes searching by enterprise name, enterprise number or a director’s ID or passport number.

The eServices search page shows result tabs for the following information. The page predates the BizPortal move, so check what BizProfile shows today.

Result tabs listed on the CIPC eServices search page
TabWhere it is listed
Enterprise DetailsCIPC eServices search page
Director DetailsCIPC eServices search page
Annual Return DetailsCIPC eServices search page
Enterprise HistoryCIPC eServices search page

Checking Whether a Name Is Available

CIPC says the reservation system runs an exact name test on each proposed name and shows whether it passed. It recommends a free trade mark search and a browser search before submitting a name, to check whether the name is already in use. CIPC also says that searches by clients or third parties are not binding on it, so a clear result does not guarantee approval.

Name Reservation Basics

Name reservation facts as stated by CIPC
ItemWhat CIPC states
ApplicationForm CoR 9.1, with up to four names in order of preference
ConfirmationForm CoR 9.4, issued by CIPC in writing
FeeR50 electronic, R75 manual; non-refundable filing fee
ValiditySix months from confirmation
ExtensionR30 for 60 business days, requested in the final month before expiry; an expired reservation cannot be extended
ChannelsNew eServices and eServices, BizPortal, CIPC mobile app, self-service terminals, and banks as part of registration
Standard turnaroundOne working day, provided the customer code has sufficient funds

CIPC states associated names, or names needing supporting documents, must be submitted through New eServices. Fees and processes can change, so confirm on CIPC before paying.

Reserved Name vs Registered Company

A reserved name is not a company. CIPC says the name must be used within the six-month validity period to register a company or co-operative, or to change the name of a company or close corporation, otherwise the reservation lapses. See the CIPC registration how-to, the Pty Ltd compliance overview and our company registration tool.

Related Tools and Guides

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I search for a company on CIPC?
CIPC’s search page points company searches to BizPortal (bizportal.gov.za) and CIPC eServices. A notice on the eServices search page says the enterprise search option has moved to BizPortal, where it is called BizProfile, and that you must log in before searching.
What can I search by?
The eServices search page describes looking up a business by its name, its enterprise number, or a director’s ID or passport number. Results are organised under Enterprise Details, Director Details, Annual Return Details and Enterprise History tabs. That page is older than the BizPortal move, so the current BizPortal screens may differ.
How do I check whether a company name is available?
During name reservation, CIPC’s system tests each proposed name and shows whether it passed. CIPC advises running a free trade mark search and a browser search first to see whether the name is already in use. It also says searches by clients or third parties are not binding on CIPC.
What is a CoR 9.1 and a CoR 9.4?
CoR 9.1 is the name reservation application, which may list up to four names in order of preference. CoR 9.4 is CIPC’s confirmation notice. CIPC states that a proposed name is not regarded as reserved unless and until CIPC issues written confirmation.
How much does a name reservation cost and how long does it last?
CIPC states R50 for electronic submissions and R75 for manual ones, non-refundable whether or not the name is approved. An approved reservation is valid for six months and must be used to register a company or co-operative, or to change the name of a company or close corporation. It can be extended for R30 for 60 business days, requested in the final month before expiry. Fees can change, so confirm on CIPC’s site.
Is a reserved name the same as a registered company?
No. A reservation only holds the name for a limited period; the name must still be used in a registration within that period, otherwise it lapses.
Can I register a company without reserving a name?
CIPC states that a for-profit company can be registered without a reserved name, in which case its registration number becomes its name, with “(South Africa)” added. A reserved name can be added later with an approved reservation and a special resolution amending the Memorandum of Incorporation.

Sources consulted

Taken from CIPC web pages fetched on 2026-11-04. CIPC pages carry no consistent update dates, so confirm fees and channels directly with CIPC.

Compliance Disclaimer

This guide is for information only and is not legal, tax or financial advice. Accounter is not affiliated with the Department of Employment and Labour, SARS, CIPC or any retirement fund.