How to Recover a Lost CAC Certificate in Nigeria

Lost your CAC certificate? Learn how to recover a lost CAC certificate in Nigeria, step-by-step, including requirements, cost, and how experts can help you.

 

 

Losing your Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) certificate can be stressful, especially since it is a crucial legal document required to prove your business registration and carry out official transactions. Whether you registered a business name, limited liability company, or incorporated trustees, the good news is that you can recover a lost CAC certificate by applying for a Certified True Copy (CTC) or re-issuance of the original certificate.

This article will guide you through the process of recovering your lost CAC certificate in Nigeria, the requirements, timeline, and how professionals like us at Business Registration Ventures can assist you quickly.

Why the CAC Certificate is Important

Your CAC certificate is the official evidence that your business is duly registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission. It is often required for:

• Opening a corporate bank account.
• Bidding for contracts.
• Tax registration with FIRS.
• Regulatory compliance checks.
• Proving ownership in case of disputes.

Without this document, you may face restrictions in accessing opportunities or operating fully.

Steps to Recover a Lost CAC Certificate

1. Write a Formal Application to CAC

Prepare a written application addressed to the Registrar-General of the CAC, stating that your certificate has been misplaced, stolen, or destroyed, and that you wish to obtain a replacement or Certified True Copy (CTC).

2. Provide an Affidavit

You must depose to an affidavit at a High Court, declaring the loss of the certificate. This serves as a sworn legal statement confirming that the document is missing.

3. Police Report (If Applicable)

If the certificate was stolen, a police report may be requested to verify the claim.

4. Attach Valid Identification

Submit a valid means of identification such as a national ID card, driver’s license, or international passport of the business owner(s) or trustee(s).

5. Payment of CAC Fees

Pay the prescribed fees for obtaining a replacement or Certified True Copy of the certificate. The exact fee depends on the category of registration (business name, company, or incorporated trustee).

6. Submit the Application

File your application at the CAC office or online through the CAC portal. Ensure all supporting documents are attached, including affidavit, ID, and payment receipt.

7. Processing & Collection

After verification, the CAC will process your application and issue a Certified True Copy (CTC) or re-print of the certificate. The timeline is usually within 5–15 working days, depending on the workload.

Alternative: Obtain a Certified True Copy (CTC)

Instead of requesting a re-issued certificate, you may apply directly for a Certified True Copy (CTC) of your certificate. This is widely accepted by banks, regulatory bodies, and government agencies as proof of registration.

Cost of Recovering a CAC Certificate

The cost varies depending on the type of entity:

• Business Name: ₦5,000 – ₦10,000 (excluding professional service fee).
• Company: ₦10,000 – ₦20,000 (excluding professional service fee).
• Incorporated Trustee: ₦15,000 – ₦25,000 (excluding professional service fee).

Note: Fees may change from time to time, depending on CAC’s regulations.

 

 

How We Can Help

At Business Registration Ventures, we assist clients in:

• Preparing the application and affidavit.
• Filing with CAC without stress.
• Obtaining the re-issued certificate or CTC quickly.
• Ensuring you don’t face delays that could affect your business.

If you’ve lost your certificate, contact us today and we’ll handle the recovery process on your behalf.

Conclusion

Losing your CAC certificate is not the end of the road. With the right process—application, affidavit, and payment—you can successfully obtain a replacement or Certified True Copy. To save time and avoid unnecessary delays, engage the services of experts who understand CAC procedures.

Your certificate is proof of your business’s legitimacy—don’t operate without it.