DTI business name registration: fees, scope and the form
This page is for someone starting a business on their own (a sole proprietorship) who wants to trade under a name such as "Aling Nena's Bakery" instead of their own name. At the end you will know whether you need a DTI business name, how much it costs, how to register it online and what the paper form asks.
PhilForms fills the form; you register with the DTI yourself.
Who needs it, and who does not
DTI says a business name is any name other than your true name that you use for your business, and if you do business under such a name you must register it with the DTI (DTI BNRS FAQ). Any Filipino at least 18 years old can register one.
Not what you need if:
- You will trade under your own full name only. - You are forming a partnership or corporation. DTI says only entities registered with the SEC can use "company", "corporation" or "incorporated" in the name, and only CDA-registered cooperatives can use "cooperative" (DTI BNRS FAQ).
A business name is not a permit to operate. DTI says you still need a business or mayor's permit (DTI BNRS FAQ), and you still register with the BIR (BIR Form 1901). The start a business on your own pack puts the steps in order.
How much it costs
The fee depends on the territorial scope you choose (DTI BNRS FAQ):
Territorial scope · Fee; Barangay · ₱200; City / Municipality · ₱500; Regional · ₱1,000; National · ₱2,000
Every registration adds ₱30 documentary stamp tax (DTI BNRS FAQ). The scope is where you may put your offices, stores or branches under that name. DTI says it is not a limit on where you may sell. Registration is valid for five years (DTI BNRS FAQ).
Register online, step by step
DTI's guide for the Business Name Registration System (BNRS) (BNRS registration guide):
1. Open New Registration on BNRS and agree to the terms. 2. Fill in the owner's information. 3. Choose the territorial scope, type the dominant name (the words that identify you) and a descriptor (what the business does, picked from the industry list), then click "Check Name Availability". If the name is taken, try another. 4. Keep the reference code BNRS gives you. You use it for every later transaction. 5. Fill in the business address, personal information and residence address, review the forms and agree to the undertaking. 6. Pay within seven calendar days through the channels shown (DTI teller, GCash, PayMaya, Landbank Link.Biz, card). An unpaid application is treated as abandoned. 7. The Certificate of Business Name Registration is sent to your email once payment goes through.
The paper form (FM-BN-01)
If you file at a DTI office or Negosyo Center, the sole proprietorship application is FM-BN-01. Prepare it on DTI FM-BN-01. The parts, in the form's order:
- A, item 1. New or renewal. For a renewal, your certificate number and the date registered. - B and C, items 2 and 3. TIN (for a renewal) and your PhilSys Card Number. - D, items 4 to 12. Your name, birth date, civil status, sex, citizenship. - E, item 13. One territorial scope only. The form repeats the fees and the ₱30 documentary stamp. - F, items 14 to 16. Three proposed names in order of priority, each split into dominant portion and descriptor. - G and H, items 17 to 33. Business address and contact numbers, then your own address if it differs, and your email. - Read the undertaking and the consent, then sign.
DTI also publishes its application form on BNRS (BNRS form, annex B); use the edition your DTI office hands you.
Names DTI will refuse
From DTI's list (DTI BNRS FAQ): names that are unlawful, immoral or scandalous; purely generic words; names already registered as a trade name, trademark or business name; names used by the government; names of other persons; and names that are deceptive or misdescribe the business.
Renewal
DTI's timing (DTI BNRS FAQ):
Window · When; Early filing · Up to 180 calendar days before expiry; Regular filing · Within 90 calendar days after expiry; Late filing (grace period) · The next 90 calendar days, with a 50% surcharge
A name not renewed within the grace period is cancelled and becomes available to others.
Questions
Kailangan ko ba ng DTI kung pangalan ko lang ang gagamitin?
DTI says registration is required when you do business under a name other than your true name (DTI BNRS FAQ). If you use only your own name, ask your city hall and RDO what they need for the permit and BIR registration.
Barangay o city scope, alin ang pipiliin?
Pick the area where your stores, offices or branches will be. DTI says the scope is not a limit on where you may transact (DTI BNRS FAQ). A wider scope costs more.
Can I transfer my business name to a buyer?
No. DTI says transfer of ownership is not allowed; the old registration is cancelled and the new owner applies (DTI BNRS FAQ).
Hindi ko natanggap ang certificate sa email. Ano gagawin?
Use Transaction Inquiry on BNRS with your reference code, check spam, and if there is still nothing, email the BNRS help desk with your proof of payment and ID, as DTI advises (DTI BNRS FAQ).
Last checked 2026-10-21. Not affiliated with BIR, SSS, PhilHealth, Pag-IBIG or any government agency.