How to Renew DTI Business Name Registration
Your DTI business name registration is valid for 5 years from the date of original registration. Once it expires, you must renew it to continue using your registered business name legally and to maintain your exclusive right to that name within your chosen scope. Failing to renew means your business name protection lapses, another person can register the same name, and your local business permits (Barangay Clearance, Mayor's Permit, BIR registration) may be affected. This comprehensive guide walks you through every step of the renewal process -- whether you choose to renew online through the Business Name Registration System (BNRS) or in person at a DTI office or Negosyo Center.
Business Name Renewal at a Glance
Validity
DTI business name registration is valid for 5 years from the date of registration or last renewal. Renewal extends it for another 5 years.
Renewal Fee
Approximately P200 to P2,000 depending on your scope of registration (Barangay, City/Municipality, Regional, or National), plus P30 Documentary Stamp Tax.
Where to Renew
Online via the BNRS portal at bnrs.dti.gov.ph, or walk-in at any DTI provincial/regional office or Negosyo Center nationwide.
Renewal Window
You may renew anytime within the 5-year validity period or up to 3 months after the expiration date. After 3 months, you may need to file a new registration.
When Should You Renew?
Understanding the renewal timeline is critical to maintaining your business name protection. The DTI allows renewal at different stages, but each has different implications for your business.
Before Expiration (Recommended)
The best time to renew is at least 30 days before your expiration date. This ensures there is no gap in your business name protection and your local permits remain valid. Your renewed certificate will start from the original expiration date, so you do not lose any days. This is the smoothest and most hassle-free option.
After Expiration (Grace Period)
The DTI provides a grace period of up to 3 months after the expiration date during which you can still renew your business name. During this period, your business name is not yet available for others to register. However, your local government permits (Barangay Clearance, Mayor's Permit) may be affected since they rely on a valid DTI certificate. Renew as soon as possible during this window.
More Than 3 Months Expired
If your DTI registration has been expired for more than 3 months, the business name may become available for anyone to register. You will likely need to file a brand-new registration instead of a simple renewal. If someone else has already taken your business name during this lapse, you will be forced to choose a different name. You will also need to update all your local permits and BIR registration with the new certificate.
Renewal Methods: Online vs. Walk-in
The DTI offers two convenient methods for renewing your business name registration. Both are valid and produce the same official certificate. Choose the method that best suits your situation and preference.
Online via BNRS
bnrs.dti.gov.ph
Advantages:
- Available 24/7, including weekends and holidays
- No need to travel to a DTI office
- Certificate generated and downloadable instantly after payment
- Multiple electronic payment options (GCash, Maya, credit card, bank transfer)
- Entire process can be completed in 15-30 minutes
Considerations:
- Requires internet access and a BNRS account
- Small convenience fee (P10-P20) for online payments
- Must be able to print or save the digital certificate yourself
Walk-in at DTI / Negosyo Center
Any DTI office or Negosyo Center
Advantages:
- Face-to-face assistance from DTI staff
- No internet or computer required
- Staff can answer questions and help with forms on the spot
- Certificate printed and issued immediately
- Over 900 Negosyo Centers nationwide for easy access
Considerations:
- Limited to office hours (Monday-Friday, 8 AM - 5 PM)
- May involve waiting in line, especially during peak times
- Requires travel to the nearest DTI office or Negosyo Center
Requirements for Business Name Renewal
Before you begin the renewal process, make sure you have all the following documents and information ready. Having complete requirements will make the process faster and smoother.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| DTI Certificate of Business Name Registration | Your original or photocopy of the current (expired or expiring) DTI Certificate. This contains your business name, registration number, scope, and expiration date. For online renewal, you will need the registration number. If you lost your certificate, you can look up your registration details on the BNRS portal using your account credentials. |
| Valid Government-Issued ID | At least one valid government-issued ID with photo and signature. Accepted IDs include: Philippine passport, driver's license, PhilSys National ID, SSS/GSIS ID, PRC ID, voter's ID, postal ID, or UMID. Original and photocopy required for walk-in renewal. For online renewal, you will enter the ID type and number. |
| Renewal Fee | Based on your scope of registration: P200 (Barangay), P500 (City/Municipality), P1,000 (Regional), or P2,000 (National). Plus the mandatory P30 Documentary Stamp Tax. The renewal fee is the same as the original registration fee. For online renewal, a convenience fee of approximately P10-P20 may apply depending on your payment method. |
| Accomplished Application/Renewal Form | For walk-in renewal, fill out the DTI renewal application form available at the DTI office or Negosyo Center. For online renewal, the form is completed directly on the BNRS portal. The form requires your business name, registration number, scope, business address, line of business, and personal information. |
| BNRS Account (for online renewal) | If renewing online, you must have an active BNRS account at bnrs.dti.gov.ph. If you registered your business name online previously, use the same account. If you originally registered walk-in, you will need to create a new BNRS account and link your existing registration to it. |
Step-by-Step: Online Renewal via BNRS
Renewing online through the BNRS portal is the fastest and most convenient method. The entire process can be completed from your computer or smartphone in as little as 15-30 minutes. Follow these steps:
Visit the BNRS Portal
Open your web browser and go to bnrs.dti.gov.ph. The BNRS portal is the DTI's official online platform for business name registration and renewal. It is accessible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including weekends and holidays. Make sure you have a stable internet connection to avoid interruptions during the process.
Log In to Your BNRS Account
Enter your registered email address and password to log in to your BNRS account. If you registered your business name online previously, use the same account credentials. If you forgot your password, click "Forgot Password" to reset it via email.
First time using BNRS? If you originally registered your business name through a walk-in process and do not have a BNRS account, you will need to create one first. Click "Register" on the BNRS homepage, fill in your details, verify your email, and then link your existing DTI registration using your registration number and other details from your DTI certificate.
Locate Your Business Name and Select "Renew"
Once logged in, navigate to your dashboard where your registered business names are listed. Find the business name you want to renew and click the "Renew" button next to it. The system will display the current registration details, including the business name, scope, registration number, and expiration date. If your registration is near expiration or already expired (within the 3-month grace period), the system will allow you to proceed with the renewal.
Review and Update Your Business Information
The BNRS will pre-fill the renewal form with your existing registration details. Review all the information carefully and update any fields that have changed, such as your business address, contact number, email address, or line of business. You may also choose to upgrade your scope during renewal (for example, from City/Municipality to National) by paying the difference in fees. However, you cannot change the business name during renewal -- that requires a new registration.
Choose Your Payment Method and Pay the Renewal Fee
Select your preferred payment method from the available options. BNRS accepts GCash, Maya (formerly PayMaya), credit or debit card (Visa/Mastercard), online bank transfer, and over-the-counter payments at partner outlets such as 7-Eleven, Bayad Center, and other payment centers. The system will display the total amount to pay, which includes the renewal fee (based on scope) plus the P30 Documentary Stamp Tax plus any applicable convenience fee.
Tip: GCash and Maya payments are processed instantly, so you can download your certificate right away. Over-the-counter payments may take 1-2 business days to be reflected in the system, which means a slight delay before your certificate becomes available for download.
Download and Print Your Renewed Certificate
Once your payment is confirmed and processed, your renewed Certificate of Business Name Registration will be generated automatically on the BNRS portal. Click "Download" to save the certificate as a PDF file, or click "Print" to print it directly. A digital copy will also be sent to your registered email address. The renewed certificate will show the new expiration date (5 years from the renewal date), your business name, scope, and registration number.
Update Your Local Permits with the Renewed Certificate
After obtaining your renewed DTI certificate, bring it to your local government unit to update your Barangay Clearance, Mayor's Permit (Business Permit), and BIR Certificate of Registration. Most LGUs require a valid, current DTI certificate during annual business permit renewals. Having the renewed certificate ready ensures a seamless permit renewal process.
Step-by-Step: Walk-in Renewal at DTI / Negosyo Center
If you prefer to renew in person or do not have internet access, you can visit any DTI provincial or regional office or any of the over 900 Negosyo Centers located in cities and municipalities across the Philippines. Most Negosyo Centers are located inside city halls, municipal halls, or public markets.
Go to the Nearest DTI Office or Negosyo Center
Locate the nearest DTI provincial office, DTI regional office, or Negosyo Center. You can find a directory of Negosyo Centers on the DTI website at www.dti.gov.ph. Bring your current DTI certificate (or a photocopy), a valid government-issued ID (original and photocopy), and sufficient cash or digital wallet balance for the renewal fee. Arrive early during office hours (Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM) to avoid long queues.
Fill Out the Renewal Application Form
Request a renewal application form from the DTI staff. Fill out all required fields, including your business name, registration number (found on your current DTI certificate), scope of registration, business address, line of business, and your personal information as the sole proprietor. Present your valid government-issued ID (original and photocopy) for identity verification. The DTI staff can assist you if you need help filling out the form.
Submit the Form and Pay the Renewal Fee
Submit the completed renewal form along with your supporting documents to the DTI staff. They will verify your registration details in the BNRS system. Once confirmed, proceed to the cashier to pay the renewal fee (based on your scope) plus the P30 Documentary Stamp Tax. Payment is typically accepted in cash. Some DTI offices and Negosyo Centers may also accept GCash or other digital payments. Obtain and keep the official receipt as proof of payment.
Receive Your Renewed Certificate
After your payment is processed, the DTI staff will generate and print your renewed Certificate of Business Name Registration on the spot. The certificate will show the new expiration date (5 years from the renewal date), your business name, scope, and updated details. The entire walk-in process typically takes 30 minutes to 1 hour, including waiting time.
Update Your Local Permits
With your renewed DTI certificate in hand, visit your Barangay Hall and City/Municipal Hall to update your Barangay Clearance and Mayor's Permit (Business Permit) with the new certificate. Also inform the BIR of the renewal if needed. This ensures all your business permits remain valid and up to date.
Renewal Fees by Scope
The renewal fee is the same as the original registration fee and depends on the geographic scope of your business name protection. All scopes include a mandatory P30 Documentary Stamp Tax (DST).
| Scope | Coverage | Renewal Fee | DST | Total (Walk-in) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barangay | Business name protected within one specific barangay. Ideal for sari-sari stores, carinderias, and small neighborhood businesses. | P200 | P30 | P230 |
| City / Municipality | Business name protected within the entire city or municipality. Suitable for businesses serving customers across multiple barangays. | P500 | P30 | P530 |
| Regional | Business name protected within an entire administrative region (e.g., NCR, Region IV-A). Best for businesses operating across multiple cities or provinces within a region. | P1,000 | P30 | P1,030 |
| National | Business name protected throughout the entire Philippines. Recommended for businesses that sell online, deliver nationwide, or plan to expand to multiple regions. | P2,000 | P30 | P2,030 |
Note: Online renewal through BNRS may include an additional convenience fee of approximately P10-P20 depending on the payment method (e.g., GCash, Maya, credit card). The convenience fee is charged by the payment gateway, not by the DTI.
Complete Example: Maria Renews Her DTI Registration Online
Maria registered her business name "Maria's Online Boutique" with the DTI five years ago under the City/Municipality scope in Makati City. Her registration is expiring in 2 weeks, and she wants to renew online through BNRS. She also decides to upgrade her scope from City/Municipality to National since her online business now ships products to customers all over the Philippines. Here is how she completes the renewal:
Logged In and Started Renewal
Maria logs in to her BNRS account at bnrs.dti.gov.ph using her email and password. She goes to her dashboard and finds her business name "Maria's Online Boutique" with the status "Expiring Soon." She clicks the "Renew" button. The system displays her current registration details: scope is City/Municipality (Makati City), registration number is 12345678, and the expiration date is in 2 weeks.
Updated Business Details and Upgraded Scope
Maria reviews the pre-filled renewal form. She updates her mobile number and selects "National" as her new scope (upgrading from City/Municipality). The system calculates the renewal fee based on the National scope: P2,000 renewal fee + P30 DST. She confirms all the details are correct and proceeds to the payment page.
Paid via GCash and Downloaded Certificate
Maria selects GCash as her payment method. She is redirected to the GCash payment page where she confirms the total amount of P2,045 (P2,000 renewal fee + P30 DST + P15 GCash convenience fee). After confirming payment, she is redirected back to the BNRS portal where her renewed Certificate of Business Name Registration is ready for download. She downloads the PDF and also receives a copy via email. The certificate shows her business name "Maria's Online Boutique," scope "National," and a new expiration date 5 years from now.
Updated Local Permits
Maria prints several copies of her renewed DTI certificate and brings them to the Makati City Hall during her annual business permit renewal. She submits the new DTI certificate along with her other requirements for the Mayor's Permit renewal. She also updates her Barangay Clearance and informs her BIR Revenue District Office of the updated DTI registration. Everything is now up to date, and Maria's business name is protected nationwide for the next 5 years.
Maria's Renewal Cost Summary
Total time spent: approximately 20 minutes online. Certificate was available instantly after GCash payment. Maria also upgraded her scope from City/Municipality to National during this renewal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if my DTI registration has been expired for more than 3 months?
If your DTI registration has been expired for more than 3 months, the grace period has lapsed and your business name may no longer be reserved for you. In this case, you will most likely need to file a brand-new registration instead of a simple renewal. If the business name is still available in the BNRS database, you can register it again as a new application with the full registration fee. However, if someone else has already registered the same business name during the lapse, you will have to choose a different name. To avoid this situation, always renew before or within 3 months of expiration.
Can I change my business name during renewal?
No. Renewal is specifically for extending the validity of your existing business name registration. If you want to use a different business name, you must file a new business name registration with the DTI. You will need to pay the full registration fee for the new name. Your old registration can simply be allowed to expire if you no longer wish to use it. You cannot transfer or convert an existing registration to a new name through the renewal process.
Can I change the scope of my registration during renewal?
Yes. During the renewal process, you can upgrade your scope of registration. For example, if you originally registered at the City/Municipality level and now want National scope, you can select the higher scope during renewal and pay the corresponding fee. The upgrade takes effect immediately upon renewal. However, you generally cannot downgrade your scope during renewal (e.g., from National to Barangay). Upgrading is a common practice for businesses that have expanded their operations since the original registration.
Am I required by law to renew my DTI registration?
If you intend to continue operating your business under the registered name, then yes, renewal is required. Under the Business Name Law (Republic Act No. 3883, as amended), operating a business using an unregistered or expired business name is a violation punishable by fines and/or imprisonment. Additionally, your local government will require a valid DTI certificate when you renew your Barangay Clearance and Mayor's Permit. If you no longer wish to operate the business, you may simply let the registration expire without renewing.
How long does the renewal process take?
The renewal process is very fast. Online via BNRS: The entire process takes approximately 15-30 minutes, and the renewed certificate is available for download immediately after payment is confirmed (for instant payment methods like GCash, Maya, or credit card). Over-the-counter payments may take 1-2 business days to reflect. Walk-in at DTI/Negosyo Center: The process typically takes 30 minutes to 1 hour, including filling out the form, paying the fee, and waiting for the certificate to be printed.
I lost my DTI certificate. Can I still renew?
Yes. If you lost your original DTI certificate, you can still renew. If you have a BNRS account, log in and your registration details will be accessible on your dashboard, including your registration number. If you do not have a BNRS account, you can visit any DTI office or Negosyo Center with a valid government-issued ID, and the staff can look up your registration in the system using your name and other identifying details. You will then be able to proceed with the renewal as normal.
Can someone else renew my DTI registration on my behalf?
For walk-in renewal, yes -- you can authorize a representative to renew on your behalf by providing them with a signed authorization letter and a photocopy of your valid government-issued ID. The representative must also bring their own valid ID. For online renewal, the process is done through your personal BNRS account, so anyone with access to your account credentials can technically process the renewal. However, make sure to keep your BNRS login details secure and share them only with trusted individuals.
Important Reminders
- Renew at least 30 days before your expiration date: This is the single most important thing to remember. Renewing early ensures there is no lapse in your business name protection and prevents issues with your local business permits. Set a calendar reminder or alarm several months before your DTI certificate expires.
- The 3-month grace period is a safety net, not a target: While the DTI allows renewal up to 3 months after expiration, do not rely on this grace period. During this time, your local permits may be affected, and there is always a risk that system changes or policy updates could shorten or eliminate the grace period.
- You cannot change the business name during renewal: Renewal only extends the validity of your existing registered name. If you want a different business name, you must file a new registration and pay the full registration fee. Plan any name changes separately from the renewal process.
- You can upgrade your scope during renewal: If your business has grown since the original registration, take the opportunity to upgrade your scope (e.g., from City/Municipality to Regional or National) during the renewal process. You will pay the fee corresponding to the new, higher scope.
- Keep your renewed certificate safe: Your renewed DTI Certificate of Business Name Registration is required for your annual Mayor's Permit renewal, Barangay Clearance, and BIR registration. Make multiple photocopies and store the original in a secure location. If you renewed online, save the digital PDF in multiple places (computer, cloud storage, email).
- Update all local permits after renewal: After renewing your DTI registration, bring the new certificate to your Barangay Hall and City/Municipal Hall to update your Barangay Clearance and Mayor's Permit. Also inform your BIR Revenue District Office of the updated DTI registration, especially if you changed your scope or business address.
- Documentary Stamp Tax is always P30: Regardless of the scope of registration (Barangay, City/Municipality, Regional, or National), the Documentary Stamp Tax is a fixed P30. This amount has been consistent across all DTI business name registrations and renewals.
- BNRS is available 24/7 for online renewals: The BNRS portal at bnrs.dti.gov.ph is accessible anytime, including weekends and holidays. You do not need to take time off work or wait for office hours to renew your registration. Online renewal is the fastest and most convenient option.
Need Help?
Contact DTI
- DTI Main Office: 361 Sen. Gil J. Puyat Avenue, Makati City
- Hotline: 1-DTI (1-384)
- Trunkline: (02) 8751-0384
- Email: ask@dti.gov.ph
- Website: www.dti.gov.ph
- BNRS Portal: bnrs.dti.gov.ph
- Office Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Disclaimer
This guide is provided for general informational purposes only. The requirements, steps, fees, and procedures mentioned here may vary depending on the DTI you visit. We recommend visiting your nearest DTI first to confirm the specific requirements and process before preparing your documents.