The Era of Paper Certificates is Over

Since 2021, the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) completely stopped printing and couriering physical paper certificates. Today, all CAC certificates, Status Reports, and MEMARTs are issued **digitally** as secure PDF files with QR codes for verification.

Here is exactly how to download your original CAC certificate.

Step 1: Wait for the Approval Email

Once the CAC approves your registration, an automated email is sent to the email address used during registration. This email contains:

Your Registration Number (BN or RC Number)

An approval notification

A link to the CAC download portal

*Note: If you registered through CACnigeria.ng, we automatically email you the high-resolution PDF certificate the minute it is approved.*

Step 2: Access the CAC Portal

Go to the official CAC portal: [pre.cac.gov.ng](https://pre.cac.gov.ng)

If an agent registered for you on their own portal, **they must download the certificate for you**. (This is why CACnigeria.ng is better—we give you direct access to your files forever).

Step 3: Navigate to the Downloads Section

On your dashboard, click on the **"Companies"** or **"Business Names"** tab.

Locate your approved business in the list.

Click on the **"Download Certificate"** button next to your business name.

You will also see options to download your **Status Report** (which replaced the old Form CAC 1.1) and **MEMART** (for LLCs).

Step 4: Pay the Print Fee (If Applicable)

**Important Rule:** The CAC allows you to download your certificate for **FREE only within the first 7 days** of approval.

If you try to download it after 7 days, the CAC portal will lock the file and charge you a **₦5,000 penalty fee** to generate a new download link.

*Pro Tip: Always download and back up your PDF certificate to Google Drive or your email immediately.*

How to Verify Your Digital Certificate

Because certificates are now digital PDFs, banks and embassies verify them using the QR code printed at the bottom.

Open the camera on your smartphone.

Point it at the QR code on the certificate.

It will open a secure link on the CAC server displaying your official business details, proving the document is not forged.

Can't Find Your Certificate?

If you lost your certificate, or your previous agent is withholding it, you have to apply for a "Certified True Copy" (CTC) which can be expensive.

When you register with **CACnigeria.ng**, your digital certificate is permanently stored on your dashboard. You can log in and download it for free, 24/7, 365 days a year—even years after registration.

[Register your business the smart way →](/register)

How to Download Your CAC Certificate Online (Step-by-Step)