How to Get a DTI Certificate in the Philippines

Understanding DTI

What Is a DTI Certificate?

A DTI certificate is an official proof that your business name is registered under a sole proprietorship. It allows you to legally use your chosen business name nationwide, regionally, or locally—depending on your registration scope.

Not a Full License

It does not mean your business is fully licensed

First Legal Step

It is the first legal step for sole proprietors

Required Document

It is often requested alongside an NBI clearance for bank applications, permits, and legal contracts.

Eligibility

Who Needs a DTI Certificate?

If you are starting a business and already have a valid police clearance certificate, you are one step closer to completing your legal requirements. You need a DTI certificate if you are:

A sole proprietor

A freelancer using a business name

An online seller

A home-based business owner

A startup not registered as a corporation

Not Required For:

Corporations or partnerships (SEC handles those)

Benefits

Why DTI Registration Matters

A registered business name:

Builds trust with customers

A registered business name shows legitimacy and professionalism, making customers more confident in doing business with you.

Allows bank account opening

Banks require a DTI certificate to open a business account, which is essential for managing your finances professionally.

Required for permits

You need a DTI certificate to obtain barangay clearance and mayor's permit, which are mandatory for legal business operations.

Enables BIR registration

The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) requires a DTI certificate for tax registration, making your business tax-compliant.

Protects your brand identity

Registration prevents others in your area from using the same business name, protecting your brand and reputation.

Comparison

DTI vs SEC: Quick Comparison

Understanding the difference between DTI and SEC registration helps you choose the right path for your business structure.

Feature	DTI	SEC
Business Type	Sole proprietor	Corporation / Partnership
Owner	One person	Two or more
Registration Speed	Fast	Longer
Online Application	Yes	Yes
Ideal For	Small businesses	Larger entities

Preparation

Requirements Before Applying

Prepare these details first, much like gathering the required documents for police clearance, to ensure a smooth and quick registration process:

Preferred business name

Alternative name options

Owner's full legal name

Valid government-issued ID

Active email address

Good News: You don't need a physical office to register.

Application Process

Step-by-Step: How to Get a DTI Certificate Online

Follow this comprehensive guide to register your business name online through the DTI portal. The process is straightforward and can be completed in just a few steps.

1

Step 1: Visit the Official DTI Registration Portal

Use the official DTI Business Name Registration System (BNRS).

Create an account using a valid email address.

2

Step 2: Verify Your Account

Check your inbox and confirm your registration link.

No verification = no access to application features.

3

Step 3: Search Your Desired Business Name

Enter your preferred name to check availability.

Names that will be rejected:

Generic
Misleading
Identical to existing businesses

4

Step 4: Choose Your Business Scope

Select the geographical coverage for your business registration.

Scope	Coverage
Barangay	Single barangay
City/Municipality	One city
Regional	One region
National	Entire Philippines

Wider scope = higher fee.

5

Step 5: Fill Out Business Information

Enter the following details:

Business address

Business activity

Owner details

Ensure spelling matches your ID.

6

Step 6: Pay the Registration Fee

Payment options usually include:

GCash

Credit/Debit Card

Online banking

7

Step 7: Download Your Certificate

Once approved, you can:

Download the digital certificate

Print it anytime

Note: The certificate is available for download immediately after approval and can be printed as many times as needed.

Pricing

DTI Registration Fees (Indicative)

DTI registration fees are affordable and vary based on your chosen business scope. Here's a breakdown of the current fee structure:

Scope	Fee (PHP)
Barangay	₱200
City	₱500
Regional	₱1,000
National	₱2,000

Fees are subject to change but remain affordable for small business owners.

Timeline

How Long Does Processing Take?

DTI registration is known for its fast processing times. Here's what you can expect based on your application method:

Application Type	Time
Online	Same day to 24 hours
In-person	Same day

Most online applications are approved within minutes if all details are correct and the business name is available.

Alternative Method

How to Apply In Person (Optional)

While online application is recommended, you may visit a DTI office if you prefer face-to-face assistance. Here's when in-person application might be right for you:

You prefer face-to-face assistance

Get personalized help from DTI staff

You don't have stable internet

Complete the process without connectivity issues

You need help choosing a business name

Get expert advice on name availability

Bring:

Valid ID

Payment

Certificate Management

Validity and Renewal of DTI Certificate

Your DTI certificate is valid for 5 years from the date of registration. Understanding the validity period and renewal process is crucial to maintaining your business registration.

Item	Details
Validity	5 years
Renewal Window	Within expiry date
Late Renewal	Possible but discouraged

Important: Expired names may be taken by others. Renew your DTI certificate before it expires to protect your business name and avoid interruptions in your operations.

Next Steps

What to Do After Getting a DTI Certificate

DTI registration is only the first step. To fully operate your business legally, you need to complete several additional registrations and requirements.

Next Required Registrations:

1

Barangay Clearance

Required from your barangay hall to confirm your business location is approved for commercial activity. You can learn more about getting a barangay clearance here.

2

Mayor's Permit

Also known as Business Permit, this is mandatory to legally operate within your city or municipality.

3

BIR Registration

Register with the Bureau of Internal Revenue to get your Tax Identification Number (TIN) and comply with tax obligations.

4

Bank Account

Open a business bank account to separate personal and business finances for better financial management.

5

Official Receipts

Secure official receipts or invoices from BIR-accredited printers to issue to your customers.

Warnings

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these common pitfalls to ensure a smooth DTI registration process and successful business operation.

Using generic names

Generic names like "General Merchandise" or "Trading" will be rejected. Choose a unique, specific name that represents your brand.

Misspelled owner details

Ensure your name exactly matches your government-issued ID. Misspellings can cause issues with bank accounts and permits.

Choosing wrong scope

Select a scope that matches your business plans. Starting too narrow may require re-registration if you expand later.

Ignoring renewal dates

Mark your calendar for renewal before the 5-year expiration. Expired certificates can be claimed by others.

Registering without future expansion plans

Think ahead. If you plan to expand beyond your barangay or city, register with a wider scope from the start.

Expert Advice

Business Name Tips from Experts

Follow these expert recommendations to choose a business name that will serve you well for years to come.

Choose a unique, brandable name

Your business name should be memorable, easy to spell, and distinct from competitors. Avoid common words that don't stand out.

Avoid restricted words

Words like "Bank," "University," "Insurance," and government-related terms require special permits. Stick to unrestricted terms.

Think long-term growth

Choose a name that won't limit your business as it grows. Avoid overly specific names if you plan to diversify your products or services.

Check social media availability

Before finalizing your business name, verify that matching social media handles are available for consistent branding across platforms.

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to the most common questions about DTI registration.

Can I register even if I'm not operating yet?

Yes. Many entrepreneurs reserve names early.

Is a DTI certificate enough to operate?

No. Local permits are still required.

Can foreigners register?

Yes, subject to ownership and industry rules.

Is the digital certificate valid?

Yes. It is legally recognized.

Quick Checklist

Registration Roadmap

Here is your simplified checklist to getting your business legally registered:

Choose business name

Register online

Pay fee

Download certificate

Secure permits

Start operations

Final Thoughts

A DTI certificate gives your business legal identity and credibility, similar to how a national police clearance validates your personal identity. Whether you’re selling online, freelancing, or opening a physical store, proper registration protects you and builds trust with customers and institutions.