CoR9.4? (Confirmation Notice of Name Reservation)

What is a CoR9.4?

It stands for your Confirmation Notice of Name Reservation.

The CoR9.4 is the official document you receive from CIPC (the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission) when your company name reservation is approved.

It confirms that the name you applied for is now reserved for your exclusive use for a period of 6 months.

That means no one else can register a business under that name during that time.

If you’re starting a business in South Africa and want to trade under a unique business name, this is your first important step.

“Do I really need a CoR9.4?”

If you want your company to have a recognisable name (like Lebo's Logistics (Pty) Ltd or Green Path Wellness) then yes, you’ll need a CoR9.4.

Without it, CIPC will register your business using your registration number as the name, like: 2024/123456/07.

That’s legal, but it doesn’t look very professional and it can make it harder to…

  1. Open a business bank account
  2. Build brand recognition
  3. Gain customer trust
  4. Apply for tenders or funding

Reserving a name gives your business identity, credibility, and legal exclusivity.

Questions you might have about a a CoR9.4

How do I reserve a company name in South Africa?

You submit up to 4 name options through CIPC or via a service provider like Govchain.

The CIPC will assess them for uniqueness, potential conflicts, and compliance with naming rules.

“What if my name gets rejected?”

It’s common for names to be rejected, especially if they’re too generic or similar to existing companies.

If that happens, you can resubmit with new options.

Govchain helps you choose strong, legally acceptable names that are more likely to be approved.

“Can I change my company name after it’s been registered?”

Yes, but it’s more admin.

You’ll need to file a special resolution, pay a name change fee, and update your documents.

That’s why we recommend choosing your business name before registering your company.

“Does reserving a name automatically register my company?”

No, this is just the first step.

After you receive your CoR9.4, you still need to register your business with CIPC (that’s when you’ll receive your CoR14.3 and other documents).

Let Govchain help you reserve your business name the right way — fast, professional, and fully compliant, by registering your business officially.

Back to Terms