How to Get DTI Certificate in the Philippines (2025 Guide)

Starting a business in the Philippines? The DTI Certificate is your first step toward legalizing your business name and operating officially. Issued by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), this document confirms that your business name is registered and recognized under Philippine law.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to get certificate online, what documents you need, how to download your certificate, and the step-by-step process for smooth registration in 2025 with real examples, samples, and updated requirements.

What is  DTI Certificate 

A DTI Certificate is an official document that proves your business name is registered with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). It is one of the first and most important requirements when starting a business in the Philippines, as it gives your business a legal identity.

With the DTI’s online system, business owners can now apply for their DTI Registration Certificate through the BNRS (Business Name Registration System) without visiting any office. This digital process makes it faster, easier, and more convenient to verify, register, and download your certificate from anywhere.

What Is a DTI Certificate of Registration?

A DTI Certificate of Registration is an official document issued by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) that confirms your business name is registered and approved for use. This certificate entitles you to operate and trade under your chosen business name legally.

It serves as the first step for all sole proprietors before applying for other local permits, such as the Barangay Clearance, Mayor’s Permit, and BIR registration. The certificate proves that your business name is unique, valid, and recognized under Philippine law.

DTI Certificate vs DTI Permit

The term “DTI Permit” is often misunderstood. The DTI does not issue permits; it only provides the DTI Certificate, which validates your business name.

What most people call a “DTI Permit” usually refers to the Mayor’s Business Permit, issued by your Local Government Unit (LGU) after DTI registration. It confirms your business name, while the Mayor’s Permit authorizes your business operations in a specific city or municipality.

Why You Need a DTI Certificate

This certificate gives your business legal identity and recognition under the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). It serves as proof that your business name is officially registered and unique, allowing you to operate legally and build trust with clients and partners.

Here’s why having one is important:

• Legal Recognition – Confirms your business is registered and authorized to operate.
  
• Permit Requirement – Needed to secure your Mayor’s Permit, Barangay Clearance, and BIR registration.
  
• Financial Access – Required when opening business bank accounts or applying for business loans.
  
• Government Programs – Serves as proof of legitimacy when joining government support or funding programs.
  
• Name Ownership – Protects your business name from being used by others.

With a DTI Registration Certificate, you can confidently run your business while meeting all legal and financial requirements.

DTI Certificate Sample

Below is a sample of a standard Department of Trade and Industry Certificate.

DTI Certificate Format

It follows a clear and standardized format recognized across the Philippines. Understanding its layout helps verify if your document is authentic and complete.

Here’s what a typical certificate includes:

• Header: Republic of the Philippines, Department of Trade and Industry, and the official DTI logo.
  
• Body: A statement certifying that [Business Name] has been duly registered under Republic Act No. 3883, the law governing business name registration.
  
• Details Section: Lists the owner’s name, business address, certificate number, nature and scope of business, and validity period.
  
• Footer: Shows the signature of the DTI official, issuance date, and the official dry seal of the Department of Trade and Industry.

This format confirms that your DTI Registration Certificate is valid and officially recognized.

DTI Online Registration Requirements 

How to Get DTI Certificate

Getting your certificate is now easier through the online Business Name Registration System (BNRS). Follow these steps carefully to avoid errors and delays in your registration.

Step 1 – Visit the DTI BNRS Portal

• Go to https://bnrs.dti.gov.ph
• Click “Register New” under the Business Name Registration section
• Review the terms and conditions before proceeding

Step 2 – Fill Out Owner Information

• Enter your full name, citizenship, civil status, and birth date
• Upload a valid government-issued ID for identity verification
• Ensure all details are correct to avoid issues during approval

Step 3 – Choose and Verify Your Business Name

• Type your proposed business name and check its availability instantly on the BNRS portal
• Avoid restricted, generic, or duplicate names that may cause rejection
• Select a name that reflects your brand identity and business nature

Step 4 – Define Scope and Location

• Choose your business scope: Barangay, City/Municipal, Regional, or National
• Provide your main business address and confirm the location details before continuing

Step 5 – Confirm and Pay Fees

After reviewing your details, confirm your registration and proceed to payment. Fees vary depending on the scope of your business registration:

Payment Methods:

You can pay through multiple channels for convenience:

• GCash
  
• Maya (PayMaya)
  
• Landbank or BancNet
  
• Credit/Debit Card
  
• Over-the-counter payments at DTI-accredited centers

Make sure to keep a screenshot or a copy of your payment confirmation for record purposes.

Step 6 – Download or Receive Your Certificate

Once your payment has been verified, you can download your certificate directly from the BNRS portal or receive it via email in PDF format. Keep both digital and printed copies for use in future transactions such as Barangay Clearance, BIR registration, or business bank account setup.

How to Request or Reprint a Lost DTI Certificate

If you’ve lost your certificate, there’s no need to worry; you can easily reprint or request a copy online.

For online applicants, go to the BNRS portal and follow these steps:

1. Click on Transaction Inquiry in the menu.
   
2. Enter your reference number or the business name used during registration.
   
3. Once located, you can re-download your DTI Certificate in PDF format.

If you encounter issues, send an email to bnrshelpdesk@dti.gov.ph with your full name, business name, and transaction number. The DTI support team will help verify and resend your certificate.

For those who applied manually (in person), visit the nearest DTI office where you originally registered. Bring a valid government-issued ID and any proof of payment or old transaction slip to request a printed copy.

Always save a digital backup of your certificate for easier access in the future.

Renewal Period

You can renew your DTI Registration Certificate within 180 days before its expiry date. Renewing early ensures uninterrupted business operations and avoids losing your business name.

Renewal Fees

The renewal cost is the same as your original registration and depends on your business scope:

• Barangay: ₱200
  
• City/Municipality: ₱500
  
• Regional: ₱1,000
  
• National: ₱2,000
  
• + ₱30 Documentary Stamp

Renewal Process

1. Visit https://bnrs.dti.gov.ph/renewal
   
2. Enter your business details and update your information if needed
   
3. Pay the renewal fee using available online payment methods

Suppose your certificate expires and is not renewed within the grace period. In that case, you’ll need to re-register under a new business name, as expired names are automatically released back into the registration pool.

Common Problems and How to Fix Them

Here are some common issues applicants face when applying for or renewing their DTI Certificate, along with their causes and quick solutions:

DTI Contact Information

If you need help with your DTI Certificate application, renewal, or troubleshooting, you can reach out through the following official channels:

• Website: https://www.dti.gov.ph
  
• BNRS Portal: https://bnrs.dti.gov.ph
  
• Email: bnrshelpdesk@dti.gov.ph
  
• Hotline: 1-384 (DTI)

These are the only official contact sources for the Department of Trade and Industry. Avoid third-party sites claiming to process certificates to protect your personal and business information.

Conclusion

Getting your DTI Certificate is the first and most important step toward legally starting a business in the Philippines. It proves that your business name is registered with the Department of Trade and Industry and gives you the authority to operate under that name.

Always double-check your requirements before applying, keep both printed and digital copies of your certificate, and renew it before it expires to maintain your registration. With your DTI Registration Certificate in place, you can confidently proceed to the next steps, securing permits, opening bank accounts, and growing your business legally and professionally.

It must be renewed every year between January 1 and January 20. This keeps your business in good standing and ensures a smooth renewal of your Mayor’s Permit.

FAQs