Is CIPC Down Today? Login Issues, BizPortal Errors, and Workarounds (2026)

How to check if CIPC is actually down

• Try a different portal: if eServices fails, try BizPortal (or vice versa). They run on related but separable infrastructure.
• Try a different browser: Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge. CIPC's eServices is particularly fussy with Edge and old IE compatibility modes.
• Try mobile data instead of WiFi: occasional ISP-routing issues block CIPC.
• Check social media: search "CIPC down" on X/Twitter for real-time complaints.
• Check CIPC's notices page: https://www.cipc.co.za/?cat=10 - they post outages there with delays.

Login error: "Incorrect password" but you know it's right

Reddit user, r/PersonalFinanceZA: "I must have changed my password like 5 times over the last two days. The problem persists regardless of which portal I try to log into."

• After resetting, try the new password 3-5 times - it may take attempts before the system propagates.
• Check the security code (captcha) - even one character off rejects.
• Disable browser auto-fill - it sometimes inserts a stale password.
• Try incognito / private browsing mode.
• If still locked out: email customers@cipc.co.za with subject "Account locked - [Customer Code]".

OTP not arriving

• Check your registered cell number is current at SARS Registered Details (yes, CIPC OTPs sometimes route via SARS data).
• Check that your registered representative status is approved at SARS.
• If number changed: update at SARS first (via eFiling), wait 24-48 hours, then try CIPC again.
• If still nothing: customers@cipc.co.za with subject "OTP not received - [Customer Code]".

"Document didn't load" / payment went through but no certificate

Reddit thread 16g7n6c: "If there is a rolling blackout or a system update when you register, you may get registered but never receive your documents."

What to do:

1. Wait 24 hours - sometimes documents arrive late.
2. Search BizPortal's BizProfile (public name search) for your company - if it shows as registered, your CIPC record is fine; the document just didn't email.
3. Re-download from your eServices profile -> Transactions.
4. If still missing: customers@cipc.co.za with proof of payment.

Common browser fixes

• Clear cookies for cipc.co.za and bizportal.gov.za.
• Disable browser extensions (ad-blockers in particular).
• Use Chrome or Firefox over Safari for eServices.
• Date format issues: CIPC uses DD/MM/YYYY. Some browsers auto-convert.
• Pop-up blockers: CIPC opens transactions in pop-ups.

Frequently asked questions

Tools to help

Related guides