Updating a Business Name in the Business Portal

Purpose Statement

The Business Portal allows users to request an update to the business name associated with an existing location. This is useful when a business changes ownership, undergoes rebranding, or needs to correct a previously entered business name.

Business name changes are submitted for Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) approval before the updated name is accepted.

Background Information

Business names at existing locations can change frequently due to ownership transfers, rebranding, or data entry corrections. Keeping business information current helps ensure that testing, maintenance, and other fire prevention records are associated with the correct business.

For example, a new restaurant may move into a location previously occupied by another restaurant. When the new business needs to submit testing or maintenance information through the Business Portal, the existing location may still display the previous business name.

The Business Portal provides an option to edit the business name and submit the change for AHJ review.

Required Permissions

The user must have access to the Business Portal and be able to sign in and submit information for the applicable business/location.

Note: Specific First Due permission requirements could not be confirmed from the available information. Verify your organization's Business Portal configuration if a user cannot access the functionality described in this article.

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Step-by-Step Guide

1. Sign In to the Business Portal

Navigate to the Business Portal and enter your login information.

Select Sign In to access the portal.

2. Add the Business

From the Business Portal, select the option to Add ITM.

Enter the requested business information, including the business name and address.

Begin entering the business address and select the appropriate existing location when it appears.

3. Review the Existing Business Name

After selecting the location, review the business information associated with the address.

If the location displays the name of a previous business, select the option to Edit the business name.

4. Enter the New Business Name

Replace the existing business name with the current business name.

For example, if the previous business was KC Barbecue and the new business is Wok This Way Asian Food, replace the previous name with the new name.

Select Save.

5. Review the Pending Approval Message

After saving the new business name, the Business Portal displays a message indicating that the business name is pending AHJ approval.

The business name change must be reviewed and approved by the AHJ.

Continue completing the remaining information required for the submission.

6. Confirm the Submission

Review the information you entered for accuracy.

When finished, select Confirm Submission.

A confirmation will display indicating that the submission has been received.

7. Complete Payment and Submission When Applicable

If payment is required for the submission, follow the available payment and submission options in the Business Portal to complete the process.

Best Practices

• Verify that you have selected the correct address before changing the business name.
• Enter the business's current official name to help prevent additional corrections.
• Use the business name change functionality when ownership changes, a business rebrands, or an existing name needs to be corrected.
• Review all information before selecting Confirm Submission.
• Remember that editing the business name does not mean the name is immediately approved. The change remains pending until reviewed by the AHJ.
• Avoid creating or selecting a different location solely because the business occupying an existing address has changed.

Troubleshooting & FAQs

Why does the previous business name appear when I enter my address?

The address may already be associated with a business that previously occupied the location. Edit the existing business name to reflect the current business and submit the change for AHJ approval.

Why does the Business Portal say the business name is pending AHJ approval?

Business name changes require review by the Authority Having Jurisdiction. The pending message indicates that your requested name change has been submitted for review.

Can I continue entering information while the business name is pending approval?

Yes. Based on the workflow shown, you can continue completing the remaining submission information after saving the requested business name change.

When should I update a business name?

A business name may need to be updated after an ownership transfer, rebranding, or when correcting a previous data entry error.

What should I do after entering the new business name?

Select Save, complete the remaining required information, and then select Confirm Submission. Complete any applicable payment and submission steps presented by the Business Portal.

What if I do not see the option to edit the business name?

Confirm that you are signed into the correct Business Portal and have selected the appropriate location. If the option is still unavailable, contact your organization's administrator or AHJ for assistance. The transcript does not identify a specific permission controlling this functionality.