Request approval for a business name

Last updated on January 28, 2025

Businesses and organizations must have their name approved and confirm that it's not already being used.

This must be completed before proceeding with incorporation, registration, amalgamation, restoration or a name change. 

Getting a name approved:

  • Ensures it's appropriate and won't confuse or mislead the public
  • Provides a public record of businesses and organizations that can be searched

Only incorporated companies, cooperatives or societies can guarantee exclusive use of their name.

There is no name protection for the name of a sole proprietorship or partnership, as this applies to incorporated companies, cooperatives and societies only.

Having a name approved and reserved for a sole proprietorship or a partnership doesn't guarantee it'll be approved for an incorporated company if you decide to incorporate later.

 

Choose a name

You'll be asked to provide three different name choices, ranked in order of your preference.

If you wish to incorporate using an incorporation number as the company, cooperative or society name, name approval is not required. The number will be assigned automatically.

 

Naming rules

Request a name

Submit your name request online or complete the Name Request form (PDF, 117KB) and mail it or drop it off at a Service BC location ($30 fee). Include payment when submitting your request by mail. Make payment payable to the Minister of Finance. Request priority service ($100 fee) if you need to have a name approved in 1 to 2 business days.

Results are sent immediately to your email address, if you provided one. If not, results will be mailed to you.

You may provide a maximum of three names which will be considered in the order provided, only if your first choice cannot be approved.  If you wish to have more than one name approved, you must complete an additional name request and pay another fee.

Once a name request is approved, it's reserved for 56 days. Be sure to register or incorporate your business before your name reservation expires. If not, you'll need to submit another name request. Anyone can use the name once the reservation expires.

BC OnLine users: Please use the new BC Registry application to submit name requests.

Ask for help

Contact the BC Registries helpdesk for help Monday to Friday from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. The registry does not provide business or legal advice.

Email: BCRegistries@gov.bc.ca
Toll free: 1 877 526-1526
Victoria: 250 387-7848

Support and services

For additional support with BC Registries filings, visit a Service BC location or call 1-877-370-1033.  Visit Support with BC Registries filings for your service options. Please note that Service BC does not provide legal or financial advice.

Explore business resources and support services from the Small Business Branch.

Related links

Information packages