This must be completed before proceeding with incorporation, registration, amalgamation, restoration or a name change.
Getting a name approved:
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.
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.
1. Check if your preferred names are already being used
Search for existing business and organization names online or hire a qualified service provider to do this for you.
2. Include a distinctive element
A distinctive element is what sets it apart from other names.
| Less like. | More like. |
|---|---|
| Tire Shop Ltd. | Kitimat Tire Shop Ltd. |
| Shoe Store Ltd. | Linda's Shoe Store Ltd. |
| Senior Care Society | Benevolent Relief Senior Care Society |
| Outdoor Recreation Club | Fireside Outdoor Recreation Club |
3. Include a descriptive element
The descriptive element describes the nature of the business. For example:
A descriptive element is not required for names that include a made-up word with a geographical location (e.g. Altrex Canada Ltd.).
Similar descriptive words. Make sure your name's descriptive words are unique. It needs to be different than other names that are already registered. For example, if you request ‘John’s Hotel’ and ‘John’s Inn’ already exists, your name request will be rejected. Here are some similar words to consider:
Excursion, guide, outfit, sightseeing, sport fishing
Forestry, forester, forest management, logging, lumber, paper, pulp, reforest, sawmill, silviculture, timber, timber management, tree planting, wood
Acceptance, asset, capital, credit, equity, fund, invest, load, mortgage, mutual, securities
Medical, practice, surgery, wellness
Bed and breakfast, inn, lodge, resort, motel
Terminal, container, depot, warehouse
Carrier, cartage, express, freight, haul, hotshot, line, lobed, logistic, moving, shipper, shipping, transfer, transport, truck
Adventure, cruise, expedition, holiday, safari, travel, trip
Fabricating, machining, metal, weld
4. Include a corporate designation (if appropriate)
Incorporated companies, cooperatives and societies must have a corporate designation included in their name.
Include one of the following as the last word of the name:
Unlimited liability companies
Include one of the following as the last word of the name:
Include one of the following as part of the name:
May include one of the following at the end of the name:
Usually have one of the following as part of the name:
Should have one of the following in the name:
Do not use "not for profit" or "non-profit" unless the co-op is a housing project.
Do not use words used by limited companies (e.g., Ltd., Inc. or Corp.).
Limited partnerships can use Company or Co.
Limited liability partnerships
Limited liability partnerships must use one of the following at the end of the name:
Limited partnerships must use the following at the end of the name:
Single word names
You can increase your chances of getting a single-word name approved by including:
Your best bet is to avoid single word names and following instructions for choosing a name using the distinctive element, the descriptive element, and the corporate designation.
Numerals may be used in company names as the distinctive element. A year may be used in a name provided that it is the year of incorporation, amalgamation, change of name, or registration. For example:
Incorporation numbers may be used as the name of a B.C. company in the following format: 345678 B.C. Ltd. The name will be given according to the next available number at the time of incorporation. A name reservation or fee is not required for B.C. companies using their incorporation number.
Extraprovincial numbered companies (companies from other jurisdictions continuing into B.C.) can use their numbered name. They need to follow the name request process.
For a corporation or a society, a natural person’s full name will be considered to be sufficiently distinctive and therefore acceptable. For example:
Two surnames or initials with a surname are also acceptable. For example:
Personal names cannot be used for a partnership or sole proprietorship. Partnerships or sole proprietorships doing business under a personal name do not need to request a business name or register the business with the province.
Well-known names and trademarks will not be allowed without the advance written consent of the holder. For example:
Use of names of public figures require written consent of the person named.
Special consideration will be given to established extraprovincial companies applying for registration in the province as long as there is not a direct conflict with another name.
Extraprovincial companies are required to reserve the same name they have reserved in their home jurisdiction, unless it is already taken or is determined to be unacceptable by the registrar.
Avoid using special characters (e.g. %, *, or ¢). Special characters can create confusion, may not be recognized by a computer or may not print accurately.
Words that imply a government connection (e.g. B.C.)
The word “government” (in English or French) is not allowed. Written consent from a government is required to use words that could imply connection with or endorsement from that government. This would include words like: ministry, bureau, secretariat, commission or certified.
“British Columbia” or “B.C.” implies connection with the Government of British Columbia. Written consent is required from the Office of Protocol, Intergovernmental Relations Secretariat, after the name has been approved by BC Registry Services.
Consent is not required if "British Columbia" or "B.C." is placed at the end of a name and before the corporate designation. For example, Pacific Warehouse Storage BC Ltd.
Words that imply a connection with the Crown or royal family
A name which suggests or implies a connection with the Crown, any living member of the royal family, or an endorsement by the Crown or royal family will not be accepted without written consent from the appropriate authority.
This rule does not apply to names with geographical locations such as Prince George, Prince Rupert, or reference to New Westminster as the Royal City.
Using "crown" or "royal" is allowed when it's clear that there is no connection with the Crown or royal family, for example:
Names will be rejected if they include:
If consent is required
If you require consent from a company, you may fill out this sample consent form
Appealing a decision
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.
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
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 or Small Business BC.
