Business Name Registration

The first step in incorporation (company, society, co-operative association, financial institution) or registration of firms (partnership, proprietorship) or extra-provincial companies is the approval of the name through the Names Unit of the British Columbia Registrar of Companies.  This process combines the name search and approval. 

It is suggested that you provide three choices, in order of preference, for each name approval requested. Your second and third choices are not examined unless your first choice is unavailable.  Once your name is approved, it is reserved for a period of 56 calendar days.  Any renewal of the reservation period requires another reservation fee. 

All government agent offices and the Corporate Registry charge $30.00 for name approval fees.  For other offices such as Community Futures and local Chambers of Commerce, the fees vary.  A list of these offices, their locations and associated  fees can be found on the BC Business Registry website.

The application process cannot be completed online at the present time; however, the Name Approval Request Form can be printed, filled, and mailed to the Corporate Registry or taken to any local Government Agents Office or Business Centre.  For a list of government agents located near you, please visit Service BC.

Download the Name Approval Request Form from the BC Business Registry Website.

Ministry of Finance
Corporate Registry
PO Box 9431 Stn Prov Govt
Victoria, British Columbia
V8W 9V3

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