How to register a business name in British Columbia

This guide is for sole proprietors and partners who want to trade in British Columbia under a business name. It does not cover companies; for those, see the incorporation guide.

Do you need to register?

You trade under any name other than your own. A sole proprietor using only their own name needs no Name Request and no registration.Source

The official route

Everything happens online through the BC RegistrySource. What it takes to get in: Paid; needs a BC Registries account (BC Services Card or BCeID)Source.

The government charge, all in: $70($40 registration + $30 Name Request)Source. The name approval is part of that total, and you pay it first, on its own.

Filing services will do the paperwork for a fee, which comes on top of the government charge.

Check the name first

The approval step happens in Name RequestSource (Paid; needs a BC Registries accountSource). The registry looks at your proposed name against the names already in use and tells you whether it can go ahead. A NUANS report isn't required. BC's own Name Request does the name check.Source

What it costs to ask: $30 ($130 priority)Source. Once approved, the name is kept for you for 56 daysSource, so register within that window.

Can two businesses hold the same name? YesSource Registering a sole proprietorship or partnership name doesn’t stop anyone else from using it; a trademark is what protects a name.

Step by step

  1. Create a BC Registries accountSource
  2. Submit a Name Request and wait for approvalSource
  3. Link the approved Name Request to your accountSource This tells the registry which approved name your registration is for.
  4. File the registration and paySource
  5. Receive your Statement of Registration by emailSource Keep it: it is your proof of registration.

After you register

Renewal. Not publishedUnconfirmed. The registry doesn't publish this online. Confirm with the registry: Forms, fees and information packages

Your own records are free. Owners of sole proprietorships, partnerships, co-ops and benefit companies can download their own business summary for free.Source

Tax. No GST is charged on these registry fees.Source A business number for tax comes separately, from the Canada Revenue Agency.