How to register a business name in Nova Scotia

This guide is for people trading in Nova Scotia as a sole proprietor under a business name. The register is run by the Registry of Joint Stock Companies (RJSC), and you can do the whole thing online yourself. The official route comes first, then the steps in order.

The official route

  1. RJSC Connect filings
    Cost
    PaidSource
    Login
    Needs an RJSC Connect accountSource

The registration fee is $68.55Source, and the name reservation you need beforehand is charged separately.

Do you need to register?

You trade under a name other than your own personal name, unless you only farm or fish, or are already registered in New Brunswick.Source

Before you start

The name step comes first. Sole proprietorships have to reserve a name before they register, like companies.Source How Nova Scotia checks a business name: A name reservation with the registrySource. The registry checks a proposed name against Nova Scotia and New Brunswick records, federal corporations and the Canadian trademarks database. It takes about two days.Source

The standard reservation costs $60.52 (incl. tax)Source. If the name has “Canada” or “Canadian” in it, a federal check is added and the price becomes $75.58Source.

A NUANS report is optional. A NUANS report isn't required, but uploading a recent one lowers the reservation fee.Source With your own recent report the reservation costs $15.12Source; the report itself is sold by private vendors, so its price is Set by the NUANS vendorSource.

Search the register yourself too. The RJSC Connect searchSource lists the names already in use. Cost of a basic search: FreeSource.

Step by step

  1. Check that you need to registerSource. If you only use your own name, you can stop here.
  2. Reserve the nameSource. Wait for the approval before you file, and file while the reservation is still good.
  3. Fill in the sole proprietor registration form onlineSource. RJSC Connect asks you to set up an account to file.
  4. Attach the supporting documents and paySource. This is where the registration fee shown above is paid.
  5. Receive your Certificate of Registration and Business Number, then renew every yearSource. The Business Number is the one the Canada Revenue Agency uses for your business.

After you register

Renew each year. The renewal costs $68.55 every yearSource. Copies. You don't need an account to search or to order copies, and certifying a copy is free.Source

What others can see. A search shows names and addresses, recognized agents, partners, directors and officers, and the filing history.Source We link to the search rather than repeat anyone’s details.