Want to find out how to register a business name in BC? You’ve got the business idea, the motivation, and maybe even the logo — start the business name registration process when learning how to register a business name in BC. It’s one of the most important steps to giving your business a professional presence across British Columbia.
Before you begin printing out your company’s business cards or establishing your website, you’ve got to complete a crucial part of the entrepreneurial process: the registration of a BC business name. Why? Well, you want to have a presence with the correct trade name, which you will be going by for not only marketing purposes, but in general to operate your business in British Columbia and nationwide. This step is essential in how to register a business name in BC properly.
Consider your business name as your brand’s “handshake” – this is indeed the “hello”, the “tone-setter” – your brand identity, this is exactly what you will need to make yourself show up in the market.
We will guide you through the procedure to register a company name in BC, explain how BC Name Approval works, break down the cost, and offer you valuable insights to avoid rejection or a delay.
Understanding the BC Name Approval Process
Understanding BC Name Approval is one of the first steps to register a business name in BC.
Here’s a quick side-by-side comparison to help you understand the difference:
| Process | What It Does | When You Need It |
|---|---|---|
| BC Name Approval (Name Request / NR) | Checks if your name is unique and acceptable. Reserves the name for 56 days. | Before you register or incorporate. |
| Business Name Registration | Officially registers your business name so you can operate legally in BC. | After your NR is approved. |
A BC Name Approval is a streamlined process that the government uses as a means to keep all the names related to a business organized and unique. It’s one of the most important steps as It plays a direct role in how to register a business name in BC.
It confirms that your proposed name is:
- Not already used by another BC business
- Not misleading, confusing, or offensive
- Compliant with BC’s naming rules and structure requirements
Once your BC name is approved, you will get a confirmation number that will allow you to register your business or incorporate a company within a set number of days, which is 56 days.
Quick facts: BC Registries reveals that over 25% of business name approval applications are rejected at first, often due to the name being either too generic or a copy of an already established business name.
Do You Really NEED a BC Name Approval?
Usually, yes. You will require a BC Name Request if you are intending to:
- Incorporate in BC
- Register an extraprovincial company to conduct business in BC
- Register a sole proprietorship or partnership under a trade name
If you are just operating under your actual name, such as a contractor operating under their actual name, you will likely not require any type of approval.
However, if you are including any sort of creative or descriptive text, such as “Design” or “Solutions,” you will require a BC Name Approval.
This requirement affects how to register a business name in BC depending on your business structure.
Step-by-Step: How to Register a Business Name in BC Online
Below is the complete process of how to register a business name in BC online.
1. Conduct a Preliminary Name Search
Before submitting a BC Name Request, it’s important to check whether your desired name is available. Search the BC Registries database with our help and look for similar or identical names used by other businesses in British Columbia. Review spelling variations, sound-alike names and names operating in similar industries. This pre-check helps reduce the chance of a rejection or delay.
This search is the first step in how to register a business name in BC.
2. Build a Strong Business Name
BC has a particular naming structure that has to be followed for acceptance of a BC business name registration.
Even before you begin your journey on how to register a business name in BC, go through our checklist for building a strong name below.
BC business names must follow a three-part naming structure:
1. Distinctive Element:
This is the unique identifier in your name — usually a made-up word, a unique word, or a brand term.
Example: “Evergreen,” “Pacific,” “Northcrest.”2. Descriptive Element
Explains what your business does.
Example: “Landscaping,” “Consulting,” “Media.”3. Legal Ending (for corporations only)
If incorporating, you must include: Ltd., Inc., Incorporated, Corporation, or Corp.
It all comes together to make your name both compliant and recognizable. So now you have “Landscaping Greens Ltd.”
3. Choose Your Processing Speed
You can request Regular Processing or Priority Service when submitting your BC Name Approval with us. Business Registration Centre BC can process requests in as fast as 1 business day using our Priority Queue option ($199 service fee). Choosing processing speed is a key part of how to register a business name in BC.
Service Type | Cost | Estimated Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular | FREE | About 4 Weeks | Entrepreneurs planning ahead |
| Priority | $199 | 1 business day | Those who need a BC business name approval quickly |
Once your name is approved, it’s reserved for 56 days. During this period, complete your business registration or incorporation.
4. File and Submit Your BC Name Request
You may file online for a BC Name Request with BRC BC, but you will need to provide us with the following to put towards the BC Registries for submission. This submission step is crucial in how to register a business name in BC:
- Up to three name choices (ranked in order of preference)
- Your contact information
- Payment method (credit, debit, or PayPal)
It’s that easy with us — we handle the entire submission process for you! We take care of it all, really. Our expert registry agents will review requests across multiple databases to ensure they meet all provincial naming guidelines. If the name passes, you’ll receive a confirmation and Name Request Number (NR Number)
5. Register Your Business
Once your name is approved, the next step is to make it official. This is the final stage of how to register a business name in BC.
Based on your preferences, you can:
- Register a sole proprietorship or partnership with the help of your Name Request Number at the BC Registry website.
- Incorporate your business by making use of the province’s incorporation website service.
Remember, a BC Name Approval does not provide trademark protection. It only authorizes you to use the name within British Columbia.To secure nationwide rights, you must file a trademark with the Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO).
Costs and Taxes to Expect
Cost planning is an important factor in how to register a business name in BC without delays.
| Item | Standard Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Name Request (Regular) | FREE | Standard up to 4 weeks processing |
| Name Request (Priority) | $199 | Approval in 1 business day |
| Registration or Incorporation | Varies | Based on structure and filings |
Once you have registered your business, you require other registrations related to the business type you have, such as:
- WorkSafeBC: If you employ workers.
- Registration as a PST Seller: Required by all persons involved in the sale of taxable commodities.
- Employment Health Tax: If your payroll is greater than the provincial threshold.
Budgeting Tip: If your launch doesn’t have a deadline, save your budget by availing the regular service. However, if you are ready to break down doors or sign contracts, spend and keep the pace moving.
Practical Tips for a Smooth BC Name Approval Process
These suggestions help simplify how to register a business name in BC.
- Come up with at least two backup names – your first choice could be too similar to something else.
- Make sure you avoid names that are just a bit too generic or nonspecific.
- It should remain professional, as the registry may refuse acceptance of slang, symbols, or overly innovative ways of spelling a surname.
- If you’re filing as a corporation, make sure your name includes the required legal ending (Ltd., Inc., Corporation, etc.).
- Register your business before the 56-day name reservation period expires.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
These mistakes often occur when people learn how to register a business name in BC.
- Submitting a name that’s already used by someone else
- Missing: adding a legal ending to a corporation
- Ignoring forbidden terms that require special permissions
- Taking Too Long to Register After Approval
- Assuming Approval Equals Trademark Ownership
- Use of an unauthorized name on bills, signs, and websites
These are all things that could potentially delay you getting registered or even make you have to go through the process all over again—and nobody wants that, all the prep work you’ve done, you know?
Myths vs. Facts About How to Register a Business Name in BC
Below are misconceptions that confuse people about how to register a business name in BC.
| Myth | Fact |
|---|---|
| “If my name’s approved, no one else can use it.” | Approval only allows use within BC — it doesn’t grant national rights. |
| “Name approval and business registration are the same.” | They’re separate steps — approval comes before registration. |
| “Priority service guarantees approval.” | It only speeds up review, not acceptance. |
| “Adding a small word makes my name unique.” | The registry checks for sound and meaning — not just spelling. |
| “You need a lawyer to file a name request.” | You can do it yourself online in minutes. |
This article was prepared by the Business Registration Center BC's team, open since 2002 and with over 20 years of experience in provincial and federal business registrations. While reviewed for accuracy, the information is general in nature.
Final Thoughts
Learning how to register a business name in BC becomes simple once you understand the sequence of search, request, approval, and registration.
Now that your name has been approved and your business registered, you are free to think about what really counts:
Whether that is building your brand, satisfying your clients, and establishing a lasting legacy deep inside the province of British Columbia.
If you find the process difficult or overwhelming, simply contact us at 604-449-2000 and we will take care of your BC Name Approval for you.
Business Registration Centre BC is the #1 incorporation service provider in British Columbia that can help you make speedy and correct submissions so that your desired company name is approved the first time around.
Get started today!
FAQs - These are the most common questions asked about how to register a business name in BC
How long does BC name approval take?
Standard BC Name Approval through BRC BC usually takes about 4 weeks under regular processing, which is FREE. If you’re short on time, you can choose the priority service option for $199, which typically gets reviewed and approved within one business day. The review time depends on how unique your proposed business name is and how busy the registry office is.
Can I reserve a business name before registration or incorporation?
Yes. Once your trade name in BC is approved, the Name Request Number (NR) temporarily reserves that name for 56 days. You’ll need to complete your business registration or incorporation within that window to keep your name active. If you miss the deadline, you’ll have to submit a new request.
What happens if my business name is rejected?
If your BC name request is declined, don’t worry it’s a common part of the process. You’ll receive feedback explaining why it was rejected, such as similarity to another business, restricted wording, or incorrect format. You can revise your name and resubmit with one of your backup options at no extra cost during the same request period.
Do I need a NUANS report to register a trade name in BC?
No, a NUANS report is not required for provincial name approvals or incorporations in British Columbia. NUANS is only mandatory for federal incorporations under Corporations Canada. In BC, the provincial registry system conducts its own name search and approval process.
Can I change my business or trade name later?
Yes, you can change your registered business name in BC at any time. However, you’ll need to file a Name Change or Amendment and go through the name approval process again to confirm the new name meets the provincial requirements. Keep in mind that you’ll also need to update marketing materials, signage, and government records after the change.
What words or phrases are restricted when choosing a name in BC?
Certain words require special authorization or professional licensing before use. Common restricted terms include “Bank,” “Royal,” “Credit Union,” “Engineer,” “Architect,” “Cooperative,” and any title suggesting government affiliation. Using these without approval can result in automatic rejection.
How similar can my business name be to an existing one?
Your name must be visibly and phonetically distinct. If a name sounds or looks too similar to another active business in British Columbia—especially within the same industry—the registry will likely reject it. The goal is to prevent public confusion and protect brand identities.
Do I need BC name approval if I use my personal name?
If you operate your business under your exact legal name (for example, “Jean Paul”), you don’t need name approval. However, as soon as you add descriptive or distinctive elements—like “Jean Paul Videography” or “Paul Media Group”—you must apply for BC Name Approval before registering.
How long is my approved business name valid for?
Your approved name reservation is valid for 56 calendar days from the date of approval. During this period, you must complete your business registration, incorporation, or renewal. If it expires, you can submit a renewal request, but it’s best not to let it lapse to avoid losing your preferred name.
Is a BC Trade Name Registration the same as a business registration?
“Trade Name” does not exactly mean “business name registration” in BC, but they are somehow connected nonetheless. “Trade name” is essentially the operating name that a company uses, as opposed to its actual “business name” or “business name registration” that one has to make with the concerned government authority of BC, via BC Registries and BC Online Services.
Can I register multiple trade names under one business in BC?
Yes, you can operate under multiple trade names if needed, but each trade name must be registered separately with its own approval. This is useful if you manage different brands or divisions under one parent company but want them recognized individually in the BC Registry.