Change the name of a society
A society can change its name by passing a special resolution and filing a Name Change Form with Registry of Joint Stock Companies.
Use the Name Change Form to change the name of your society. Your new name needs to follow the rules for society names.
Passing a special resolution
This change can only happen by special resolution. To pass a special resolution, you need to comply with the Societies Act and your by-laws, including:
- ensuring the name change complies with the Societies Act
- notifying members of the time and location of the meeting and the intention to vote on the proposed change
- having a quorum (minimum number of members necessary) at the time of the vote
- having at least three-fourths of members who are present (in person or by proxy where proxy is allowed) at the meeting vote in favour of the change
- having an officer or director complete and sign the Special Resolution Name Change and Certificate Form
- filing the Special Resolution Name Change and Certificate Form with Registry of Joint Stock Companies within 14 days of passing the special resolution
The officer or director who signs the form needs to be listed with Registry of Joint Stock Companies as an officer or director of the society.
When your name changes
The name of your society changes when Registry of Joint Stock Companies registers it.
Public record
Information you file with Registry of Joint Stock Companies is available to the public.
Who can use this form
Societies need to use this form to change their name.
What you need to do
- Reserve a new name for your society (Registry of Joint Stock Companies needs to approve name).
- Pass a special resolution to change the name.
- Complete the Name Change Form online.
- Check the form for details on all required supporting documents.
- Include payment with your form.
- Within 14 days of passing the special resolution, submit your completed form, supporting documents and payment.
- If Registry of Joint Stock Companies approves the special resolution, it issues a Certificate of Name Change. You can use the new name once the registry issues the certificate.
How long it takes
It should take 1 to 2 weeks to get the Certificate of Name Change. It can take longer if more information is needed or if your form hasn’t been filled in correctly.
Cost
| Activity | Fee |
|---|---|
| Change of Name Certificate | $12.45 |
Payment options
Credit card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover), debit card, cheque, money order, cash. Make your cheque or money order payable to the Minister of Finance. Payment options may vary depending on how you submit the form.
When you pay online you need to pay the fee by credit card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, Visa Debit, Debit Mastercard).
Before you start
Make sure you have:
- approved name for the society from Registry of Joint Stock Companies
- passed a special resolution to change the name
- old name of the society as it’s registered with Registry of Joint Stock Companies
- new name of the society as it’s reserved with Registry of Joint Stock Companies
- officer or director available to sign the form and certify that the special resolution passed by at least three-fourths of the members who were present (in person or by proxy where proxy is allowed) at a meeting
Online
When you file online you need to create an account or sign in. You need to be an authorized filer for the non-profit. You also need to upload any supporting documents in PDF format, including Special Resolution - Name Change - Society.
You can use the Special Resolution Name Change and Certificate Form (PDF 86 kB) if you’re unable to file online. Send your completed form, supporting documents and payment by mail. Or drop them off at Registry of Joint Stock Companies or Access Nova Scotia.