Reserve a name for your business or non-profit
Businesses and non-profits need to apply to reserve a name. If Registry of Joint Stock Companies approves the name for your use, you can register or incorporate your business or non-profit, or change an existing name.
Use the Reserve Name Form to reserve a name for your sole proprietorship, partnership, company, society, co-operative or business name (operating name).
If Registry of Joint Stock Companies approves your proposed name, you can register or incorporate your business or non-profit. Or you can change an existing business or non-profit name.
You can’t use the name until Registry of Joint Stock Companies has approved it and you’ve registered or incorporated your business or non-profit.
You need to register and do business with the exact name that Registry of Joint Stock Companies approves.
Search type
Registry of Joint Stock Companies checks if your proposed name is different from other names by searching for conflicts in the Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Corporations Canada and Canadian Trademarks databases.
Atlantic region and federal searches include a Nuans report. The Nuans report is a list of existing corporate and business names, as well as trademarks, that are similar to the one you’re proposing. The report helps you avoid choosing a name that’s already in use.
Choose the Atlantic region search if you only plan to do business in Nova Scotia. The Nuans report shows similar names from across the Atlantic region.
Choose the federal (Canada-wide) search if you plan to do business beyond the Atlantic region or your name contains ‘Canada’ or ‘Canadian’. The Nuans report shows similar names from across Canada. If you’re going to do business in other provinces, you need to register in those provinces as well.
Eligibility
Sole proprietorships, partnerships, companies, societies and co-operatives need to apply to reserve a name. Incorporated companies, societies and co-operatives need to apply to reserve a business name (operating name).
How to apply
- Review the Guide to Choosing a Name and the Guide to Reserving a Name.
- Complete the Reserve Name Form online.
- Check the form for details on all required supporting documents.
- Include payment with your form, if required.
- Submit your completed application, supporting documents and payment.
- Registry of Joint Stock Companies checks if your proposed name is different from other names by searching for conflicts in the Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Corporations Canada and Canadian Trademarks databases.
- If Registry of Joint Stock Companies approves the name or approves it with conditions, you have 90 days to register or incorporate your business, society or co-operative. If you don’t register or incorporate within 90 days, the name reservation expires and you need to reserve the name and pay the fee again.
- If Registry of Joint Stock Companies approves the name with conditions, you need to meet all the conditions before you can register or incorporate.
How long it takes
It should take 2 days to get the name reservation results. It can take longer if more information is needed or if your form hasn’t been filled in correctly.
Cost
| Activity | Fee |
|---|---|
| Atlantic region search | $61.05 |
| Atlantic region search (if you provide your own Nuans report) | $15.25 |
| Federal (Canada-wide) search | $76.25 |
| Federal (Canada-wide) search (if you provide your own Nuans report) | $15.25 |
If you already have a Nuans report dated within 90 days before you reserve your name, you can upload a copy of the report to reduce the cost of the search.
There’s no cost to reserve a name for a:
- numbered company
- extra-provincial corporation (company already registered in another jurisdiction)
- society
- limited partnership
- condominium
- credit union
- company name that’s the same as a registered sole proprietorship or partnership (for example, a sole proprietor who now wants to incorporate using the same name they’ve already registered)
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 reserve your name.
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:
- choose a legal structure for your business or non-profit
- choose a name for your business or non-profit
- check that the name for your business or non-profit is unique
- have a letter of consent to use the name, if required (review the Guide to Choosing a Name to see if you need a letter of consent)
Apply online
When you reserve your name online you need to create an account or sign in. You need to be an authorized filer for the business or non-profit if you’re reserving a name for an existing business or non-profit. You also need to upload any supporting documents in PDF format, including Consent to use name and Nuans report.
You can use the Name Reservation Request Form (PDF 101 kB) if you’re unable to reserve your name online. Send your completed form by mail or fax. Or call or visit Registry of Joint Stock Companies or Access Nova Scotia.
Related information
- Authorize a filer: Registry of Joint Stock Companies
- Canadian Trademarks Database
- Choosing a name for your business or non-profit: guidelines
- Corporations Canada
- Reserving a name for your business or non-profit: guidelines
- Search for business or non-profit information filed with Registry of Joint Stock Companies
- Service New Brunswick Corporate Registry