Business Name Registration
for an Existing Corporation

Why register a Business Name for an Existing Corporation?

If you are an existing Corporation that would like to start to offer different products or services that require another business name, you could consider registering a different business name for your existing corporation. This is also referred to as a trade name, operating name or doing business as(DBA).

Example: Smith’s Business Consulting Inc. would like to start offering accounting services. The Corporation does not want to operate this new business activity under the current name and would like to register the name Smith’s Accounting Services.

This type of registration is an inexpensive and good alternative to incorporating a new company which would be much more expensive due to additional costs associated with a corporation (tax registrations, tax returns, etc.).

There is no restriction on how many business names you may register for an existing corporation.

How long does it take to register a Business Name for an Existing Corporation?

• Alberta – 1 to 2 business days
• British Columbia – 10 to 15 business days for regular processing, expedited services in 1 to 2 business days are available for an additional fee
• Manitoba - 5 to 10 business days for regular processing, expedited services in 1 to 2 business days are available for an additional fee
• New Brunswick – 7 to 10 business days
• Nova Scotia – 2 business days for the name reservation and an additional 5 to 10 business days for the registration
• Ontario - 2 business hours
• Prince Edward Island – 5 to 7 business days
• Saskatchewan – 2 to 3 business days

Do Business Name Registrations Expire?

Yes, some provinces limit the validity of a Business Name. In the following provinces Business Names are valid for:

• Alberta – no annual renewal fee, registration is valid until you file dissolution
• British Columbia – no annual renewal fee, registration is valid until you file dissolution
• Manitoba – valid for 3 years and then requires a renewal
• New Brunswick - valid for 1 year and then requires a renewal
• Nova Scotia - valid for 1 year and then requires a renewal
• Ontario – valid for 5 years and then requires a renewal
• Prince Edward Island – valid for 3 years and then requires a renewal
• Saskatchewan - valid for 3 years and then requires a renewal

What are the benefits of registering a Business Name for an Existing Corporation?

• An expensive way to register multiple business names under a corporation
• No additional accounting services and tax filings required

What are the disadvantages of registering a Business Name for an Existing Corporation?

• Registration of a business name does not protect the name
• Most Canadian provinces require the business name registered to be renewed