How to get a name
You can get a numbered name or propose a name for your federal corporation. You can do this through the Online Filing Centre.
We, at Corporations Canada review proposed names to make sure they meet the requirements.
On this page
Get a numbered name
To get a numbered name (for example 12345678 Canada Inc.), select this option when you incorporate through the Online Filing Centre. We will assign you a number. When you revive a corporation, you must use the name that the corporation used previously if it is available. If the previous name is not available, you will have a numbered name.
If you are incorporating a cooperative, you cannot request a numbered name.
The rest of the information on this page does not apply to you. You may now incorporate your business.
Get a word name
To get a word name, you need to propose a name that meets the requirements.
You can propose a word name through the Online Filing Centre when you incorporate, continue a business or a not-for-profit corporation, or amend your articles. Once we approve both the request and the name, we will issue a certificate. This is when the proposed name becomes the corporation's legal name.
Get a corporate name preapproval
You have the option to apply for a corporate name before officially incorporating (this is called a corporate name preapproval). Although this step is not necessary because it can be done directly during the incorporation process, it ensures the name is available and can be chosen and reserved.
The proposed name will become the legal name of the corporation only when Corporations Canada issues the Certificate of Incorporation.
In most cases, it is more efficient to choose your corporate name as part of the incorporation process itself, saving time and effort.
How to get a corporate name preapproval:
- Select "Preapprove a corporate name" through the Online Filing Centre and submit your request.
- We will review your request.
- A preapproval of a corporate name is valid for 90 days from the date you apply.
Nuans name search
A Nuans name search lists existing corporate names, business names and trademarks similar or identical to the one that you are proposing. The Nuans search is valid for 90 days only. Getting a Nuans name search does not mean that we automatically preapprove or approve your name.
The following services require a Nuans name search report from Nuans.com:
- Revival (Canada Business Corporations Act (CBCA) or Canada Not-for-profit Corporations Act (NFP Act)),
- Amalgamation (CBCA or NFP Act),
- Continuance (import) (CBCA or NFP Act),
- All services for cooperatives and registered intermediary filings.
Please note that the name search for incorporation and the corporate name preapproval is integrated into the application process. You do not need to order a separate report before submitting your application.
Additional information on the proposed corporate name
We strongly recommend that you provide additional information when you propose a name. It helps us make an informed decision on your proposed corporate name without a long-lasting discussion.
Below are examples of information that would be best for you to provide:
- Type of business the corporation intends to carry on
- Geographic area in which the corporation will likely operate
- Type of clientele
- Method on how you chose the distinctive element
- If the name contains an individual's family name, please explain the individual's connection with the corporation
- Similar names or trademarks you have registered, or
- Searches you have conducted on corporate names that could be confused with your proposed name.
You can provide this information through the Online Filing Centre while completing your requests. You can also save your search results as a PDF and attach it as a supporting document.
If you have received a Notice of Deficiency with instructions to resubmit your request with the required additional information, you can do so on the Manage resubmissions and saved request.