The first step when starting a company in British Columbia is ensuring the proposed name of your company is available.

To request a name electronically, visit our Name Requests Online system.  Or you can visit your local Service BC Centre office or Business Information Centre.  

To request a name by mail, visit the downloads section to obtain a Name Approval Request form and the  "Information on Reserving Your Corporate Name" information package.

Name requests submitted electronically will be processed within one to two days. If you are submitting a name request by mail, allow an additional five to seven working days for processing.  If you require your name sooner, you can request priority service for an additional fee.  

Names of companies incorporated in BC cannot be so similar as to confuse or mislead the public.  Please read the name approval guidelines carefully before you request a name to ensure the name you request will be unique enough to be approved.