Form 44 – Notice of Change or Cancellation of Assumed Name

Jurisdiction: Country: Canada | Province or State: British Columbia

What is a Form 44 – Notice of Change or Cancellation of Assumed Name?

Form 44 is a statutory notice you file with the corporate registry in British Columbia. You use it to change an assumed name or to cancel one already on record. An assumed name is a business name you use in BC that differs from your legal corporate name. This filing updates the public record and tells the market which names you use in BC.

You typically use this form if you are an extraprovincial company. That means your company was formed outside BC and is registered to carry on business in BC. You may also use it if you manage filings for such a company. Common filers include in‑house counsel, corporate secretaries, external counsel, and authorized agents. You might also be an owner or director who handles corporate compliance.

You need this form when your brand in BC changes. You also need it when you stop using a registered assumed name. If you adopt a new name for BC operations, you record that change. If you abandon an older name, you cancel it. This ensures the registry matches your real‑world use. It also helps customers, suppliers, and lenders find you under the correct name.

Typical scenarios

• Rebranding a BC business unit.
• You may want to shift from a descriptive name to a simpler brand.
• You may correct a spelling or add a regional element.
• You may consolidate multiple assumed names after a merger.
• You might cancel an assumed name when you centralize branding.
• You might also cancel a name if it caused confusion.

In each case, Form 44 is the right filing.

Form 44 does not dissolve your BC registration. It does not end your right to carry on business in BC. It only affects the assumed name record. If you plan to withdraw from BC, that uses a different filing. If you only want to stop using a particular assumed name, Form 44 is enough.

Form 44 also protects your compliance record. The registry expects your names to be current and accurate. When you change how you represent your business in BC, you should file. When you conclude that you no longer use a name, you should cancel it. Prompt updates reduce compliance risk and help avoid rejection of other filings.

You usually need an approved name if you change to a new assumed name. Approval steps confirm the name is distinctive and not misleading. Once you have approval, you record the change using Form 44. If you are cancelling, you do not need name approval. You just confirm which name you are cancelling and the effective date.

In simple terms, Form 44 lets you do two things. You can replace an existing assumed name with a new approved name. Or you can cancel an assumed name that you no longer use. It is a short filing with significant public effect. It is part of keeping your BC corporate profile accurate and trusted.

When Would You Use a Form 44 – Notice of Change or Cancellation of Assumed Name?

You use this form any time your BC assumed name changes or ends. This often follows a marketing or product shift. You may rebrand a line of business that operates only in BC. You may create a bilingual name for local customers. Or you may align your BC brand with a national campaign. Once the new name is approved, you file the change.

You also use it when two related entities merge their branding. If both used separate assumed names, you may cancel one or both. You then record the single name that will remain in use. This reduces confusion and reduces your record‑keeping burden.

You may file this notice if your home jurisdiction changed your corporate name. In that case, you may want to change your BC assumed name to match a new brand. Or you may cancel the assumed name and use your new corporate name in BC. The form supports either choice.

You should file a cancellation when you stop using a name in the market. For example, you close a business unit tied to that name. Or you retire a product and its trading name. Keeping a dormant name on the registry can mislead the public. It can also trigger misdirected claims or mail. Cancellation solves that.

You might also need the form after a registry review. The registry may flag a conflict or a condition for your name. You may be asked to adjust or cease using it. You would then file a change to an approved replacement name. Or you would file a cancellation if you opt to stop using the name.

You should file when you correct an error that slipped into the record. If the assumed name on file has a typo, fix it. If the spacing or punctuation differs from your approved name, fix it. A precise match helps banks, suppliers, and government programs verify you. This reduces delays with accounts, leases, and permits.

Owners, directors, and authorized signers can submit this filing. So can authorized agents and counsel. If you manage many entities, you may plan bulk updates. In that case, you may use schedules for multiple names. You can also submit separate filings for each name. Choose the method that keeps your records clear and traceable.

Use this notice when timing matters. Many business updates roll out on a set date. Sync your filing with that date if possible. That lets vendors and customers see the change in public records. It also helps align signage, invoices, and online profiles. You avoid gaps where the market shows mixed information.

Legal Characteristics of the Form 44 – Notice of Change or Cancellation of Assumed Name

Form 44 is a legal notice under BC corporate registry rules. It updates the official public record for an extraprovincial company. It is binding because the registry relies on it to show your current assumed name. Third parties also rely on that record to identify you. Lenders, landlords, and agencies check these records. They treat the registry as the authoritative source.

Enforceability flows from statutory filing requirements. You must keep your registration information accurate. When your assumed name use changes, you must update it. The registry can refuse filings if your record is not current. The registry can also issue notices or apply penalties for false or late statements. You avoid those risks by filing complete and accurate notices.

Your filing forms part of your corporate compliance history. Each statement you make must be true and complete. The signatory certifies that. False or misleading statements can have legal consequences. They can also expose your company to claims or sanctions. Treat the form as a serious legal instrument, not a mere formality.

You often need name approval before changing to a new assumed name. Approval checks for distinctiveness, suitability, and compliance. The registry can reject a change if you do not have an approval. The registry can also revoke a name that proves misleading or deceptive. Follow all name rules and conditions in your approval notice.

Effective dates matter. The change or cancellation takes effect as recorded by the registry. The registry may allow you to state an effective date. It will not accept dates that breach its rules. Avoid backdating beyond permitted limits. If you need a specific date, plan ahead and file on time.

There is no counterpart or negotiation in this filing. It is a one‑sided notice to the registry. Its legal effect is public notice of your assumed name status. After filing, you should update your trading documents. That includes letterhead, invoices, contracts, and displays. Your goal is to match your public use to the registry record.

If you cancel your only assumed name, you may still operate in BC. You may do so under your legal corporate name on file. If you plan to stop all business in BC, that is a different filing. Do not confuse a cancellation with a withdrawal. Make sure you pick the correct process for your intent.

Keep proof of filing and registry confirmation. You may need it for bank updates and audits. You may also need it for licensing and insurance renewals. The confirmation shows the date and scope of the change. It minimizes disputes about the status of your name.

How to Fill Out a Form 44 – Notice of Change or Cancellation of Assumed Name

Follow these steps to complete the filing accurately and on time.

1) Confirm your authority to sign.

• You must be a director, officer, or authorized signatory.
• An authorized agent can sign if you hold written authority.
• Have your title and legal name ready for the certification.

2) Gather core company details.

• Your exact legal corporate name as registered in BC.
• Your BC registration number for the extraprovincial company.
• Your jurisdiction of formation, if the form requests it.
• Your registered office delivery and mailing addresses, if requested.
• Your contact name, phone, and email for registry queries.

3) Identify the current assumed name on record.

• Copy the name exactly as shown in the registry.
• Check spacing, punctuation, and capitalization.
• If you have more than one assumed name, choose the one affected.

4) Choose your filing purpose.

• Select “Change of Assumed Name” if you will replace the name.
• Select “Cancellation of Assumed Name” if you will stop using it.
• Do not select both for the same name unless the form allows it.

5) If you are changing the assumed name, obtain approval first.

• Secure approval for the new assumed name before you file.
• Record the approval reference exactly as given.
• Confirm any conditions attached to the approval.
• Make sure the approved name matches the name you enter.

6) Enter the new assumed name details (for a change).

• Type the full new assumed name, with exact spelling.
• Include any required descriptors per your approval.
• Exclude any prohibited terms or endings that your approval omitted.
• If the name includes numbers or symbols, match the approval exactly.

7) Enter cancellation details (for a cancellation).

• State the exact assumed name you are cancelling.
• Confirm you have ceased or will cease using it in BC.
• Note the effective date if the form asks for it.
• Ensure this date aligns with your market changes.

8) Set the effective date.

• If the form permits, choose a realistic effective date.
• Avoid backdating beyond allowed limits.
• Align the date with your operational rollout if possible.
• If no date is allowed, the registry records the filing date.

9) Add any schedules if you have multiple names.

• Some filers cancel several assumed names at once.
• Use a schedule page if the form provides that option.
• List each name clearly with its own effective date if needed.
• Verify each name is spelled as on the registry.

10) Review compliance items.

• Check that the new name, if any, matches the approval.
• Confirm you are not attempting to change the legal corporate name.
• Confirm that your registered office details are current.
• If your office details have changed, update them with the correct filing.

11) Complete the certification and signature block.

• Print your full name and sign in the signature area.
• State your capacity, such as Director, Officer, or Authorized Agent.
• Date the certification.
• If filing electronically, follow the digital signature steps.

12) Calculate and arrange payment.

• Confirm the filing fee for the form type.
• Prepare a payment method accepted by the registry.
• If mailing, follow the instructions for cheques or money orders.
• Retain a receipt or confirmation of payment.

13) Submit the form to the registry.

• File electronically if you have online access.
• If filing on paper, use the current version of the form.
• Use the correct delivery address for paper filings.
• Keep a copy of the complete form for your records.

14) Track the filing and confirmation.

• Monitor for acceptance or queries from the registry.
• Respond promptly if the registry requests corrections.
• Save the official confirmation when issued.
• Verify that the public record shows the correct status.

15) Update your business materials and records.

• Align your signage, website, and social profiles with the new status.
• Update invoices, purchase orders, and letterhead.
• Update contracts and notices to customers and suppliers.
• Update your bank, insurance, payroll, tax, and licensing records.

16) Notify internal teams and advisors.

• Inform sales, support, legal, and finance of the change.
• Update internal templates and internal systems.
• Inform your registered agent or service provider if you use one.
• Store the confirmation in your corporate minute book.

Practical tips help avoid delays:

• Match the assumed name to the approval letter exactly. Even minor differences cause rejections. Avoid adding extra words or endings that the approval did not include.
• Use the correct BC registration number for your entity. Do not use your home jurisdiction number. The registry indexes by the BC number.
• Do not combine a change and a cancellation for the same name unless allowed. If you need to cancel one name and add a different one, file as a change if the form supports direct replacement. If not, cancel first, then file a separate registration of the new assumed name.
• If you are changing branding across multiple entities, plan a schedule. Align approval timetables so each change can file on time. Stagger filings if needed to manage approvals and go‑live dates.
• If your public use date is imminent, consider filing early. Many filers aim for confirmation before marketing goes live. This reduces mismatches between the registry and the market.
• If you cancel your only assumed name, confirm your signage and documents use your legal name. You may continue business in BC under that legal name. Ensure it appears on contracts, invoices, and notices.
• Keep evidence of when you ceased using a cancelled name. Save screenshots, notices, and internal approvals. This helps if a dispute arises about when the name was in use.

Examples clarify common paths:

• You used “Pacific Components Canada” as your assumed name. You will adopt “PacComp BC” after approval. File a change with the new approved name. Set an effective date that matches your rebrand launch.
• You used “Northern Logistics” for a small unit that is now closed. You no longer trade under that name. File a cancellation. Update your carriers, suppliers, and customers with the change.
• You used two assumed names for separate product lines. You are merging lines under one brand. Cancel the first assumed name and keep the second. Or change the first to match the retained brand.
• Your approved name included a distinct word order. Your marketing team flipped the order in designs. Do not file the flipped version. Use the approved order. Or seek new approval, then file the change.

Finally, remember the scope of this form. It does not change your legal corporate name. It does not withdraw you from BC. It does not update directors or offices unless the form requests it. It only changes or cancels an assumed name in BC. Keep other details current with their own required filings.

Complete these steps, check each detail, and keep your records. You will have an accurate public profile and fewer surprises later.

Legal Terms You Might Encounter

• Assumed name means the operating name you use in British Columbia that is different from your legal corporate name. Form 44 exists to report a change to that operating name or to cancel it when you stop using it.
• Corporate name is your company’s legal name in its home jurisdiction. Form 44 does not change your corporate name. It only changes or cancels the assumed name you use in British Columbia.
• Extraprovincial company refers to a company formed outside British Columbia that is registered to do business in British Columbia. If you are an extraprovincial company, you may be required to use an assumed name in British Columbia. Form 44 lets you change or cancel that assumed name.
• Registrar means the government office that maintains the corporate registry. The registrar records your Form 44 filing and updates your public record. You file the form with the registrar, not with your home jurisdiction.
• Name approval is the registry’s permission to use a specific name. If you are changing an assumed name, you may need name approval first. If approval is required, you must secure it before you submit Form 44.
• Effective date is the date you want the change or cancellation to take effect. Use the actual date you adopted the new assumed name or stopped using the old one. If you plan ahead, choose a future date so your operations and records stay aligned.
• Authorized signatory is the person who signs Form 44 on behalf of the company. This person must have authority, such as a director, officer, or authorized agent. The registrar relies on this signature to confirm the company approved the change.
• Registered office is your official address in British Columbia for receiving legal documents. Form 44 may reference your registered office details. Make sure the address is current and matches your other filings.
• Home jurisdiction is the place where your company was originally formed. Form 44 will ask for your home jurisdiction details and your registration number in British Columbia. Keep both sets of information accurate and consistent.
• Cancellation is the formal end of your assumed name in British Columbia. When you stop using the assumed name, file Form 44 to cancel it. This clears the public record and helps prevent confusion or liability under a name you no longer use.

FAQs

Do you need to file Form 44 if you stop using your assumed name?

Yes. You should file a cancellation when you stop using the name in British Columbia. This keeps the public record accurate and avoids confusion. It also reduces the risk of legal notices going to a name you no longer use.

Do you need name approval before changing your assumed name?

Often, yes. Many name changes require approval before you file. If approval is needed, secure it first. Then complete Form 44 with the approved name. This helps avoid rejection and delays.

Do you use Form 44 to change your company’s legal name?

No. Form 44 only changes or cancels the assumed name used in British Columbia. To change your legal name, follow the process in your home jurisdiction. Then update the British Columbia registry using the appropriate filing for a legal name change.

Who can sign Form 44?

An authorized signatory must sign. This is usually a director, officer, or authorized agent. The signature confirms the company approved the change or cancellation. If you use an agent, make sure your internal resolution grants that authority.

Can you maintain more than one assumed name?

Some companies have more than one assumed name. If you need to change or cancel more than one, file a separate Form 44 for each name. Keep each filing clear and separate to avoid mix-ups.

Do you need to update business licences and contracts after a change?

Yes. After the change is accepted, update your licences, permits, contracts, bank accounts, invoices, insurance, and marketing. Your assumed name appears on many records. Align everything to avoid payment delays and compliance issues.

What happens if you do not file Form 44 when you stop using the name?

Your public record becomes inaccurate. You may miss legal notices or confuse customers. You could face compliance issues with the registry. In some cases, this can lead to penalties or barriers to future filings.

Can you choose a future effective date for the change or cancellation?

You can plan your effective date to align with operations. Some registries allow future dates. If you do this, ensure your internal records, signage, and notices switch on that same date. If a future date is not accepted, use the actual date of change.

Do you need to notify tax authorities after the change?

You should update any tax accounts that reference your assumed name. This helps prevent reporting errors and payment delays. Keep confirmation of the registry change in your records in case you are asked for proof.

How do you prove the change or cancellation went through?

Keep the registry’s confirmation and any transaction receipt. Save a copy of the filed form and a screenshot or printout of the updated public record. Store these with your corporate records and board resolutions.

Checklist: Before, During, and After the Form 44 – Notice of Change or Cancellation of Assumed Name

Before signing

• Confirm the exact assumed name you are changing or cancelling.
• Verify your legal corporate name and British Columbia registration number.
• Review your home jurisdiction details for accuracy.
• Obtain internal approval, such as a board resolution authorizing the change or cancellation.
• If changing the assumed name, secure name approval if required.
• Decide on the effective date and align it with your operations.
• Gather registered office and records office addresses for British Columbia.
• Identify the authorized signatory and ensure their authority is documented.
• Prepare supporting details for the reason for change or cancellation, if requested.
• Plan your downstream updates: licences, bank, payroll, contracts, tax accounts, and signage.

During signing

• Enter the legal corporate name exactly as on your registry record.
• Enter the current assumed name exactly as registered.
• For a change, enter the new assumed name exactly as approved.
• Specify the effective date clearly and ensure it matches your internal records.
• Confirm your British Columbia registration number and home jurisdiction.
• Check registered office and mailing addresses for completeness.
• Review any declarations or certifications for accuracy.
• Have the authorized signatory sign and date the form.
• If required, include any approval or authorization reference numbers.
• Ensure all mandatory fields are filled with legible, consistent information.

After signing

• File the form with the corporate registry promptly.
• Pay the filing fee using an accepted payment method.
• Save the submission confirmation and any receipt.
• Monitor for acceptance and any registry comments or corrections needed.
• Once accepted, obtain proof of the updated record.
• Update business licences, permits, tax accounts, and insurance.
• Notify banks, payment processors, payroll providers, and vendors.
• Update contracts, invoices, purchase orders, and letterhead.
• Change website, email signatures, social media, signage, and marketing materials.
• Store the filed form, confirmation, and internal resolution in your corporate records.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using an unapproved new assumed name. If name approval is required and you skip it, your filing can be rejected. Don’t forget to obtain approval before submitting the form.
• Mismatched names and numbers. Typos in the legal corporate name, assumed name, or registration number cause delays. Verify every character against your registration record.
• Wrong effective date. Setting a date that does not match your actual switch can disrupt billing, licences, and contracts. Align the effective date with your operational rollout.
• Missing authority. If the person who signs lacks proper authority, the filing may be invalid. Ensure your authorized signatory is documented and available for follow-up.
• Forgetting downstream updates. If you change the assumed name but leave bank accounts, invoices, or licences unchanged, you invite payment issues and compliance risks. Plan and execute updates immediately after acceptance.

What to Do After Filling Out the Form

1. Submit the form to the corporate registry and pay the fee. Keep a copy of everything you submit. Note the date, time, and any confirmation number.
2. Track the filing status. If the registry requests corrections, respond quickly. Fix errors and resubmit as needed.
3. After acceptance, download or print proof of the change or cancellation. Place it in your corporate records with the signed form and internal resolution.
4. Roll out the change operationally on your effective date. Update your accounting system, point-of-sale, invoicing templates, payroll, and procurement systems to reflect the new or canceled name.
5. Notify key stakeholders. Tell customers, suppliers, landlords, lenders, insurers, and service providers. Provide the effective date and any updated remittance details.
6. Update public-facing items. Change signage, website headers, email signatures, social media profiles, and marketing campaigns. Keep the message consistent and clear.
7. Align compliance and licences. Update business licences, permits, and registrations that list the assumed name. Confirm receipt and acceptance where required.
8. Coordinate tax accounts and filings. Update your tax accounts to reflect the changed or cancelled assumed name. Keep proof of the registry update for your records.
9. Review contracts and templates. Amend active contracts if the assumed name is referenced. Update standard templates to prevent future inconsistencies.
10. Monitor for residual references. Search your systems and materials for old references. Fix any stragglers to avoid confusion and missed payments.
11. Plan for future changes. If you expect another change, keep your internal approval process and records organized. Good records make the next filing faster and cleaner.