REG 708B – Name Request

Jurisdiction: Canada | British Columbia

What is an REG 708B – Name Request?

A REG 708B – Name Request is the provincial form you use to ask the registrar to examine and reserve a business or organization name in British Columbia. It is the formal step that tells the registry what name you want and for what purpose. The registry then checks the name against existing records and naming rules. If the name passes review, it gets reserved for your exclusive use for a limited time, so you can complete your filing.

You use this form when you want to incorporate a company with a chosen name, register a sole proprietorship or partnership under a business name, register or continue an extra-provincial company into the province, form a limited partnership or LLP, create or rename a society or cooperative, or change the name of an existing entity. You can also use it to secure a name ahead of a merger (amalgamation), restoration, or continuation into British Columbia.

Typical users

• Founders and entrepreneurs
• Current directors or officers of existing entities
• Extra-provincial companies planning to operate in British Columbia
• Professionals who file on behalf of clients, such as paralegals, lawyers, and accountants.

If you run a professional services firm that forms companies or registers partnerships for clients, you will use this form often.

You may need this form because the registry will not accept most new registrations or name-change filings without a valid, approved name reservation. Numbered companies are the exception. If you plan to create a numbered company, you usually skip a name request and the registry assigns a number at incorporation. For any named entity, though, you must request the name and get it approved before you can file.

A common scenario is a founder who wants to incorporate “Pacific Trail Analytics Inc.” Before filing incorporation documents, the founder submits a name request listing that name and two backups. If “Pacific Trail Analytics Inc.” is approved, the founder receives a reservation number and an expiry date. They then use that approval to complete the incorporation. Another scenario is an existing company planning a rebrand. The company files a name request for the new name before filing the alteration to change its legal name. Sole proprietors and partnerships use this form to register a business name (often called a “DBA”). Extra-provincial companies may also need it if their home-jurisdiction name conflicts with an existing British Columbia name and they must adopt an assumed name for use in the province.

In short, the REG 708B is the gateway to using a chosen name in the provincial registry. It confirms the name is available, acceptable under naming rules, and reserved for a short window while you complete your next filing.

When Would You Use an REG 708B – Name Request?

You use this form before any filing that requires a name to be pre-approved. If you are incorporating a company with a chosen name, you file a name request first. If you are registering a general partnership or sole proprietorship under a business name, you do the same. If you are registering a limited partnership or an LLP, you also request approval of the limited partnership or LLP name, including the required legal ending. If you are forming or renaming a society or cooperative, you request approval before the formation or name-change filing.

You also use a name request when you plan to change the legal name of an existing entity. For example, if your company plans to change from “Harbourview Projects Ltd.” to “Harbourview Builders Inc.,” you file the name request for the new name first. Once approved, you file the alteration to update the company’s legal name. If you are amalgamating two or more companies and the continuing company will use a new name, you request that name ahead of the amalgamation filing. If you are restoring a dissolved company and want to restore it under a new name, you request that new name as part of the restoration process.

If you are an extra-provincial company entering British Columbia and your existing name is available and acceptable, you may not need a new name. But if your home-jurisdiction name conflicts with an existing provincial name or includes restricted words, you will need a name request for the assumed name you will use in British Columbia. Some extra-provincial filers also use a name request to reserve a translated or French/English form of their name for use in the province.

You may also file a name request early to hold a name while you prepare your documents or secure a lease. This is common when branding and marketing work are underway and you want to avoid surprises. Approval gives you a short window to complete your filing. If you miss the deadline, you can often extend once, or reapply if needed.

If you are forming a numbered company, you do not use this form. The registry assigns a number at incorporation. That said, if the numbered company later wants a name, you will use the name request before filing the name change.

Legal Characteristics of the REG 708B – Name Request

A name request is not a contract between you and another party. It is an application within a statutory registration system. The approval decision is administrative. Once approved, the name is reserved for a limited time and linked to the specific entity type and filing purpose you selected. During the reservation period, the registry will not allow another filer to register the same or confusingly similar name for the same purpose.

Approval does not give you trademark rights or broad ownership of the words. It only allows you to use the approved name within the provincial registry for the specified filing. A trademark search and brand clearance remain separate steps. A name can be registrable for corporate purposes yet still infringe a trademark. Conversely, you may hold a trademark and still fail a registry name review if the proposed corporate name conflicts with an existing entity name or does not meet formatting rules.

What ensures enforceability?

Enforceability rests on the registrar’s role as gatekeeper. The registry checks for conflicts and compliance with naming rules. These rules include the need for distinctiveness, clarity, and required legal elements. For example, a corporation must include a legal element such as “Ltd.,” “Inc.,” or “Corp.” Limited partnerships and LLPs must use the correct endings. Some words are restricted or sensitive. You may need written consent or regulatory authorization to include them. Names that suggest an illegal purpose, government affiliation, professional status, or regulated activity can be refused unless you submit supporting approvals or consents.

Your certification on the form matters. You declare that the information is true and that you have authority to file. False or misleading statements can result in refusal, cancellation, or other consequences under applicable laws. The registrar can also withdraw an approval if it was issued in error or if new information shows the name is misleading, confusing, or prohibited.

An approval is time-limited. It will include an expiry date. You must use the exact approved name before it expires. If you do not complete your filing in time, the approval lapses and the name becomes available for others to request. Most approvals can be extended once for a short period if you apply before the expiry. If you miss that window, you must file a new name request.

Finally, approvals are specific. An approval for a corporate name does not automatically apply to a society, partnership, or LLP, and vice versa. If your business structure changes, you will need a fresh review for the new entity type.

How to Fill Out an REG 708B – Name Request

Follow these steps to complete the form accurately and improve your odds of approval. Have your proposed names, business activity description, and any required consents ready before you start.

1) Confirm you actually need a name request

• If you plan to create a numbered company, you do not need a name request.
• If you plan to use a distinctive name, you do need one.
• If you are registering a sole proprietorship or partnership under a name, you need one.
• If you are an extra-provincial company and your home name conflicts or includes restricted words, you need one for an assumed name.

2) Identify the entity type and filing purpose

• Check the box or field that matches your filing. Common choices include:
• New company incorporation
• Name change for an existing company
• Amalgamation name for a continuing company
• Continuation (import) into the province
• Restoration name (if restoring under a new name)
• Sole proprietorship or general partnership registration
• Limited partnership or LLP registration
• Society formation or name change
• Cooperative formation or name change
• Extra-provincial registration using an assumed name
• The review standard can vary by entity type. Choose carefully.

3) Prepare up to three proposed names in priority order

• List your first-choice name as Choice 1. Add two backups as Choice 2 and Choice 3.
• Use the “Distinctive + Descriptive + Legal element” approach where required.
• Distinctive: What makes you unique (e.g., “Pacific Trail”).
• Descriptive: What you do (e.g., “Analytics”).
• Legal element: Required for corporations (e.g., “Inc.,” “Ltd.,” or “Corp.”). Not used for sole proprietorships or general partnerships. Limited partnerships and LLPs must use the correct endings.
• Keep it clear and specific. Avoid single generic words. Avoid vague descriptors alone, like “Consulting” or “Holdings,” without a distinctive element.
• Examples:
• Corporation: “Pacific Trail Analytics Inc.”
• LLP: “Harbourview Legal LLP”
• Limited Partnership: “Raven Ridge Capital Limited Partnership”
• General Partnership: “Cedar & Moss Design”
• Sole Proprietorship: “Cedar & Moss Design”
• Society: “North Shore Community Arts Society” (the word “Society” is common but not mandatory)
• Cooperative: “Island Growers Cooperative”
• Use standard characters and spacing. Avoid symbols unless necessary. If you include a person’s surname or initials, be prepared to provide consent if requested.

4) Provide the nature of business

• Describe what the business or organization will do in a few words. This helps the examiner assess potential confusion.
• Keep it short and plain. Examples: “Data analytics services,” “Residential construction,” “Non-profit arts programming,” “Venture investment,” “Restaurant,” “Engineering consulting,” “Online retail.”

5) Confirm the location and language

• The form assumes the name is for use in British Columbia. If you plan to use a translation or a bilingual form, state that clearly in the name field. Provide both versions if you want both reviewed. Indicate your preferred primary form.

6) Applicant and contact information

• Enter your full legal name. If filing for a client, enter your name as the applicant and add your firm or client reference if the form allows.
• Provide a mailing address, email, and phone number for the decision notice. Ensure this inbox is monitored. Approval has a strict expiry.

7) Check for restricted or sensitive words

• Certain words can trigger refusal or require consent. These include words suggesting:
• Government endorsement or affiliation.
• Regulated financial activities.
• Professional status (for example, engineering, legal, medical, or accounting references).
• Educational institutions or credentialing.
• If your name contains a restricted word, attach written authorization from the relevant regulator or professional body, or choose a different word.
• If your name includes a personal name that is not yours, be ready to provide a signed consent from that person. If the person is deceased, the registrar may require estate consent or may refuse the name.

8) Similar names, consent, and uniqueness strategy

• Search for obvious conflicts before you file, including variations in spelling, spacing, and order. Avoid names that sound the same or look confusingly similar to existing names.
• If you have written consent from an existing entity with a similar name, attach it. The registrar may still refuse if the names are too close or likely to mislead the public.
• Avoid city names alone, acronyms without meaning, or common industry terms as your distinctive element. Add a unique coined word or family name to stand out.

9) Select processing speed (if available)

• Routine processing works for most filers. If timing is tight, you may request priority processing if available. A higher fee usually applies. If the form includes a checkbox for priority, use it only if you are ready to proceed immediately upon approval.

10) Payment details

• If submitting on paper, complete the fee payment section as instructed on the form. Use the accepted payment methods listed. Ensure the amount matches the current fee for the number of names and processing speed you selected.

11) Certification and signature

• Read the certification statement. You confirm the accuracy of the information and your authority to file.
• Sign and date the form. If filing as an agent, add your capacity or firm name if there is a field for it.
• Unsigned forms are not processed. Digital submissions require the equivalent certification.

12) Attachments and schedules

• Attach any consents, authorization letters, or explanatory notes. Label them clearly. For example:
• Consent from a person whose name appears in the proposed name.
• Authorization from a regulator for a restricted word.
• A letter explaining the meaning of coined words or foreign words in the name, if clarity will help the examiner.
• If filing multiple related requests (for example, an amalgamation name), reference the related file numbers if the form allows.

13) Submit and track

• Submit the form through the accepted channel. Keep proof of submission and your tracking reference if provided.
• Watch your email or mail for the decision. If the examiner asks for clarification or additional documents, respond quickly.

14) Review the decision notice

• If approved, you will receive a reservation number and an expiry date. Record both. You must use the exact approved name, including punctuation and legal element, in your filing.
• If conditionally approved, the notice will list what you must supply (for example, a consent letter or wording change). Provide it promptly to finalize.
• If refused, the notice will include reasons. You can file a new request with revised names that address those reasons. Use your second or third choices or create new options that are more distinctive.

15) Use the approval before it expires

• Most approvals are valid for a limited period, commonly 56 days. This can change, so rely on the date shown on your notice.
• If you need more time, request an extension before the expiry if the form provides that option. Extensions are usually limited. If the approval lapses, you must reapply and there is no guarantee the name will still be available.

Practical tips to improve approval odds

• Build a strong distinctive element. Coined words and combinations of two uncommon words work well.
• Be descriptive but not generic-only. “Consulting” or “Investments” is fine as a descriptor, but you need a distinctive part too.
• Use the correct legal element for your entity. Corporations must include one. LLPs and limited partnerships must use their required endings. Sole proprietorships and general partnerships should not include corporate endings.
• Avoid implying government connection, regulated status, or professional credentials unless you hold the required authorization and can prove it.
• Keep your choices consistent. If your first choice is close to a known name, make your second and third choices meaningfully different, not minor spelling tweaks.
• Spell out acronyms unless the acronym is truly distinctive and known only to your business. Examiners may reject acronyms that are generic or already in use.
• If you plan to use a translation, provide both versions now. Do not assume approval of one implies approval of the other.

Parties, clauses, signatures, schedules — how they map on this form

• Parties: You, as the applicant, and the intended entity (company, partnership, society, cooperative, or extra-provincial registrant). If you file as an agent, you act for the client entity or founder.
• Clauses: The certification statement and any declarations about consent or authorization function like clauses. They state what you assert and what you agree to.
• Signatures: Your signature confirms the filing is accurate and that you have authority to submit it. Digital certification serves the same purpose for online filings.
• Schedules: Attachments include consent letters, regulator approvals, explanations of coined words or translations, and any other documents the examiner needs to resolve concerns.

After approval, file the related registration or alteration using the exact approved name. Do not change spelling, spacing, or the legal element. If you need to tweak the name, file a new or amended name request first. If you are an extra-provincial company using an assumed name, ensure your British Columbia filings and public-facing materials use that assumed name exactly as approved.

Remember the limits of the approval. It secures the name for registry purposes only. If brand protection matters to you, consider a trademark strategy in parallel. Also ensure your domain names and social handles align with the approved name if marketing is underway. That alignment helps avoid confusion and reduces last-minute pivots.

If an approval is withdrawn or conditions change, act quickly. Engage your second-choice name or prepare a revised request that addresses the examiner’s concerns. Clear, distinctive naming and complete supporting documents will save you time and fees.

Legal Terms You Might Encounter

• Name Request (NR) means the formal application to approve your proposed business name. On this form, you list up to three names. The registry reviews them in order.
• Reservation number is the unique code you receive after filing. It ties your approval to your future filing. You will need it when you register or incorporate.
• Distinctive element is the part that makes your name unique. It can be a coined word, surname, or brand word. On this form, make sure your first choice has a strong distinctive element.
• Descriptive element explains what you do. It can be words like “plumbing,” “consulting,” or “bakery.” On this form, include a clear descriptive element unless not required for your entity.
• Corporate designation is the legal ending for corporate names. Examples include “Ltd.,” “Inc.,” or “Corp.” On this form, include a designation if you plan to incorporate with a named company.
• Confusingly similar means your name looks or sounds too close to another. The examiner compares your name to existing names. On this form, avoid near matches and simple spelling swaps.
• Restricted word is a term that needs proof or consent. Examples include words implying regulation or a profession. On this form, attach consent if your name includes a restricted word.
• Consent is written permission to use a name or word. It may be needed for a person’s surname or a restricted term. On this form, include the consent letter if required.
• Nature of business is a short statement of your activities. It helps the examiner assess descriptiveness and risk. On this form, describe what you do in plain words.
• Priority order is the sequence of your three names. The examiner reviews them top to bottom. On this form, put your best option first.
• Expiry is the approval end date. A reservation typically lasts 56 days. On this form, note the expiry and plan your filing before it lapses.

FAQs

Do you need three name choices?

You do not need all three. You can submit one, two, or three. Listing three improves your chances. The examiner reviews them in your order. If the first is approved, the others are not reviewed. Use the first line for your strongest name.

Do you need a legal ending for a corporation?

Yes. If you plan to incorporate with a name, you need a designation. You can use forms like “Ltd.,” “Inc.,” or “Corp.” Make sure the ending matches your choice across all places on the form. If you want a numbered company, you do not need a name request.

How long does a name reservation last?

A reservation usually lasts 56 days from approval. Use that time to file the related registration or incorporation. If it expires, the name is not held. You may need to submit a new request. Do not wait until the last week to file.

Can you use your personal name in a business name?

Yes, you can use a surname or full name. You may need consent if it is not your own. The examiner also checks distinctiveness and clarity. Combine your name with a descriptive word for better approval chances.

What happens if your name is rejected?

You will receive reasons for the refusal. Review the notes and revise your names. Strengthen the distinctive element and remove restricted words. You can submit a new request. You can also ask the registry to review a decision in some cases.

Do you need a Name Request for a trade name?

Most business names need approval before registration. That includes trade names for proprietorships and partnerships. If you operate only as a numbered company, you may skip a name request. If you want a public-facing name, you will need one.

How fast will you get an answer?

Some names pass system checks and finish fast. Others need examiner review. That can take a few business days. Times vary by volume and by the name’s complexity. Avoid delays by adding strong distinctiveness and complete details.

Can you change the entity type after approval?

Your approval is tied to the selected type. If you chose the wrong type, the name may not fit your filing. You may need a new request for the correct type. Double-check the type before you submit.

Checklist: Before, During, and After the REG 708B – Name Request

Before you sign and submit

• Decide your entity type. Choose corporation, partnership, society, cooperative, or proprietorship.
• Confirm your purpose. New registration, name change, or other request.
• Draft up to three names. Rank them in your preferred order.
• Add a strong distinctive word. Avoid common terms and initials only.
• Add a clear descriptive word. State what you do in everyday language.
• Include a corporate ending if you plan to incorporate.
• Prepare your nature of business statement. Keep it short and clear.
• Check for restricted terms. Plan consent letters if needed.
• Get written consent for a person’s name if not your own.
• Verify spelling, spacing, and punctuation for each name.
• Prepare applicant details. Name, email, phone, and mailing address.
• Confirm you can receive notices at the contact email.
• Set a reminder to act before the reservation expiry.
• Arrange payment details for the filing fee.

During completion and signing

• Confirm the entity type matches your planned filing.
• Select the correct request category. New name, change of name, or other.
• Enter name choices in your priority order. Put your best first.
• Include the correct corporate designation on each corporate name.
• Enter the nature of business in plain language.
• Avoid similarity to known local names. Think of sound-alike words.
• Remove hyphen and punctuation tricks that copy another name.
• Attach consent letters for restricted words or personal names.
• Review the mailing and email addresses for accuracy.
• Check the applicant name exactly as intended for future contact.
• Read any certifications and acknowledgments. Confirm they are accurate.
• Sign where required. Date the form if needed.
• Review the entire form. Ensure names and details match across fields.

After you submit

• Save the reservation number immediately. Store it securely.
• Record the approval or pending status. Note the expiry date.
• If pending, watch for examiner questions. Reply quickly and clearly.
• If approved, start your registration or incorporation at once.
• Use the exact approved name and the reservation number.
• If refused, read the reasons. Prepare revised names and resubmit.
• Share the reservation number with your team or advisor as needed.
• Update your internal checklist and project timeline.
• Store a copy of the submission and any consent letters.
• Schedule a reminder one week before expiry. Avoid last-minute stress.
• If plans change, withdraw or let it lapse. Remove related tasks.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in REG 708B – Name Request

• Submitting a name without a distinctive element is a common error. Purely descriptive names get refused. Do not rely on “City Plumbing” alone. Add a unique word to stand out.
• Leaving off the corporate designation causes delays. The examiner cannot approve a corporate name without the ending. Don’t forget to add “Ltd.,” “Inc.,” or another allowable ending.
• Using restricted words without consent leads to rejection. Words suggesting regulation or licensing need proof. Do not include them unless you attach permission.
• Picking the wrong entity type wastes time. Your approval will not match your filing. Don’t forget to verify the type before you start.
• Letting the reservation expire forces you to start over. You lose your place and your approval. Do not wait until the last few days to file.
• Copying a well-known name invites refusal and complaints. Confusion risks are high. Do not use minor changes like “Kwik” for “Quick” to skirt a conflict.

What to Do After Filling Out REG 708B – Name Request

1. Submit the form and pay the fee. Keep your confirmation. Note the submission time and reference details. Expect either instant checks or later review.
2. Monitor your email for updates. Respond to any questions quickly. Provide any missing consent or details. Be clear and concise.
3. If approved, write down the reservation number and expiry date. Start your next filing immediately. Use the approved name exactly as shown. Include the reservation number when prompted.
4. Align your legal documents with the approved name. Update draft agreements, letterhead, and website plans. Keep the exact spelling and punctuation consistent. Avoid any late-stage edits that break alignment.
5. If you need changes, assess your options. Minor punctuation changes may not be enough. You may need a new request for a different name. Plan for the extra time.
6. If your request is refused, review the refusal reasons. Identify what failed: distinctiveness, confusion, or restricted terms. Draft a stronger distinctive element and a clearer descriptor. Remove or replace blocked words. File a new request.
7. If your reservation is nearing expiry, act now. File your incorporation or registration before the deadline. If you miss it, the name is released. There is no guarantee you can secure it again.
8. Share the reservation number with your internal team. Your lawyer or filing agent may need it. Keep it handy for all related filings.
9. Store records in one place. Keep the form, approval notice, consent letters, and notes. Use a secure drive with version control. Set access for the people who need it.
10. Plan your public roll-out only after approval. Avoid printing signs or launching a site too early. Wait for the approval to prevent rework.
11. Remember, a name approval is not a trademark. It approves a corporate or business name for registration. It does not grant exclusive rights beyond that scope. Consider broader protections separately if they matter to you.
12. Schedule a post-filing review. Confirm the name appears correctly on all registrations. Check tax accounts, licenses, and permits. Fix any mismatch quickly.
13. If you no longer need the name, document your decision. Notify stakeholders that you will not proceed. Archive the file for your records. Avoid accidental use after expiry.
14. Finally, update your compliance calendar. Add reminders for your next steps. Keep proof of submission and approval. You will likely need them for future filings.