How to change the name of a corporation in Canada

ByLaura Harvey
corporate name change meeting

If you have an existing Federal or Canada corporation and have decided to change the name of the corporation, the process to do this is fairly simple to complete.

What do I need to do to change the name of my corporation?

When you originally incorporated your company, you completed the Articles of Incorporation to do so. Now that you wish to change the name of your corporation, a secondary filing is required called the Articles of Amendment. This legal document allows you to change the existing name of your corporation to a new business name.

You have three options

  • Change the name of the corporation to a numbered corporation
  • Change the name of the corporation to a new name for the corporation
  • Change from a numbered corporation to a named corporation

How do I change to the numbered company?

If you currently have a named corporation and want to change to a numbered company a document filing is required with Industry Canada, this filing can be completed electronically.

On the first page of your current Articles of Incorporation, you will see in the middle of the page a corporate number associated with your existing corporation. This is your corporate number and it has already been generated when you originally incorporated. To choose a numbered company, all you need is your corporate number, jurisdiction (Canada) and the legal ending you would like to use for the corporate change. You may keep the same legal ending as you had with the original named corporation or if you wish you may choose an alternative eg. Inc./Incorporated/Ltd./Limited, Corp. or Corporation.

Example: 123456 Canada Ltd.

If you can’t find your existing number associated with your corporation, don’t worry, we can provide that number to you as part of the processing of the amendment.

To complete the processing of changing the corporate name to your numbered corporation the following is required:

  • The electronic filing of the Articles of Amendment
  • A current director’s name and address

If you are changing to a new named corporation, a Federal biased NUANS report is required to show any conflicting business names to the proposed new name of your corporation. The above noted information is applicable as well.

If you would like us to complete the processing of changing your corporate name, here is the link to complete the amending of your corporate name.

Amend Your Corporate Name

Ontario Business Central Inc., has been assisting clients for 25 years to complete name changes to their corporation. Should you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to our staff  for additional information and assistance.

inquiries@ontariobusinesscentral.ca
Toll-Free: 1-800-280-1913
Local: 1-416-599-9009
Fax: 1-866-294-4363
Office Hours: 9:00am – 5:00pm
Monday – Friday E.S.T.

Ontario Business Central Inc. is not a law firm and cannot provide a legal opinion or advice. This information is to assist you in understanding the requirements of registration within the chosen jurisdiction. It is always recommended, when you have legal or accounting questions that you speak to a qualified professional.

Laura Harvey
Laura Harvey

Laura Harvey stands as a beacon of entrepreneurial support and expertise, embodying the spirit and drive of the community she serves. As the proud owner of Ontario Business Central Inc., Laura's journey is one of dedication, passion, and an unwavering commitment to nurturing the entrepreneurial landscape in Canada.

With over three decades of experience as a corporate specialist coupled with over 25 years of entrepreneurial ventures, Laura brings a wealth of knowledge and insight to her role. Her expertise is not just theoretical; it's built on the real-life challenges and triumphs of navigating the business world. This unique blend of professional and personal experience positions Laura as a relatable and trusted guide for those embarking on their entrepreneurial journey.

Beyond her role at Ontario Business Central, Laura has extended her outreach through the innovative YouTube series "Taking the Leap." This platform allows her to connect with new business owners, offering them a stage to share their stories and insights. "Taking the Leap" is more than just a series; it's a community where aspiring entrepreneurs can find inspiration, learn from the experiences of others, and gain practical advice on crucial corporate tasks like registering a business, updating business information, understanding tax account intricacies, and much more.

Laura's contributions extend into the digital world through her in-depth blogs for Ontario Business Central. Here, she delves into topics essential for entrepreneurs and business owners looking to start, manage, and grow their ventures. Her writing is a reflection of her passion for supporting entrepreneurial advancement and a testament to her deep understanding of the corporate sphere.

Laura Harvey is not just an entrepreneur; she's a mentor, guide, and fellow traveler on the path of business ownership. She embodies the ethos of "walking the walk," providing both the tools and the encouragement for others to thrive in their entrepreneurial endeavors. Whether through her written words, her YouTube series, or her hands-on approach at Ontario Business Central Inc., Laura is dedicated to uplifting and assisting new and established business owners alike.

You can find Laura on Linkedin and Twitter and Youtube.

https://twitter.com/ONTBUSCEN
https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-harvey-362b2740/
Taking The Leap YouTube Series