How to Change the Name of Your Corporation in Canada
There are instances where the original name of a corporation no longer accurately reflects the business as it currently exists. Perhaps new products or services have been added, or it could be that the direction of the business has changed entirely. It may also be that you initially registered a numbered company and now wish to change it to a named company. In either case, if you have decided to make a change to the name of your existing Federal/Canada Corporation, the process to do this is relatively simple.
What will I need to do to change my corporation’s name?
When any corporation is created, Articles of Incorporation are completed along with it. If you are looking to change your corporation’s name, you will have to file Articles of Amendment, which allows you to change the existing name to a new one.
You have three options for making name changes:
- Change a named corporation to a numbered corporation
- Change the name of your corporation to a new name
- Change your numbered corporation to a named corporation
How do I change my named corporation to a numbered company?
If you currently have a named company and want to change it to a numbered company, you’ll be required to submit a document filing with Industry Canada, which you can complete electronically.
Looking at your current Articles of Incorporation, you can find your corporate number listed in the middle of the first page(Certificate of Incorporation). This corporate number was generated when you first incorporated, and in order to make the name change, you’ll need this number, as well as your registered jurisdiction (Canada) and the legal ending you would like to use in the new name. You can either keep the same legal ending as you had with the originally named corporation or choose a different ending from the following:
Inc./Incorporated/Ltd./Limited/Corp./Corporation
If you’re unable to locate the corporate number, we are able to help find that information as part of the processing of your amendment.
To complete the process of changing your named corporation to a numbered corporation, you will need the following:
- Existing corporation name
- Corporate number
- Name & phone number of person authorizing
How do I change to a new name?
If you are changing from a numbered corporation to a named corporation or changing the name of the corporation, a federally biased Nuans report is required to show any business names that may be conflicting with the proposed new name of your corporation. In addition to the Nuans report, you’ll also need the information noted above for changing to a numbered company.
To complete the process of changing your named corporation to a new name corporation, you will need the following:
- Existing corporation name
- Corporate number
- Business activity
- New name for corporation
- Name & phone number of person authorizing
If you would like us to processing your corporate name change, it’s as simple as filling out a short form.
Change Your Business Name or Structure
Should you have any questions about changing the name of your corporation in Canada, please feel free to contact 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.
