Registering a sole proprietorship in British Columbia involves two steps: name approval and then registration. Total cost is $70, and the process is done online through the BC Registry Services portal. Here is the full 2026 guide.
When Registration Is Required in BC
BC’s Partnership Act requires registration when you carry on business in BC under a name other than your own legal name. Operating under your full legal name as it appears on government ID requires no registration. Any other business name — even if it includes your own name, like “Sarah Chen Photography” — requires registration.
The Two-Step Process
Step 1: Name Approval Request ($30)
Before registering, you must submit a Name Approval Request through BC Registry Services. This is BC’s name availability check:
- Go to: bcregistry.gov.bc.ca
- Create or log into your BC Services Card or BC Registry account
- Select “Request a Name Approval”
- Enter your proposed name and describe the business type (sole proprietorship)
- Pay $30 by credit card
- Receive your Name Approval Request (NR) number by email — typically within 2–5 business days
The name approval checks your proposed name against BC Registry records. If approved, your NR number is valid for 90 days — complete your registration within that window.
Step 2: Register Using Your NR Number ($40)
- Return to bcregistry.gov.bc.ca
- Select “Register a Sole Proprietorship”
- Enter your approved NR number
- Complete the registration form:
- Your approved business name
- BC registered office address
- Your personal information as proprietor
- Nature of business
- Pay $40 registration fee
- Receive your Statement of Registration — typically processed same-day or within 1 business day after name approval
Key Details
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Total cost | $70 ($30 name approval + $40 registration) |
| Name approval time | 2–5 business days |
| Registration after NR approval | Same day |
| Total timeline | Typically 3–6 business days |
| Validity | No expiry — but must update if name or address changes |
| What you receive | Statement of Registration (BC’s equivalent of a Business Name Registration) |
BC Business Name Rules
BC name approval considers distinctiveness from existing registered names. Your proposed name should be meaningfully different from any existing BC business registration. Restricted words include “Credit Union,” “Trust,” “Insurance,” “Cooperative,” and other regulated terms.
Operating Name vs Registered Name
In BC, “operating as” (OA) names are also registrable — these are trade names under which a registered corporation or sole proprietor does business. If you later incorporate but want to continue using your sole proprietor trade name, you register it as an operating name under the corporation.
After Registration: What Comes Next
- Open a business bank account: Bring your Statement of Registration and personal ID. Most BC banks and credit unions accept this document for business account opening.
- Register with the CRA: Get a Business Number through the CRA’s BRO portal (canada.ca) for GST/HST or other program accounts as needed. Free.
- Note: PST in BC is separate. If your products or services are subject to BC PST (7%), register separately at gov.bc.ca/pst. Service businesses (most consultants and freelancers) may not need PST registration, but check your specific services.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I expedite the BC name approval?
BC does not offer a formal paid expedited service for name approvals the way some provinces do for incorporation. Name approvals typically take 2–5 business days. If you need a faster turnaround, consider whether operating under your legal name (no registration needed) is viable temporarily while the approval processes.
Does BC registration expire?
Unlike Ontario (5-year expiry) and Quebec (5-year expiry), BC sole proprietorship registrations do not expire. However, you must file an update when your business address, proprietor information, or business activity changes. Failure to update is a technical offence under the Partnership Act. Check bcregistry.gov.bc.ca to update your registration when circumstances change.
What is the difference between a BC Business Number and a CRA Business Number?
These are two different numbers. The BC Registration number is your provincial identifier in the BC Registry. The CRA Business Number (9 digits) is your federal identifier for tax purposes. They are separate systems — one is provincial, one is federal. You may have both, or just one depending on your needs.