File: declaration of a business name

When deciding on a name for your business, remember the Naming Regulation does not allow legal elements. Refer to the regulations for more details.

Guidelines on choosing a name

Here are some guidelines for choosing a business name for your society or business.

• The minimum length of name is 5 characters.
• The maximum length of name is 120 characters.
• The name must have more letters than the total number of other characters in the name.
• Obscene or objectionable names are not allowed.
• Names must not mislead.
• Names must not be the same as another organization’s.

Names that need consent

• Names that suggest government affiliation such as Government of Yukon or Yukon First Nation.
• Names that suggest academic or technical affiliation such as university or college.
• Names that suggest teaching of a trade such as a school, institute or academy.
• Names such as accountant, dentist, engineer, or private investigator.
• Names that suggest regulated financial business.

See the full list of naming guidelines in the Naming Regulation.

To obtain a certificate of name reservation, you must submit the following to our office:

• Form 1 ‒ Application for name reservation;
• pay the $60 fee; or
• complete the name reservation on the Yukon Corporate Online Registry (YCOR) and pay $40 by credit card.

The proposed name has to follow the requirements of the Naming Regulation. If the name does this, we'll issue a certificate of name reservation. This is valid for 90 days. The process can take up to 5 business days.

The certificate of name reservation is valid for a period of 90 days. Within the 90 days, you can proceed to complete the required documents.

Submit your application by the expiration date on the certificate. If you miss this date, you'll have to:

• resubmit an application for name reservation; and
• pay the $60 fee in-person fee or $40 YCOR fee again.

After you get your certificate of name reservation, download and complete the Form 8 ‒ Declaration of business name.

How to fill out the form

The information you provide on the form must be legible. Also make sure to complete each section.

Section 1: Name

The name must match the name appearing on the certificate of name reservation.

Section 2: Address of business

“Delivery address” refers to a physical location. Include an address or other description to identify a person’s home or place of business. This must not include a post office box.

Section 3: Mailing address

“Mailing address” refers to where you send mail. Include a complete mailing address, including the postal code. This address can be a person’s home, place of business or post office box.

Section 4: Date use of business began

This can be the date of submission or earlier. But, it cannot be a future date.

Section 5: Person using the business name

Registering under your personal name

If you’re registering the business name under your personal name, fill out your:

• last name;
• first name; and
• mailing address.

When you’ve finished filling out the application, sign and date the form.

Registering as an entity (partnership, corporation or society)

If you’re registering a business name for an entity, fill in:

• the name of the entity; and
• its Yukon registry number (the entity must be registered).

On the application, include your:

• first name;
• relationship to the entity; and
• mailing address of the entity.

When you’ve finished filling out the application, sign and date the form.

Submit your documents and pay your fees

After the form is completed, submit it along with the fee. The cost of an application to file a declaration of business name is $25.

How to pay

You can pay by:

• cheque;
• credit card;
• cash; or
• debit card.

Cheque

Provide a cheque in the appropriate amount made out to Government of Yukon.

Credit card

We accept Visa, Master Card and American Express payment at the office. If you send your documents by fax, email or mail, provide a phone number where we can reach you. This is so you can give us your credit card information.

Cash or debit

Payment in cash or with a debit card can only be made in person at our office: 307 Black Street, 1st floor.

Deliver your documents to us

You can drop off forms at our office or in our secure drop box in the lobby.

When you put your forms in our secure drop box, you can include:

• cash;
• cheque; or
• a payment information form to contact you for credit card payments.

Submit your documents by mail, fax or email

Our offices are open Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Phone: 867-667-5314, or toll free in Yukon 1-800-661-0408, extension 5314

Fax: 867-393-6251

Email: corporateaffairs@yukon.ca

Mail:

Government of Yukon
Corporate Affairs (C-6)
Box 2703,
Whitehorse, Yukon Y1A 2C6

Processing time

After we've accepted and filed all your documents, you'll receive a confirmation. The process can take up to 5 business days.

The registration will be valid for a period of 3 years. The business name must be renewed before it expires if you want to continue to carry out business in Yukon. The renewal will be valid for another 3 years.

Legal advice

Staff at Corporate Affairs cannot provide any interpretation of legislation or operational advice of any sort regarding:

• business corporations;
• sole proprietorships;
• partnerships;
• cooperative associations; or
• societies.

If you need advice, talk with a professional such as a lawyer or an accountant.

Our staff cannot provide legal advice or services. For legal matters, contact a lawyer or phone the Yukon Law Line: 867-668-5297, toll free 1-866-667-4305

Business identifier numbers and taxes

For information about business identifier numbers, taxes and charitable status, visit the Canada Revenue Agency.

Business licences

For information about business licences, contact the City of Whitehorse 867-668-8346, or email adminbuilding@whitehorse.ca.