NUANS vs. Ontario Name Search: Which One Do You Need for Your Business?
- Lisa Shaw
- 3 days ago
- 4 min read
When you’re ready to name your business, it always starts the same way: excitement, brainstorming… and then the realization that someone else might already be using the name you love.
That’s where name searches come in. In Canada, you’ll usually see two terms pop up:
👉 NUANS
👉 Ontario Name Search (Ontario Business Name Search)
They’re not the same, they’re used in different situations, and choosing the wrong one can slow down your registration or incorporation.
Let’s break it down in simple, business-owner-friendly terms.
NUANS vs Name Search Explained: Which one do you need?
Don't know if you need a NUANS report, a name search or both?
Watch our YouTube video for a quick explanation:
What Is a NUANS Report?
A NUANS (Newly Updated Automated Name Search) is a federal database search that compares your proposed business name to existing corporate names, registered business names and trademarks across most of Canada (typically Quebec businesses and corporations don’t appear).
Think of it as the Canada-wide version of a name check.
A NUANS report is typically required when you’re:
Incorporating federally
Incorporating in certain provinces or territories, like
Ontario
Alberta
New Brunswick
Nova Scotia
Prince Edward Island
Yukon
Northwest Territories
Changing your corporation name (Articles of Amendment)
Moving your corporation into another province (Articles of Continuance)
Wanting a more complete picture of name availability across the country
The NUANS report gives you a list of similar active names so you can see potential conflicts and avoid choosing something that might get rejected.
When NUANS is the right choice:
✔ You’re incorporating federally
✔ Your province requires NUANS for incorporations
✔ You’re changing your corporate name
✔ You plan to move your corporation to another province
What Is an Ontario Name Search?
A business name search checks the NUANS database for businesses across Canada using the same name that you want to use. It doesn’t reserve or save the name for you - it only checks to see if someone’s already using that name (or something similar).
It’s a good idea to do an Ontario business name search for:
Ontario business name registrations (sole proprietorships, partnerships, trade names)
Ontario incorporations (you’ll still need a NUANS report after your name search)
General due diligence for Ontario-based businesses
It’s faster, simpler, and sometimes all that’s required — especially if you’re registering a business name, not incorporating.
Do I need a Name Search if I’m ordering a NUANS report?
You don’t need a name search if you’re ordering a NUANS - but it’s not always a bad idea to get one! A NUANS reserves your name, but once it’s reserved it can’t be changed - so, if your NUANS report shows conflicts, you may need to pivot and change the name you want to use (and order a new NUANS report).
If you first do a name search, you’ll get a good picture of what’s going to appear on that NUANS report once you order it. You can potentially save yourself some time, money, frustration (and heartbreak if you reserve a name then see it’s taken!) if you search your name before reserving it with a NUANS report.
When an Ontario Name Search is the right choice:
✔ You’re registering a sole proprietorship, partnership, or trade name
✔ You only need to check availability within Ontario
✔ You want a quick search for due diligence (e.g., checking if a name is in use before launching marketing)
NUANS vs. Ontario Name Search: What’s the Difference?
Feature | NUANS Report | Ontario Name Search |
Best for | Federal & certain provincial incorporations | Ontario business registrations & basic name checks |
Validity Period | 90 days | Doesn’t apply; it only shows what is active when you search |
Required to register or incorporate? | Incorporate - Yes Register small business - No | Not required, but can be done for either |
Purpose | Reserves the name you want to incorporate | Searches for similar business names |
So… Which One Do You Need?
Here’s the simple breakdown:
Choose NUANS if:
You’re incorporating federally or in Ontario
Your province requires it
You’re changing your corporation name
You’re moving a corporation into a different province
You’re creating a named corporation, not a numbered one
Choose an Ontario Name Search if:
You’re registering a business name in Ontario (sole prop, partnership, trade name)
You’re doing early due diligence
You want something quick and budget-friendly
You’re incorporating, but first want to check if your name is available before ordering a NUANS
If you’re still unsure, you’re not alone — name search rules across Canada can get confusing fast.
That’s why Launch a Business is here to guide you through the process and make sure you don’t order the wrong search or delay your filing.
How Launch a Business Can Help
We can help you:
Determine which search you need
Order a NUANS Report or Ontario Name Search
Review potential conflicts before you register
Complete your business registration or incorporation in Ontario or across Canada
We make the process simple, fast, and stress-free — so you can get back to building the business you actually want.
Ready to register your business or incorporate? You can include your business name search and NUANS reservation with your registration! Get started today!
Still have questions? Give us a call or set up a quick & free consult!
