NUANS Business Name Searches in Cardston

If you're planning to start a business or incorporate a company in Alberta, choosing a distinct name is the first step. At Chaparral License & Registries in Cardston, we offer NUANS (Newly Upgraded Automated Name Search) reports to help you confirm that your proposed business or trade name is legally available and not already in use.
What is a NUANS Report?A NUANS report is a computerized search that compares your proposed business name against registered corporate names, trademarks, and trade names across Canada. This is a required step for federal incorporations and is essential to avoid name conflicts that could lead to legal issues or registration delays.
Start Your Name Search TodayBring your proposed business or trade name to our Cardston office, and we'll handle your NUANS report quickly and accurately. We're here to make sure your business name is clear, unique, and ready for registration—stress-free and efficient from the start.

Extra-Provincial Registration Services in Cardston

If your business is expanding beyond its home province, extra-provincial registration is required to operate legally in Alberta or other Canadian provinces. Chaparral License & Registries in Cardston can assist Canadian and foreign corporations with registering to do business across jurisdictions.
Why Register Extra-Provincially?
Extra-provincial registration helps ensure your business complies with local laws while allowing you to establish a formal presence in Alberta. It's a key step in operating legally and expanding your reach across Canada.
For more information on incorporating a business and additional registration options, please visit Alberta’s official business startup guide.
Let Us Help You Get Started
The Chaparral License & Registries team is here to make the process clear and efficient. Whether you're registering a Canadian or foreign corporation, stop by our Cardston office or give us a call—we're ready to guide you through each step.

Registering a Business Partnership in Alberta

Planning to launch a business with one or more partners? Registering a partnership in Alberta is an essential step in defining ownership structure, responsibilities, and operations. At Chaparral License & Registries in Cardston, we assist with registering your business name and guide you through what’s required under Alberta’s Partnership Act.
What is a Partnership?A partnership is formed when two or more individuals or corporations join together to operate a business. Partners share in the business's profits, risks, and financial obligations.
A business name used in a partnership does not have its own legal status—it's simply a way to represent your business to the public. That means all partners are personally liable for the debts and obligations of the business.
Registering your business name doesn't give you exclusive ownership of that name; it simply confirms that you're using it legally in Alberta.
If you're unsure whether to register as a sole proprietorship, partnership, or corporation, it's recommended to seek legal advice to choose the best structure for your needs.
The Four Types of Business Registrations Under Alberta's Partnership Act:● Trade Name (Sole Proprietorship)● Partnership● Limited Partnership● Limited Liability Partnership
To get started, please fill out the Declaration of Partnership Form and visit us at Chaparral Registry.
Expert Guidance for Your Partnership SetupWhether you’re forming a general partnership or setting up a limited liability partnership, our knowledgeable team is here to help ensure everything is filed correctly. Visit our Cardston office or contact us today to get your partnership off to a strong start.

Trade Name Registration in Alberta

Operating a business under a name that’s different from your own personal or corporate legal name? That’s considered a trade name in Alberta. Commonly used by sole proprietors, a trade name lets you run your business under a custom name without forming a separate legal entity.
What Is a Trade Name?A trade name itself does not have legal status—it’s simply a way for one or more people to represent their business to customers and the public. Because the business name is not legally separate, the sole proprietor or partners remain personally responsible for any debts and obligations incurred by the business.
Registering a trade name confirms you’re legally using that name but does not grant exclusive ownership rights over it.
If you’re unsure whether a sole proprietorship, partnership, or corporation is the best business structure for you, it’s strongly recommended to seek legal advice to make the right choice.
Types of Business Names Registered Under Alberta’s Partnership Act:● Trade Name (Sole Proprietorship)● Partnership● Limited Partnership● Limited Liability Partnership
Register Your Trade Name with ConfidenceTo register your trade name, simply complete the Declaration of Trade Name Form at Chaparral License & Registries in Cardston. Our experienced staff are here to make the process clear, quick, and easy.

Corporate Filing Requirements in Alberta

After incorporating or registering, businesses—including corporations, non-profits, societies, trade names, and partnerships—are required to file specific updates with Alberta’s Corporate Registry either annually or when changes occur. Filing requirements are governed by legislation and help keep your business in good standing with the province.
● Business Corporations Act - applies to Alberta corporations, extra-provincial profit and non-profit organizations● Cemetery Companies Act - applies to Alberta cemeteries registered under this Act● Companies Act - applies to Alberta non-profit companies● Religious Societies Land Act - applies to Alberta religious denominations or congregations● Partnership Act - applies to Alberta trade names (sole proprietorships) and general partnerships, Alberta and extra-provincial limited partnerships and limited liability partnerships● Societies Act - applies to Alberta societies
Most registrations for corporations, extra-provincial non-profit organizations, and trade names/partnerships can be processed by a Corporate Registry service provider. Information for Alberta non-profit companies, societies, and religious societies must be submitted directly to Corporate Registry for registration.
Annual Returns● Corporations, societies, non-profit companies, and limited liability partnerships must submit an annual return (report) each year.● This document contains information about shareholders, or officers and directors, or representative partners.● Societies and public non-profit companies must also provide financial information.● If the annual return or report is not filed, the organization will eventually be legally dissolved or its registration will be cancelled.
Change Notices● Alberta corporations must provide updates within 15 days when the corporation changes its registered office, mailing address, or directors.● Extra-provincial corporations must submit updates within 30 days when there is a change of attorney, head office, or directors.● Trade names must be updated within 30 days when there is a change to the declarant's name or address.● Partnership updates (name of partnership, partner change, partner address change, change to limited partnership agreement) must also be submitted within 30 days.● Society and non-profit address changes are to be submitted within 15 days of the change. The same practice applies for changes to non-profit company directors.
Fundamental Amendments● An Alberta corporation may amend its name and any of its articles or structure information, such as share capital, restrictions on share transfers, etc.● Alberta corporations may also continue out of Alberta and become registered/incorporated in a new jurisdiction, provide the laws of that jurisdiction permit continuance.● Two or more Alberta corporations may amalgamate and continue as one corporation. Alberta corporations may also amalgamate with corporations from other jurisdictions, provided the laws of that jurisdiction permit cross-border amalgamation, and provided that the new amalgamated corporation will be an Alberta corporation.● An extra-provincial corporation must notify Alberta, through an authorized service provider, when it changes its name, home jurisdiction, or structure and when it takes part in an amalgamation in its home jurisdiction.● Society amendments, such as name, objective, or bylaw changes do not take effect until the prescribed information is filed with Corporate Registry.● The same principle applies to non-profit company amendments, such as name change, capital amendments, and change to the memorandum or articles, and to changes of constitution or bylaws of religious societies.● Effective September 22, 2014, a non-profit organization may apply to continue into Alberta and become an Alberta society. Likewise, an Alberta society may continue into another jurisdiction, if authorized by the appropriate law.
Stay Up to Date with Corporate Compliance
At Chapparal License & Registries in Cardston, we simplify your ongoing filing responsibilities. From annual returns to address changes and corporate updates, our team is here to ensure your filings are submitted accurately and on time.

Alberta Corporate & Lien Search Services

At Chapparal License & Registries in Cardston, we offer reliable corporate and lien search services to help you verify business records or check for liens on personal property. Whether you're buying a vehicle, securing a loan, or entering into a business agreement, our experienced staff can provide the information you need to confidently move forward.
Our Personal Property Registry search can look up liens on items like cars, trucks, trailers, boats, mobile homes, and aircraft. Searches can be completed by serial number, business name, or individual name.
If you have the required documentation, we can also assist with registering or discharging liens.
Need more details on a vehicle? We can provide a Vehicle Information Report (VIR), which includes:● Vehicle description and odometer reading● Status (e.g. active, rebuilt, salvage)● Registration dates, locations, and plate class● Number of liens, if any
See complete list of forms athttp://www.servicealberta.gov.ab.ca/WP_PersonalPropertyForms.cfm
For property within Alberta, we can provide a Land Title Search which will show the ownership and any encumbrances against the property.
Please note: By law, registry agents are not able to make changes to the title information such as removing mortgages or liens. This can only be done at the Land Title Office, located at 710 4th Avenue SW. Calgary. You may phone (403) 297-6511 in Calgary or (780) 427-2742 in Edmonton.
Land Transfer formhttp://www.servicealberta.gov.ab.ca/pdf/ltmanual/TRANSFER_OF_LAND.pdf
See complete list of forms athttps://www.alberta.ca/service-alberta.aspx
Corporate SearchesA Corporate Search is a copy of the information registered in the Alberta Corporate system for an Alberta Corporation.
Information included in a search:● Name and registered address of company● Director and shareholder information and share structure● Registration date and any affiliated companies● Status of corporation ie: active/liquid/dissolved● We require the company's name to do the search.
Fast, Accurate Search Results
For dependable lien and corporate search services in Alberta, visit Chapparal License & Registries in Cardston. Our knowledgeable team is here to assist with every step.