What is the NUANS Reference Number?
The NUANS reference number (also called the NUANS reservation number, name search number, or report number) is a unique alphanumeric identifier assigned to your NUANS name search when it is generated. It appears prominently on the first page of your NUANS report PDF.
This number is the single most important piece of information in your entire NUANS report. You will enter it on your Articles of Incorporation to prove to the corporate registry that a valid NUANS search was conducted for your proposed corporate name.
Example NUANS Reference Number
Where to Find the Reference Number
Open your NUANS report PDF. On the very first page, in the header section, you will see a field labelled one of the following (it may vary slightly by report format):
- Reference Number
- Numéro de référence (French bilingual label)
- NUANS Reservation Number
- Name Search Number
The reference number is typically displayed in a larger or bolded font, or highlighted, to make it easy to locate. It will be an alphanumeric string — often including letters, numbers, dashes, and sometimes a province code suffix like -ON or -AB.
Where to Enter the Reference Number
How you use the reference number depends on which province or jurisdiction you are incorporating in:
Ontario (OBCA)
Enter the reference number in the "NUANS Reference Number" field on your Articles of Incorporation when filing through ServiceOntario or Ontario Business Registry.
Alberta (ABCA)
Enter it in the "NUANS Reference Number" field on your Articles of Incorporation when filing through Service Alberta / Alberta Corporate Registry.
Federal (CBCA)
Enter it on your Articles of Incorporation in the Corporations Canada online filing portal under the name information section.
New Brunswick (NBBCA)
Enter it in the appropriate field on your New Brunswick Articles of Incorporation when filing through Service New Brunswick.
How Long is the Reference Number Valid?
Your NUANS reference number is valid for the same period as your NUANS report itself — 90 days from the date the search was run. The expiry date is printed on your report alongside the reference number.
If you do not file your incorporation within 90 days, the reference number expires and you must order a new NUANS report to get a new valid reference number.
Frequently Asked Questions
In most cases, no. The corporate registry (ServiceOntario, Service Alberta, Corporations Canada, etc.) typically only requires you to enter the reference number on your Articles of Incorporation form. Keep the full PDF in your corporate records and provide it to your lawyer or incorporation agent if they ask for it.
If you entered the wrong reference number on your Articles of Incorporation, contact the corporate registry immediately. Depending on the stage of your filing, they may be able to correct it without a fee. In some cases you may need to refile. Always double-check the number from your report PDF before submitting.
No. Each NUANS reference number is tied to a specific proposed name and a specific search. You cannot reuse a reference number for a different company name. Each new proposed name requires its own NUANS report and reference number.
They are the same thing — different providers and registries may use different labels. "Reference number," "reservation number," "report number," and "name search number" all refer to the same unique identifier printed on page 1 of your NUANS report PDF. The one you need for your Articles of Incorporation is always the prominent alphanumeric code on page 1.