How to Register a Sole Proprietorship in Ontario (Step by Step)

Overview of Ontario Sole Proprietorship Registration

Registering a sole proprietorship is the simplest, fastest, and most affordable way to establish a business in Ontario. A sole proprietorship represents an unincorporated business owned and run by one individual, where there is no legal separation between the owner and the business entity.

If you operate your business under any name other than your exact legal personal name, Ontario law requires you to register the business name under the Business Names Act.

Key Requirements Checklist

Before starting your application on the Ontario Business Registry (OBR), ensure you have the following information prepared:

• Legal Name & Residential Address: The primary proprietor's full legal name and current Ontario address.
• Proposed Business Name: The exact trade name you wish to register.
• Primary Business Activity: A description of your core commercial services or products (using standard NAICS code categories).
• Business Address: The official physical Ontario address for service (PO boxes alone are not permitted).
• Government Fee: $60 CAD payable by credit or debit card.

Step-by-Step Registration Process

Step 1: Check Business Name Availability

Conduct a preliminary search on the Ontario Business Registry to verify that your chosen name is not already identical or confusingly similar to an existing registered business or corporation.

Step 2: Create or Log in to Your OBR Account

Visit the Ontario Business Registry (OBR) portal through ServiceOntario. You can authenticate using your My Ontario / ONe-key account.

Step 3: Complete the Online Registration Form

1. Select Register a Business Name for a Sole Proprietorship.
2. Enter the registrant details, principal place of business, and business activity description.
3. Review all information for accuracy before submission.

Step 4: Pay the $60 Government Filing Fee

Submit payment securely through the online portal. Once processed, your registration is issued immediately.

Step 5: Save Your Documents and Company Key

Download your official Business Name Registration Confirmation, note your 9-digit Business Identification Number (BIN), and securely store your Company Key.

Sole Proprietorship Registration Summary

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Operating under an unregistered trade name: Adding even one descriptive word to your personal name requires official registration.
2. Missing the 5-year renewal deadline: Business name registrations expire after 5 years and do not auto-renew.
3. Confusing a BIN with a CRA Business Number (BN): Your Ontario BIN (9 digits) is separate from your federal CRA Business Number (9 digits followed by RC, RT, or RP accounts).
4. Ignoring municipal licensing: Some municipalities (such as Toronto, Ottawa, and Mississauga) require municipal operating licences regardless of provincial registration.

Next Steps

After completing your registration:

• Check your tax requirements with our HST Registration Guide.
• Review municipal permit requirements on our Licences & Permits page.
• Compare long-term structural options with our Business Structure Comparison Tool.
• Generate a custom launch plan using our Ontario Startup Checklist.