Ontario Business Names Act: What It Requires
A plain-English summary of Ontario's Business Names Act: who must register, display rules, 5-year renewals, and the consequences of not registering.
Who it applies to
The Business Names Act requires registration when:
- a sole proprietor uses any name other than their own legal name;
- a partnership uses any name other than the partners' names;
- a corporation uses any name other than its corporate name.
Key rules
- Registrations last 5 years and must be renewed.
- Changes (address, partners, activity) must be filed within 15 days.
- Registered names must appear on contracts, invoices and orders.
- Registration does not give exclusive rights to the name. Trademarks do.
Not registering
An unregistered business can't bring a lawsuit in Ontario related to the business until it registers, and it can be fined.
Start here: Register a business name in Ontario · Business name search.
Frequently asked questions
- What happens if I don't register my business name?
- You can't sue in Ontario courts in relation to the business until the name is registered, and you may face fines.
Official sources
- Ontario Business Registry ↗— file and search Ontario registrations
- Corporations Canada ↗— federal incorporation
- Canada Revenue Agency — business ↗— BN, HST, payroll, T2
Related articles
How an Ontario corporation registers an operating name (trade name / DBA) in the Ontario Business Registry, when it's required, and renewal rules.
Complete step-by-step guide to registering an Ontario sole proprietorship via the Ontario Business Registry (OBR), Business Identification Number (BIN), and CRA accounts.
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