Ontario Master Business Licence (MBL) explained
The document you receive when you register a business name in Ontario, and what it does (and doesn't) let you do.
How to get a Master Business Licence
Register your business name (sole proprietorship, partnership, or a corporation's operating name) online through the Ontario Business Registry. The MBL is issued as part of that registration, so there's no separate application.
What it's used for
- Opening a business bank account in the business name.
- Proving to suppliers and landlords that the name is registered.
- Some government and municipal applications.
What it is not
It is not a business licence. Restaurants, contractors, salons, taxis and many other businesses need separate licences from their city or a provincial regulator. Use our licence finder to check.
Renewal
A business name registration, and the MBL with it, is valid for five years. Renew through the OBR before it expires.
Frequently asked questions
Is a Master Business Licence a business licence?
No. It's proof of business name registration. Operating licences come from your municipality or the relevant regulator.
Do corporations get a Master Business Licence?
A corporation operating under its exact legal name doesn't need one. If it registers an operating name, an MBL is issued for that name.
How long is a Master Business Licence valid?
Five years from registration, matching the business name registration.