Registering a business name in Ontario
What business name registration is, who needs it, and how it fits alongside incorporation, trademarks, and domain names.
Who needs to register a business name?
- Sole proprietors operating under any name other than their exact legal name generally need to register that business name in Ontario.
- Partnerships (general partnerships) operating under a name other than the names of all partners generally need to register the partnership name.
- Corporations that operate under an "operating name" different from their legal corporate name generally need to register that operating name.
Business name vs corporation name vs trademark vs domain
These four concepts are commonly confused:
- Business name — the name registered for a sole proprietorship, partnership, or corporate operating name. Registration does not grant exclusive rights.
- Corporation name — the legal name of a corporation, set in its articles of incorporation.
- Trademark — a federally registered right to use a name, logo, or slogan in association with specific goods or services.
- Domain name — a web address. Owning a domain is not the same as owning the underlying name.
How registration works
Business name registrations in Ontario are handled through the Ontario Business Registry. You'll typically provide the proposed name, the owner information, the business address, and pay the applicable government fee.
Renewals and expiration
Business name registrations are not permanent. They must be renewed periodically — otherwise, the registration expires and the name may become available to others. Keep track of renewal dates in your compliance calendar.
Changes to a registered business name
If the owner, address, or business activity changes, you generally need to file an update. If the name itself changes, that's usually a new registration.
Business Identification Number (BIN)
When you register a business name in Ontario, you're issued a BIN — a number that identifies that specific registration with the province.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to register a business name in Ontario?
You must register a business name if you operate a sole proprietorship or partnership under any name other than your own legal name, or if a corporation trades under an operating name different from its legal name.
How long does an Ontario business name registration last?
Five years. It then has to be renewed through the Ontario Business Registry, or it lapses and the name is no longer registered to you.
Does registering a business name protect it?
No. Registration records that you are using the name; it does not grant exclusive rights. Trademark registration is the route to name protection.
What happens if my address or partners change?
File an amendment through the Ontario Business Registry. Registrations must reflect current information, and out-of-date details can cause problems with banks, the CRA and licensing bodies.
Can I register a business name before I start trading?
Yes, and it is common to register shortly before launch so bank accounts and CRA program accounts can be opened in the business name.
Compare sole proprietorship, partnership, and corporation.
Brainstorm names — then check availability officially.
How the OBR works.
If you incorporate, your corporate name may replace the need for a business name registration.