Register Your Business

A business name registration refers to a registration under the Business Names Act. It applies to small business owners who want to register a sole proprietorship, a partnership or an operating name (trade name) for a corporation. The name of a new business must be registered if it is different than the business owner’s legal name.

It is important to note that the Master Business License, received at the time of registration, expires after 5 years and must be renewed. The Companies and Personal Property Security Branch, Ontario Ministry of Consumer and Business Services (MCBS) does not send reminder notices. There are two types of business name registration in Ontario.

To register a business:

In-person –Service Ontario location at 1 Gateway Boulevard, Brampton, Ontario Hours: 8:30 am – 3:30 pm Phone: 1-800-267- 8097 to make an appointment
Online – www.businessregistraton.gc.ca – If you require assistance when registering online, the Mississauga Business Enterprise Centre (MBEC) has self-serve computers and staff to assist with any questions.

To incorporate a business:

Hire a lawyer
Incorporate your business online – Provincial Incorporation www.cyberbahngroup.com / www.oncorp.com / www.eservicecorp.ca
Federal Incorporation – Corporations Canada

How to Register Your Business – Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Business Registration?

A business name registration refers to a registration under the Business Names Act. It expires after 5 years and must be renewed. The Companies and Personal Property Security Branch, Ontario Ministry of Consumer and Business Services (MCBS) does not send reminder notices. There are two types of business name registration in Ontario.

How to register a sole proprietorship or partnership?

The cost to register a sole proprietorship or partnership is $60 plus $8 per name search if completed at a Service Ontario location or via the Internet.

To register in-person

Service Ontario
1 Gateway Boulevard, Brampton, Ontario
Hours: 8:30 am – 3:30 pm
Phone: 1-800-267-8097

Call for an appointment

To register online:

The cost to register a sole proprietorship or a partnership in person at the Companies Branch or by mail is $80 plus $12 per name search.

Companies Branch
375 University Avenue, 2nd floor Toronto, ON M7A 2H6
(416) 314-8880

What is the purpose of a Business Number?

Your Business Number is your single account number for dealing with the federal government regarding taxes, payroll, import/export and other activities. If you plan to hire employees, or if you will be importing and/or exporting products or services, you will need to get a business number. If you sell goods and services in Ontario, you may need a business number to charge and remit the Harmonized Sales Tax (HST).

Resources:

How to register a Business Number in Canada

Can I change or update my Business Activity or Business Address after Registering my Business?

Changes/updates to Business Activity and/or Business address through using the Change of Business Information (COBI) tool online.

How to change your Business Information

Access Change of Business Information (COBI) online tool at ontario.ca/business-name-registration and select 8. You can also change other business information online.

LEARN MORE

Mississauga Business Enterprise Centre (MBEC)

Whether you are starting or growing your business, we can help! MBEC is your central source for small business information, resources and guidance. We’ll answer your questions about registering and starting a new business, preparing a business plan, taxes, government regulations, available government programs and much more! If you have a question, or would like to contact us, please submit an inquiry or visit the MBEC office at the Mississauga Central Library (4th Floor).

Learn about: Starting a Business Growing a Business