Registering a sole proprietorship in Ontario takes about 20 minutes online and costs $60. You only need to register if you use a name other than your own legal name. Here is the complete, current process for 2026.
Do You Actually Need to Register?
Ontario’s Business Names Act requires registration of a business name when you operate under any name other than your full legal name. If you freelance as “Jane Smith” — your exact legal name — no provincial registration is needed. If you use any other name (including “Jane Smith Consulting” or “Smith Creative”), registration is required before you invoice under that name.
What You Get After Registering
- A Business Name Registration certificate (formerly called Master Business Licence)
- A provincial Business Identification Number (BIN)
- The legal right to operate under the registered name in Ontario
- The ability to open a business bank account under that name
What registration does NOT give you: exclusive rights to the name, trademark protection, limited liability, or a CRA Business Number (that is a separate free registration through the CRA).
Step-by-Step: Ontario Business Registry
- Go to: ontario.ca/businessregistry
- Sign in or create an account — you need a ServiceOntario profile (uses the same login as Ontario.ca)
- Select “Register a business name”
- Search your proposed name in the Ontario registry to check availability — another business can have a similar name but registration requires your name to be sufficiently distinct
- Complete the form:
- Business name exactly as you want it registered
- Business activity (brief description)
- Business address (your Ontario address)
- Business type: Sole proprietorship
- Your personal information as the registered owner
- Pay the $60 registration fee by credit card
- Receive your Business Name Registration — issued immediately online. Download and save the PDF.
Key Details
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Cost | $60 |
| Processing time | Same day — issued immediately online |
| Validity | 5 years — must renew at ontario.ca/businessregistry ($60) |
| What you receive | PDF Business Name Registration certificate with your BIN |
| Changes (address, info updates) | File an amendment at ontario.ca/businessregistry |
| Cancellation | Free cancellation online when closing or changing structures |
Ontario Business Name Rules
Your proposed name will be reviewed against the Business Names Act standards. Names are rejected if they:
- Are too similar to an existing Ontario business name
- Include restricted words (“Bank,” “Trust,” “Insurance,” “Royal,” “Canada,” “Government”) without approval
- Include corporate identifiers (“Inc.,” “Ltd.,” “Corp.”) — these are only for corporations
- Are obscene or misleading
Ontario does not conduct a full NUANS search for sole proprietorship registration — a broader national search like you would do for federal incorporation is not required here. The registry performs a provincial check only.
After Registration: Next Steps
- Open a business bank account: Bring your Business Name Registration certificate (PDF printout) and your personal ID to your bank, or use a digital bank that accepts documents online.
- Get a CRA Business Number (if needed): Free at canada.ca’s Business Registration Online portal. Required for GST/HST registration (mandatory over $30,000 in quarterly revenue) and other CRA program accounts.
- Set up Autodeposit: Register your email for Interac Autodeposit on your new business bank account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the Ontario Business Registry to check if a name is available before applying?
Yes. The Ontario Business Registry has a name search function at ontario.ca/businessregistry. Search your proposed name before paying the $60 fee. Note that the registry search is provincial — a name not showing in Ontario may still be registered in another province or be a federally protected corporate name. For a wider search, check the national NUANS database or a Google search.
What if I want to register in multiple provinces?
Each province has its own registration system and fee. If you operate in Ontario and BC, register in both provinces separately. Alternatively, incorporate federally ($200) to get Canada-wide name protection — though you would still need extra-provincial registration in each province where you physically operate ($330 in Ontario).
How do I renew my Ontario sole proprietorship registration?
Ontario registrations expire after 5 years. You will receive a renewal reminder from the Ontario Business Registry. Renew at ontario.ca/businessregistry for the same $60 fee. Operating with an expired registration is technically non-compliant — set a calendar reminder for renewal at least 60 days before expiry.