How To Find The Corporate Number For Your Corporation

Tags: #Corporation #Profile Report

Every corporation registered in Ontario is assigned a unique Corporate Number, often called an Ontario Corporation Number (OCN). This number is used to identify your corporation when filing updates, ordering documents, or working with third parties such as banks, accountants, and government offices. Many business owners are unsure where to locate this number, especially if the corporation was registered years ago or by a third party. This guide explains what a corporate number is, where to find it, and what to do if you no longer have access to your original documents.

What Is a Corporate Number?

A Corporate Number is a unique number assigned to your corporation at the time of incorporation in Ontario. It is used by the Ministry to identify your corporation and link all filings and records together.

This number:

Never changes
Is specific to your corporation
Is different from a Business Number (BN)
Is different from a Company Key

Where Can I Find My Corporate Number?

Your corporate number can usually be found on official documents issued for your corporation, including:

Articles of Incorporation
Corporate Profile Report
Certificate of Status
Annual Return confirmations
Notices or filings submitted to the Ministry

If you have any of these documents, the corporate number is typically listed near the top of the page.

Can I Find My Corporate Number Online?

If you do not have your original documents, your corporate number can be retrieved by ordering a Corporate Profile Report.

A Profile Report provides:

The corporate number
Legal corporate name
Status (active or inactive)
Registered office address
Director information (if applicable)

This is one of the most reliable ways to confirm your corporate number, especially if records are outdated or unavailable.

Is the Corporate Number the Same as a Business Number (BN)?

No. These numbers serve different purposes:

Corporate Number: Identifies your corporation at the provincial level
Business Number (BN): Issued by the Canada Revenue Agency for tax accounts

Many business owners confuse the two, but they are not interchangeable.

What if I Incorporated Years Ago and Don’t Have Any Documents?

This is very common. Corporations registered many years ago may not have easy access to their original paperwork.

If this applies to you:

You do not need to re-incorporate
You do not need to guess the number
A Corporate Profile Report can retrieve the information for you

Once obtained, the corporate number can be used for future filings and record-keeping.

Do I Need the Corporate Number to File Changes or Renewals?

In many cases, yes. The corporate number is often required when:

Ordering corporate documents
Filing amendments or notices
Completing renewals
Working with banks or third-party service providers

Having this number readily available helps prevent delays.

FAQs

Is My Corporate Number Public Information?

Yes. It appears on official corporate records and reports.

Can Two Corporations Have the Same Corporate Number?

No. Each corporation has a unique number.

Will My Corporate Number Ever Change?

No. It remains the same for the life of the corporation.

Can Someone Find My Corporate Number For Me?

Yes. We can assist you to obtain your Ontario Corporate Number (OCN) as a Registry Consultant by ordering a Profile Report.

Do I Need My Corporate Number to Get a Company Key?

Yes, it helps identify the correct corporation.

Need Help Finding Your Corporate Number?

If you’re unsure where to locate your corporate number or no longer have access to your original documents, Ontario Business Central can help. Ordering a Corporate Profile Report is a simple way to retrieve this information quickly and accurately. Our experienced Canadian agents are available by phone, email, and live chat to guide you through the process and answer any questions along the way.

inquiries@ontariobusinesscentral.ca
Toll-Free: 1-800-280-1913
Local: 1-416-599-9009
Fax: 1-866-294-4363
Office Hours: 9:00am – 5:00pm
Monday – Friday E.S.T.

Ontario Business Central Inc. is not a law firm and cannot provide a legal opinion or advice. This information is to assist you in understanding the requirements of registration within the chosen jurisdiction. It is always recommended, when you have legal or accounting questions that you speak to a qualified professional.