Ontario Business Registry Search: What It Is & How to Use It

ByLaura Harvey
Businessman successfully completing Ontario Business Registry online - business registration

If you’re looking to search for a business or corporation in Ontario, you’re not alone. Every day, entrepreneurs, lenders, legal professionals, and curious individuals look up business information to verify legitimacy, perform due diligence, or obtain official records. At Ontario Business Central, we make that process simple, fast, and accessible—no navigating confusing portals or waiting in queues.

Here’s everything you need to know about the Ontario Business Registry Search, including what types of businesses you can search, what records are available, and how we can help you access results quickly and securely.

Woman using a laptop for easy online business registration with Ontario Business Central

What is the Ontario Business Registry Search?

The Ontario Business Registry Search is a way to look up information on registered businesses and corporations in Ontario. This includes everything from small Sole Proprietorships to large incorporated entities and non-profits.

At Ontario Business Central, we provide instant access to this information—delivered right to your inbox. Whether you need to check the legal status of a company, obtain proof of registration, or review corporate filings, we’re here to help.

What Types of Businesses Can Be Searched?

You can search a wide range of business structures that are either registered or incorporated in Ontario, including:

  • Business Name Registrations
    • Sole Proprietorships
    • General Partnerships (GP)
    • Trade Names (operating names under a corporation)
  • Limited Partnerships (LP)
  • Limited Liability Companies (LLC)
    (Registered from outside Canada and operating in Ontario)
  • Ontario Incorporated Companies
  • Federal or Foreign Corporations Operating in Ontario
  • Not-for-Profit Corporations
  • Registered Charitable Organizations

Whether the business is active or has been dissolved, Ontario Business Central can often still retrieve historical information and official documents. This is especially helpful when you’re performing a legal check, handling estate matters, or verifying records for tax or compliance reasons.

What Information Can You Access?

Depending on what you need, we offer several types of official business search documents, all delivered electronically:

Corporate Profile Report

Also known as a Corporation Profile Report, Corporate Search, or Entity Report, this document includes:

  • Legal business name
  • Corporation number
  • Registered and mailing addresses
  • Directors and officers
  • Status (active, inactive, dissolved)
  • Incorporation date and jurisdiction

This report is commonly used when completing tax filings, applying for financing, or reviewing a company’s structure before entering into an agreement.

Certificate of Status

This verifies that the business is in good standing with the province. It’s often requested for:

  • Government grants or loans
  • Legal proceedings
  • Partner agreements
  • Foreign qualifications or extra-provincial filings

Copies of Official Filings

We can provide digital copies of:

  • Articles of Incorporation
  • Articles of Amendment
  • Articles of Revival
  • Articles of Dissolution

These documents confirm how a company was formed, changed, revived, or closed and are frequently required by legal professionals or financial institutions.

Why Use Ontario Business Central?

While the Ontario government does offer public access to some records, the process can be confusing and not always user-friendly. At Ontario Business Central, we provide:

  • Fast turnaround—results are almost immediate and emailed directly to you.
  • No need to create an account or navigate complex portals.
  • Access to official and historical documents, not just summaries.
  • Live Canadian support by phone, email, or chat for personalized assistance.
  • Searches for all entity types, including older registrations and unique situations.

Our team has been helping Canadians since 1992, and we know how to get you what you need—fast.

Common Reasons to Perform a Business Registry Search

  • Verifying a business before signing a contract
  • Checking if a business is in good standing
  • Confirming legal business name and structure
  • Preparing for a merger or acquisition
  • Accessing historical records for legal purposes
  • Researching market competitors
  • Ensuring accuracy for CRA, WSIB, or HST registration

If you’re a business owner, professional, or simply doing your due diligence, having access to official documentation can give you peace of mind and protect your interests.

Due Diligence Searches

These additional Due Diligence Searches can help legal professionals, lenders, and buyers complete more thorough background checks when evaluating potential risks or confirming business standing. A comprehensive due diligence search service list including:

  • PPSA (Personal Property Security Act) Searches
  • Bankruptcy Searches
  • Official Receiver Searches
  • Bank Act Searches
  • Litigation Searches
  • U.S. Corporate Searches
Woman on phone performing a business registry search. Obtain search, status or copy of articles now.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is included in a corporate profile report in Ontario?
A corporate profile report includes the legal name of the corporation or registered business, registration number, active status for corporations, office addresses, and a list of directors and officers or owners.

How long does it take to get results from Ontario Business Central?
Most search results are delivered almost instantly by email after the request is submitted through our online platform.

Can I search for dissolved or inactive businesses?
Yes, we can often retrieve historical information for businesses that are no longer active, including dissolved corporations or expired registrations.

Is it possible to get a Certificate of Status or Articles of Incorporation?
Yes, we offer direct access to Certificates of Status and digital copies of Articles of Incorporation, Amendment, Revival, and Dissolution.

Do I need a company key or government login to use Ontario Business Central?
No, Ontario Business Central handles the entire search process for you. There is no need to register an account or access the government portal. A company key is not required.

Fast, Reliable Business Searches Start Here

If you need to look up a business or obtain official documents, Ontario Business Central is here to help. With nearly 30 years of experience and thousands of businesses served, we’re proud to offer one of the easiest ways to perform an Ontario Business Registry Search.

Ready to Begin? Visit our Ontario Business Search page or reach out to our team to get started today.

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.

Laura Harvey
Laura Harvey

Laura Harvey stands as a beacon of entrepreneurial support and expertise, embodying the spirit and drive of the community she serves. As the proud owner of Ontario Business Central Inc., Laura's journey is one of dedication, passion, and an unwavering commitment to nurturing the entrepreneurial landscape in Canada.

With over three decades of experience as a corporate specialist coupled with over 25 years of entrepreneurial ventures, Laura brings a wealth of knowledge and insight to her role. Her expertise is not just theoretical; it's built on the real-life challenges and triumphs of navigating the business world. This unique blend of professional and personal experience positions Laura as a relatable and trusted guide for those embarking on their entrepreneurial journey.

Beyond her role at Ontario Business Central, Laura has extended her outreach through the innovative YouTube series "Taking the Leap." This platform allows her to connect with new business owners, offering them a stage to share their stories and insights. "Taking the Leap" is more than just a series; it's a community where aspiring entrepreneurs can find inspiration, learn from the experiences of others, and gain practical advice on crucial corporate tasks like registering a business, updating business information, understanding tax account intricacies, and much more.

Laura's contributions extend into the digital world through her in-depth blogs for Ontario Business Central. Here, she delves into topics essential for entrepreneurs and business owners looking to start, manage, and grow their ventures. Her writing is a reflection of her passion for supporting entrepreneurial advancement and a testament to her deep understanding of the corporate sphere.

Laura Harvey is not just an entrepreneur; she's a mentor, guide, and fellow traveler on the path of business ownership. She embodies the ethos of "walking the walk," providing both the tools and the encouragement for others to thrive in their entrepreneurial endeavors. Whether through her written words, her YouTube series, or her hands-on approach at Ontario Business Central Inc., Laura is dedicated to uplifting and assisting new and established business owners alike.

You can follow her on social media channels and professional profiles:

Ontario Association of Professional Searchers of Records
Ontario Business Registry
Follow OBC on Twitter/X
Follow Laura on LinkedIn
Taking The Leap YouTube Series