Renewing Your Ontario Business Registration in 2025

ByLaura Harvey
business owners renewing their business licence

If you’ve registered your business in Ontario as a Sole Proprietorship, General Partnership, Trade Name under a Corporation or General Partnership, or a Limited Partnership (LP), your registration is valid for five years. After that time, you are required to renew the registration to remain in compliance with the Ontario Business Registry.

Person using a laptop to renew a business registration online with Ontario Business Central

Understanding Each Business Type

Sole Proprietorship: This is the simplest and most common type of business registration in Ontario. It consists of one individual who owns and operates the business. The owner is personally responsible for all debts and obligations and reports business income on their personal tax return.

General Partnership: A General Partnership is formed when two or more individuals or entities agree to operate a business together and share profits and liabilities. Each partner is equally responsible for the debts and legal obligations of the business.

Trade Name: A Trade Name, also known as a business name or operating name, is used when a Corporation or General Partnership wants to operate under a name that is different from its legal name. This registration does not create a separate legal entity and is tied to the primary registrant.

Limited Partnership (LP): An LP consists of one or more general partners who manage the business and have unlimited liability, and one or more limited partners who contribute capital and have liability limited to their investment. LPs are commonly used for investment purposes or business structures involving silent partners.

Renewal Timeframe and Requirements

  • Mandatory Renewal Every 5 Years: All business name registrations and LPs in Ontario must be renewed every five years from the original date of registration.
  • No Government Reminder: The Ontario Business Registry does not send renewal notices. It is the owner’s responsibility to track the renewal date.
  • Consequence of Non-Renewal: If the renewal is missed, the registration is automatically cancelled, and the business name becomes publicly available to anyone else wishing to register it.

Company Key Requirement

As of 2025, the Company Key is now mandatory for any business renewal filing in Ontario, regardless of business type. This key is issued by the Ontario Business Registry and is required to complete your renewal, update filings, or make changes to your registration.

If you cannot locate your Company Key, Ontario Business Central can assist you in retrieving it quickly and efficiently, ensuring you don’t miss your renewal deadline.

What You’ll Need to Renew

How to Renew Your Ontario Business Registration in 3 Simple Steps

1. Review Your Business Information
Make sure your registration details (name, address, owners) are accurate and up to date.

2. Retrieve Your Company Key or BIN
You’ll need your Company Key or Business Identification Number (BIN) to proceed. If you can’t find it, Ontario Business Central can help.

3. Submit and Stay Compliant
Once everything is confirmed, submit your renewal online and keep your registration active for another five years. We’ll also notify you by email when it’s time to renew again in another five years, so you never miss a deadline.

If you do not have access to your BIN or Company Key, Ontario Business Central can help retrieve it.

What Sets Ontario Business Central Apart?

Unlike many other services, we go beyond simply processing your renewal:

  • We help you retrieve your BIN if you don’t have it on file.
  • We track your renewal date for you.
  • We send email reminders well in advance of the renewal deadline every five years, so you never risk cancellation due to forgetfulness.
  • Live Canadian support by phone, email, or chat whenever you need it.
Friendly Ontario Business Central agent helping a client by phone

Renewal Chart by Business Type

Business TypeRenewal TermCompany Key or BIN NeededCan You Change Name at Renewal?If Not Renewed
Sole ProprietorshipEvery 5 yearsYes❌ No – must cancel and register new nameName is cancelled and becomes public
General PartnershipEvery 5 yearsYes❌ No – must cancel and register new nameName is cancelled and becomes public
Trade Name (under Corp or GP)Every 5 yearsYes❌ No – must cancel and register new nameName is cancelled and becomes public
Limited Partnership (LP)Every 5 yearsYes❌ No – must cancel and register new nameLP is cancelled and must be refiled

Final Tips

  • If your business details have changed (e.g., business activity or address), make those updates before renewing.  This can be done by filing an amendment or change to your current registration.
  • If you want to operate under a different name, you must complete a new registration instead of renewing the current one. This applies to all business types listed above.
  • You can still re-register the name up to 60 days beyond your renewal date.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What Happens if I Forget to Renew My Registration?
Your registration will be automatically cancelled, and your business name will become publicly available. You may lose the right to use that name if someone else registers or incorporates it.

Can I Renew Early Before My Expiration Date?
Yes, you can renew your business within 6 months of the renewal date if you wish to stay ahead of your deadlines.

Do I Need to Renew if Nothing Has Changed in my Business?
Yes. Even if there are no changes to your business, you must renew your registration every five years to remain active.

Can I Change My Business Name During the Renewal?
No. If you wish to use a different business name, you must cancel the current registration and register a new name.  This is assuming that you will no longer wish to operate under the old business name.

What if I Can’t Find My Company Key?
No problem. Ontario Business Central can help you retrieve your Company Key so you can proceed with your renewal without delay.

Will I Receive a Reminder From the Government to Renew?
No. The government does not send reminders. That’s why Ontario Business Central sends email notifications ahead of your renewal date to help you stay compliant.

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:

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Taking The Leap YouTube Series