What to Do if You Don’t Have a Company Key in Ontario

ByLaura Harvey
company key questions

If you’re trying to renew or amend your registered business in Ontario but can’t find your company key, you’re not alone. Many business owners have faced this same issue since the launch of the Ontario Business Registry. Fortunately, there are a few ways to move forward—and Ontario Business Central is here to help.

What is a Company Key & Why Do You Need It?

A company key acts like a digital signature for your business, allowing you to securely access and make changes to your registration through the Ontario Business Registry (OBR). You’ll need it for tasks like:

Without it, these updates can’t be submitted online.

Option 1: Let Ontario Business Central Help You Retrieve or Register Your Company Key

We offer services to assist in:

  • Submitting a renewal or amendment registration through Ontario Business Central where you can request that we get your company key as part of your renewal order.

If your business is still active and listed in the system, we can often help you complete the necessary steps without delay.

Option 2: Requesting a New Company Key Through Ontario Business Central

If your company key isn’t found or hasn’t been registered, the next step is to request a new one.

Here’s how it works:

  • Submit a request for a company key through Ontario Business Central.
  • We will forward the request to the Ontario Business Registry on your behalf.
  • The province will mail a physical copy of the company key to the business address listed on your current registration.
  • This ensures only authorized individuals can gain access.

It’s important to note that the mailing address must still be valid and accessible. If you’ve moved, this could delay the process.

Order Your Company Key

What If I Have a Corporation? Can I Get a New Corporation & a New Company Key?

If your business is a corporation, the process isn’t as simple as starting fresh with a new registration. While it is technically possible to incorporate a new business and obtain a new company key, there are several important considerations:

  • You would need to dissolve the existing corporation, which can be a more complex and time-consuming process compared to canceling a Sole Proprietorship or General Partnership.
  • After dissolution, you would then need to incorporate a brand-new entity, which comes with its own set of fees and legal requirements.
  • You’ll be required to set up a new corporate bank account, and the CRA will need to issue entirely new tax accounts, including HST, payroll, and corporate tax.
  • Any existing assets, contracts, or liabilities tied to the original corporation would need to be reassigned or resolved before you move forward.

Because of the higher cost, additional paperwork, and more complex tax implications, this option is not usually recommended unless absolutely necessary and should be carefully reviewed with professional advice.

Why Work With Ontario Business Central?

At Ontario Business Central, we’ve been proudly supporting entrepreneurs and business owners for over 30 years. As an authorized intermediary with the Province of Ontario, we have direct access to the Ontario Business Registry and the experience needed to help you navigate the process of managing your business registration—including recovering or registering your company key.

Whether you’re renewing your business, requesting a new company key, or looking at your options for moving forward, our team is here to make it easy. We offer fast, reliable, and supportive service with live Canadian agents available by phone, email, or chat to answer any questions you have.

We’re here to help you succeed every step of 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.

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