Certificate of Status | All Canadian Provinces & Territories

A Certificate of Status in Ontario is an official document issued from the provincial registry confirming whether a corporation is active or inactive on the date of issuance.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Certificate of Status in Ontario?

A Certificate of Status is an official document issued by the Ontario Ministry confirming that a corporation is active and has not been dissolved or cancelled. It is the standard document required by banks, law firms, and financial institutions to verify a corporation's standing.

Is a Certificate of Good Standing the Same as a Certificate of Status?

Yes. While the official name in Ontario is Certificate of Status, banks and lawyers often refer to it as a Certificate of Good Standing. They are the same document.

How Long is an Ontario Certificate of Status Valid?

Most financial institutions require a certificate issued within the last 30 to 90 days to ensure the data is current. Order as close to your transaction date as possible.

What if my Company is in Default on the Certificate of Status?

If your corporation has missed annual filings, the certificate will state In Default. Ontario Business Central can help you file your outstanding Annual Returns to restore your status to Active before the certificate is reissued.

Does a Certificate of Status Include Director Names?

No. A Certificate of Status confirms only whether the corporation is currently active. To see Directors and Officers, order a Corporate Profile Report — available on the same order form.

What is the Difference Between a Certificate of Status and a Certificate of Compliance?

Certificate of Status is the Ontario term. Certificate of Compliance is used for Federal corporations registered with Corporations Canada. Both serve the same legal purpose. Ontario Business Central can retrieve both depending on your corporation's jurisdiction.

Why Use Ontario Business Central?

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Your certificate is pulled from the live government registry the moment you order—no "batching" or delays.
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Our experts double-check your order for typos or jurisdiction errors before the government fee is spent.
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Understanding Good Standing in Ontario

The Definition of "Active Status": In Ontario, a corporation is considered "Active" when it has met all its filing requirements under the Business Corporations Act (OBCA) or the Not-for-Profit Corporations Act.
Causes of "In Default" Status: The most common reason a Certificate of Status is denied or shows "Default" is the failure to file an Annual Return. This is a mandatory filing separate from your tax return.
Certificate of Status vs. Certificate of Compliance: While "Status" is the Ontario term, "Compliance" is the term used for Federal (Canada) corporations. Both serve the same legal purpose for banking and contracts.