Register your business name in Ontario
In this article, I will detail how you can register your business name online in Ontario for free (doing it yourself and avoiding the admin fees most 3rd party companies charge — some upto $300 for 10 minutes of work). You will still be on the hook for the government filing fees, unfortunately there is no way around the government fees.
Why register a business name?
If you wish to operate a business, (even a home-based business) under any name other than your own, you must legally register this business entity with the Government of Ontario.
- If you wish to operate a business as “John Doe”, you do NOT need to register a business name.
- If you wish to operate the business as “John Doe’s Company”, “John Doe’s Widgets” or “Acme Widgets”, legally you MUST register the business name with the Government of Ontario.
If you wish to open a business bank acount under any name other than your own legal name, a bank will require a Master Business License or Certificate of Incorporation (for a corporation — how to incorporate your business federally for free).
Business Name Search (Avoid potential legal trouble)
If the business name you’re interested in registering has already been registered by another person(s) or corporation, you should not register the same business name.
The system will not block you from registering the same business a previously registered business name.
The trouble will arise if and when the existing company takes legal action against you and your company for potential trademark / business name infringement. You can avoid this unncessariy hassble by ensuring the name hasn’t already been regsitered by someone else with anEnhance Business Name Search ($8 – $26).
The search can be performed on the second page of the business name registration page (link below).
Government Filing Fees
$60 – if performed online.
$80 – if performed in person or mail
$8 – $26 Enhanced Business Name Search (Optional)
Geting Started
The process is very straight forward, and takes all but 10 minutes from start to finish. The registration fee ($60) must be made using a credit (Mastercard, Visa or American Express), so have your credit card ready before you start.
Go the Service Ontario website link below and answer the online questionaire about the business you are registering. If the answers you provide are within the guidelines required to register a business name, you will be prompted to pay the $60 registration fee using a credit card (Mastercard, Visa or American Express).
Once the payment has been confirmed, you will be prompted to enter your business details (Business Name, Business Address, Owner Name, Owner Address and E-Mail Address).
Upon a successful submission and registration, you will be sent an e-mail message with a PDF file attachment. This attached PDF file is your Master Business License. You should print it out and save a copy of the PDF file to your computer as it will be a required document for all business administrative activities.
