Registering a business name (formerly known as a Master Business Licence) in Ontario is instantaneous when completed online through the Ontario Business Registry (OBR). The provincial government fee is $60 CAD, and you receive your official documents via email immediately after payment.
Starting a new enterprise in Ontario is an exciting milestone. 🚨 Whether you are launching a sole proprietorship in Toronto, setting up a consulting partnership in Ottawa, or opening a retail shop in Mississauga, registering your business name with the province is legally required unless you are operating strictly under your exact legal name. While people still commonly refer to it as a “Master Business Licence,” the government now officially calls it a Business Name Registration.
This guide will explain exactly how long it takes to navigate the updated Ontario Business Registry (OBR) system. Understanding the modern registration process will help you launch your business faster, open your commercial bank accounts, and start serving customers without unnecessary delays.
Step-by-Step Process in Ontario
The transition to the digital Ontario Business Registry has streamlined what used to be a tedious, paper-heavy process. 📍 Today, you can complete the entire application from your home or office. Here is how the registration generally unfolds for local entrepreneurs:
Step 1: Conduct a Name Search
Before you register, you must ensure your desired business name is not already heavily used or trademarked by someone else. While the OBR does not strictly prevent you from registering a name that is already taken by another sole proprietor (unlike a corporation), it is highly recommended to perform a NUANS name search. This search usually takes just a few minutes online and helps protect you from future branding disputes.
Step 2: Set Up Your Ontario Business Account
To access the OBR, you need secure provincial credentials. 🔑 You must sign in with your Ontario.ca Login (which rebranded from My Ontario Account) to access or create your Ontario Business Account (which replaced the old ServiceOntario Account in early 2026). The legacy ServiceOntario ONe-key ID method was officially phased out as of October 28, 2023, meaning your Ontario.ca Login is now the primary gateway to your digital business dashboard. Setting up your profile takes approximately 5 to 10 minutes and requires basic personal information.
Step 3: Submit the Application Online
Once logged in, you will fill out the Business Name Registration form. You will be asked for the business address, a brief description of your business activities, and your personal contact information. After reviewing the details, you pay the government fee using a credit card or Visa Debit.
Step 4: Receive Your Business Identification Number (BIN)
If you apply online, the system instantly generates your official documents. 📄 You will immediately receive an email containing your Master Business Licence equivalent, which includes your 9-digit Business Identification Number (BIN). You can take this document straight to your bank to open a business chequeing account or use it to register for a CRA business number.
How Much Does it Cost in Ontario?
Registering your small business is generally one of the most affordable steps in your startup journey. 💰 As of 2026, here is what you can expect to pay in CAD:
- Government Registration Fee: The mandatory fee charged by the Ontario Business Registry is exactly $60 CAD if you register online. If you choose to print, sign, and mail physical paper forms under the Business Names Act, the government fee is $80 CAD. Sending an incorrect fee of $60 CAD by mail will result in your forms being returned without processing.
- NUANS Name Search: If you perform a preliminary enhanced name search, it typically costs between $8 and $26 CAD depending on the database provider you use.
- Lawyer or Service Provider Fees: If you hire a law firm or a third-party corporate registry service to handle the paperwork for you, they usually charge an administrative fee ranging from $50 to $150 CAD on top of the government fee.
How Long Does the Process Take?
The processing time depends entirely on how you choose to submit your application. ⏳ If you use the digital Ontario Business Registry, the approval is instantaneous. As soon as your payment clears, your documents are emailed to you. However, if you choose to print the forms and mail them to the Ministry of Public and Business Service Delivery and Procurement, manual processing is notoriously slow and typically takes between 4 to 6 weeks. For the vast majority of business owners, applying online is the only logical choice.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Does a Master Business Licence expire?
Yes. A Business Name Registration (Master Business Licence) in Ontario is valid for exactly 5 years. You must renew it through the OBR before it expires to legally continue using the name and maintaining your business bank accounts.
Do I need to register if I use my own personal name?
No. If you operate your business using your exact legal personal name (e.g., “Jane Doe”), you are not legally required to register. However, if you add any extra words (e.g., “Jane Doe Consulting”), registration becomes mandatory.
Does registering my name protect it from being copied?
No, it does not. A Business Name Registration does not grant you exclusive legal rights to the name. If you want strict brand protection across Canada, you must incorporate your business or file for a federal trademark.
Can I change my business name later?
You cannot simply edit an existing registration to change the core business name. If you decide to rebrand, you must cancel your current registration and pay to register the new name from scratch.
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