How to register a business name in Ontario

Updated September 28, 2026

If you run a sole proprietorship or partnership under any name other than your own full legal name, Ontario requires you to register that name. "Jane Smith" doesn't need registering. "Smith Landscaping" does.

Steps

1. Pick a name and search it. Search the Ontario Business Registry to see whether the same name is already registered. Also search the Canadian Trademarks Database, because a registered business name doesn't protect you from someone else's trademark.
2. Register online. Use the Ontario Business Registry. It costs $60 and the registration lasts five years.
3. Renew every five years. Registrations expire. Put the date in your calendar.
4. Get a CRA business number. It's free, and you'll need it for HST and payroll.

What registering does not do

A registered business name is a public record, not exclusive ownership. Another business can register a similar name. For stronger protection, talk to a trademark agent about registering a trademark with the Canadian Intellectual Property Office.

Incorporating instead?

If you incorporate, your corporation's name is registered as part of incorporation ($300 online in Ontario). A named corporation also needs a NUANS name search report. See Sole proprietor or corporation?

Official sources

• Ontario Business Registry
• Canadian Trademarks Database
• CRA business number