Corporate Profile Report vs. Certificate of Status — Which One Do You Need?
- Lisa Shaw
- Jan 16
- 3 min read
If you’ve ever needed to prove that a corporation exists or confirm that its records are up to date, you’ve likely come across two similar-sounding documents: the Corporate Profile Report and the Certificate of Status. They both come from official government sources, but they serve very different purposes and have very different information included.
Let’s unpack what each document shows, when you might need them, and how to decide which one is right for your situation.
What Is a Corporate Profile Report?
An Ontario Corporate Profile Report (sometimes called a corporate search) provides a detailed look at what’s on file for a corporation with the government. It’s essentially a snapshot of the company’s public record.
The report includes key information such as:
The legal name of the corporation (or numbered company)
Corporation number and registration jurisdiction
Status (active, dissolved, or inactive)
Date of incorporation or amalgamation
Registered or head office address
Names and addresses of directors and officers
Filing history, such as name changes or annual returns
This document is most often used for research or verification purposes—for example, confirming who owns or manages a corporation before signing a contract or finalizing a deal.
What Is a Certificate of Status?
A Certificate of Status (also known as a Certificate of Good Standing) serves a different function. Instead of listing details, it provides official confirmation that a corporation legally exists and is in good standing with the government.
The certificate is short and formal, typically showing:
The corporation’s legal name
The corporation number
A statement confirming that the corporation is active and has met its filing obligations
This is the document lenders, lawyers, and government agencies often require when a corporation is applying for financing, registering in another province, or proving its current legal status.
Key Differences Between a Corporate Profile Report and a Certificate of Status
Corporate Profile Report | Certificate of Status |
Detailed summary of corporate information | Simple confirmation of legal existence |
Lists directors, officers, addresses, and filing history | Verifies that the corporation is active and in compliance |
Useful for due diligence or research | Commonly required for legal, financial, or registration purposes |
Can be ordered from anywhere the corporation is registered to show what’s on file with that specific jurisdiction | Can only be ordered from the home jurisdiction |
Updated whenever corporate filings are made | Reflects status as of the date it’s issued |
When You Might Need Each One
Here’s a quick guide to help you decide which document fits your needs:
Get a Corporate Profile Report if you want to:
Verify a company’s details before doing business
Confirm current directors or officers
Research a corporation’s history or filings
Check your own company’s records for accuracy
Get a Certificate of Status if you need to:
Apply for a business loan or bank account
Register your corporation in another province or country
Submit proof of good standing for legal or compliance reasons
Finalize an ownership transfer or corporate filing that requires status verification
If a search is being requested by a bank, lawyer, professional governing body or anyone else, you’ll want to just confirm what they want before you order anything.
Why These Documents Matter
Both the corporate profile report and certificate of status help ensure transparency and trust in business. Whether you’re a new entrepreneur, investor, or established corporation, having accurate corporate documentation protects your interests and supports smooth transactions.
How Launch A Business Can Help
At Launch A Business, we make it simple to order Ontario, federal, or any other provincial or territorial corporate documents. We’ll help you quickly access the official corporate profile report or certificate of status you need—without the hassle of navigating government systems.
Our team ensures you get accurate, current, and compliant documents so you can move forward with confidence.
Need help deciding which report to order?
Contact Launch A Business today, and we’ll guide you through choosing the right document for your situation—whether it’s a detailed Ontario corporate profile report or an official certificate of status confirming good standing.
