Why is business name registration important in Ontario?

Business name registration is essential to legally operate under a chosen name, protect your brand, and comply with Ontario government requirements for sole proprietorships, partnerships, and corporations.

Who needs to register a business name in Ontario?

Sole proprietorships and partnerships using a name other than the owner’s legal name must register. Corporations must register their corporate name and may require a NUANS name search.

How do I register a business name in Ontario?

You can register online through the Ontario Business Registry or in-person at ServiceOntario. Using a guided service like Launch a Business can simplify the process and ensure accuracy.

What is a NUANS report and do I need one for my business name?

A NUANS report checks for existing trademarks or business names to avoid conflicts. It is required for federal corporations or if you want to confirm your proposed name is unique.

Can I operate under my business name before registration in Ontario?

No. Using an unregistered business name can result in penalties and legal issues. You must register your name before legally operating under it.

How long does it take to register a business name in Ontario?

Online registration is usually instant or completed within a few hours. Paper registrations may take a few days to process.

Can two businesses have the same name in Ontario?

No. Business names must be unique within Ontario. A NUANS search helps ensure your chosen name does not conflict with existing businesses.

Do I need to renew my business name registration in Ontario?

Yes. Business name registrations must be renewed every five years to maintain legal protection and compliance.

What information do I need to register my business name?

You need the proposed business name, business structure (sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation), owner information, and business address.

Can I register a business name for online use only in Ontario?

Yes. Even if you operate online only, Ontario law requires business name registration for sole proprietorships and partnerships if using a name other than your legal name.

How much does it cost to register a business name in Ontario?

Fees vary depending on registration method. Online registration fees are typically lower, while in-person or paper registrations may cost slightly more.

Can a business name be trademarked in Ontario?

Yes. Registering a trademark provides additional legal protection beyond a business name registration, helping prevent others from using your brand.

What happens if my business name conflicts with an existing name?

Your registration will be rejected. You must choose a unique name or modify it to avoid conflicts identified in a NUANS or government name search.

What is the easiest way for Ontario entrepreneurs to register a business name correctly?

Using a guided service like Launch a Business ensures your business name registration is accurate, compliant, and completed quickly without errors or delays.

Business Name Registration in Ontario: What You Need to Know Before You Start

Lisa Shaw
Nov 14
4 min read

Thinking about starting a business in Ontario? Before you jump into designing your logo or printing business cards, there’s one big step you’ll need to take — registering your business name.

Whether you’re a solo entrepreneur, starting a partnership, or testing out a new side hustle, registering your business name is how you make things official in the eyes of the Ontario government. It can also help to start developing your brand and build credibility with your customers from day one.

In this guide, we’ll break down what business name registration really means, who needs it, and how to get it done without the red tape.

What Does Business Name Registration Mean in Ontario?

When you register a business name in Ontario, you’re letting the government (and the public) know that you’re operating under a specific name.

This process is handled through the Ontario Business Registry (OBR) and is required for most businesses that don’t use the owner’s exact legal name.

For example:

If your name is Alex Lee and that’s exactly as you’re operating, you don’t need to register.
But if you operate as Alex Lee Photography, Blue Horizon Consulting, or anything else that isn’t what your ID says your name is, you must register that name.

It’s that simple.

Who Needs to Register a Business Name

You’ll need to register your name if you’re starting:

A Sole Proprietorship (operating under any name other than your personal legal name)
A General Partnership
A Corporation OR if you have a corporation and want to operate a Tradename under that corporation.

Even if you’re not incorporating, registering your name connects your business to a public record — so people can confirm your business exists and contact you if needed.

Why Registering Your Business Name Matters

Aside from being a legal requirement, registering your business name has a few big perks:

✅ Builds trust. Customers take you more seriously when you have an official, registered name.

✅ Opens business opportunities. You’ll need a registered name to open a business bank account, sign contracts, or apply for financing.

✅ Creates a public record. Your name becomes searchable in Ontario’s registry — helpful for clients, suppliers, and potential partners.

✅ Protects your brand identity (to an extent). While name registration doesn’t give you exclusive rights like a trademark does, it helps to start developing that brand by showing that you’re a legit business in Ontario.

How to Register a Business Name in Ontario

Here’s the quick overview of how it works when you register through Launch a Business — we handle the paperwork, so you don’t have to deal with government portals or confusing forms.

1. Search Your Business Name (NUANS Search)

Before registering, it’s smart to make sure your name is unique. A NUANS name search checks existing businesses, corporations, and trademarks across Canada to make sure your name isn’t already in use.

At Launch a Business, we can run the search and send you the official results — so you can move forward with confidence.

2. Submit Your Business Registration

Once your name is clear, we take care of the registration process with the Ontario Business Registry on your behalf. You just provide your business details, and we’ll handle the rest.

3. Receive Your Official Business Registration

After registration, you’ll receive your Business Name Registration (BNR) - you may know this as a Master Business Licence (MBL) — this document confirms your business name is officially registered and includes your registration number, business name, and address.

You’ll typically receive your BNR by email within 2-3 business days when you register through Launch a Business - or within 24 hours if you’re itching to get started!

How Long Does a Business Name Registration Last?

Your Ontario Business Name Registration is valid for five years. After that, it needs to be renewed if you want to keep using the name.

Don’t worry — we’ll send reminders when it’s time to renew, so your registration never expires or lapses.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

We’re here and ready to help entrepreneurs register their businesses and help them avoid some of the mistakes we see all the time:

🚫 Skipping the name search. You might fall in love with a name that’s already taken — and find out after you’ve built your website or branding.

🚫 Forgetting to renew. If your business name expires, you lose your registration, and your start date will show as new, so any history you’ve built up could be lost.

🚫 Not following the naming rules. There are a few rules Ontario sets out for how you can name your business, and it’s not uncommon to see Business Name Registrations cancelled for breaking the rules.

🚫 Mixing up registration with incorporation. Registering a business name is not the same as incorporating. A name registration doesn’t create a separate legal entity or limit your personal liability.

If you’re not sure whether you should register or incorporate, we can help you figure out what’s best for your business goals.

Ready to Register Your Business Name?

At Launch a Business, we make business name registration in Ontario simple, fast, and stress-free. We handle the government forms, name searches, and paperwork — so you can focus on actually launching your business.

Or contact us if you’re not sure which option fits your situation — our team’s here to help.

In Short:

You need to register a business name if it’s anything other than your personal legal name.
Registration lasts for 5 years and must be renewed.
A NUANS name search helps you avoid conflicts before registering.
Incorporation is different — it creates a separate legal entity.
Launch a Business can handle the full process for you.