Change Business Address in Ontario (2026 Guide): Fast & Easy Steps, Requirements & Common Mistakes
- Lisa Shaw
- 2 days ago
- 4 min read
Need to change your business address in Ontario? Whether you’ve moved offices, switched to a home-based setup, or updated your registered office, keeping your corporate records current isn’t optional—it’s required.
The good news? Updating your address is straightforward once you know the exact steps, deadlines, and requirements.
This guide breaks down how to update your business address or corporate address, when to file, what documents you need, and how to avoid costly mistakes—so you stay compliant and stress-free.
What Does “Change Business Address” Mean?
Changing your business address means updating your business or corporation’s registered office address with the government to ensure legal documents and correspondence are sent to the correct location. It also ensures that the correct physical location of your business is listed on the public record.
Types of Business Addresses You Can Update
Address Type | What It Means |
Registered Office Address | Official legal address for your business or corporation |
Mailing Address | Ontario no longer lists a mailing address for businesses or corporations |
Business Owner or Director Address | Personal address of the business owners or directors (yes, it can be the same as the business address) |
Email address | Where all government documents are sent |
When Do You Need to Change Your Business Address?
You must update your address when:
You move to a new office or location
You switch from home-based to commercial (or vice versa)
Your registered office changes
A director or business owner changes their address
Your email address changes
Deadline to Update Your Business Address
In Ontario, you must update your business address within 15 days of the change.
Missing this deadline can lead to compliance issues or complications with banks, lenders, and government filings.
How to Change Your Business Address in Ontario (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Gather Required Information
You’ll need:
Corporation name & Ontario Corporation Number (OCN) or Business name & Business Identification Number (BIN)
New address details
Director information (if applicable)
Company Key (from Ontario Business Registry)
Step 2: File a Notice of Change or Business Amendment
To officially update your corporate address, you must file a Notice of Change through the Ontario Business Registry.
To update a small business address, you must file an Amendment (also through the Ontario Business Registry)
This updates:
Registered office address
Director addresses or business owner address
Email contact
Officer details
Step 3: Submit Through the Ontario Business Registry
You can file:
Directly through the government portal using the Ontario Business Registry
Through a service provider like Launch a Business
Step 4: Receive Confirmation
Once processed, you’ll receive confirmation that your address has been updated.
Keep this for your records.
What Else Should You Update at the Same Time?
This is where most businesses miss a big opportunity. When you file a Notice of Change or Business Amendment, you’re also able to make a few other changes with the same filing. It’s a good opportunity to make sure everything on file is correct.
When you change your business address, you should also review:
1. Change Corporate Directors (if needed)
Add/remove directors
Update director addresses
Ensure compliance with residency requirements
2. Update Business Owner info (for small businesses)
Update business owner’s address
Add/remove partners (for General Partnerships)
3. Update Business Email
This is where the government sends:
Filing reminders
Compliance notices
Important updates
4. Update Business Activity
Make sure your business classification reflects what you actually do.
What You CANNOT Change With a Notice of Change or Business Amendment
For corporations, a Notice of Change does NOT cover:
Business name changes
Share structure changes
Articles of Incorporation updates
For those, you’ll need Articles of Amendment. Good news is, we can help with this also!
For small business registrations, a Business Amendment does NOT let you:
Change the business name
Change the type of business (ie. from a sole proprietorship to a general partnership)
Change from a small business to a corporation
Change the ownership from one person to another
In most of these cases, a new registration would be needed. But if there’s something you need done, just reach out to us, and we can let you know how to make it happen!
Do You Need a Company Key?
Yes, a Company Key is required to change your business address in Ontario through the Ontario Business Registry.
The Company Key would have been sent to you by email when you registered or incorporated your business.
If you don’t have it:
You can request a new one
Or use a service provider to help retrieve it
1. Using a P.O. Box
Registered office must be a physical Ontario address. If you don’t have a separate business address, you have the option to list your home address.
2. Missing the 15-Day Deadline
Late filings can cause compliance issues.
3. Forgetting Director Updates
If director changes happen, these updates should be filed as soon as possible. This includes adding or removing directors, and updating their addresses.
4. Not Updating Banks & CRA
Government update ≠ automatic updates everywhere else. Once your changes are done, you’ll want to make sure you update the info everywhere.
Real-World Example
Scenario: A Toronto-based marketing agency moved from a coworking space to a home office.
What they needed to do:
File Notice of Change
Update registered office address
Update director address
Notify bank and CRA
Result: Avoided delays when applying for financing later.
Why Keeping Your Address Updated Matters
Updating your address helps with:
Opening business bank accounts
Securing loans or funding
Maintaining legal compliance
Avoiding missed government notices
Preventing penalties or delays
How Launch a Business Can Help
Government portals can be confusing.
Launch a Business can:
File your Notice of Change or Business Amendment for you
Help you update corporate address correctly
Assist to change corporate directors
Retrieve your Company Key
Ensure everything is compliant and processed quickly
