How to Change a Corporation Address in Ontario | Step-by-Step
- Natalie Paquette
- 3 hours ago
- 5 min read
Your corporation has moved—but have you updated your registered office address?
If not, you're not alone.
Many Ontario business owners assume changing their business address with Canada Post, CRA, or their bank is enough. It isn't.
Ontario corporations are legally required to keep their registered office address current with the Ontario Business Registry. Failing to update it could mean missing important legal notices, government correspondence, or compliance deadlines.
In this complete 2026 guide, you'll learn exactly how to change a corporation address in Ontario, when you must update it, who can file the change, how long it takes, common mistakes to avoid, and what other organizations you'll need to notify.
Whether you're relocating your office, moving home, or using a virtual office, this guide walks you through every step.
How do you change a corporation address in Ontario?
To change a corporation address in Ontario, file a Notice of Change through the Ontario Business Registry. Update your registered office address, email address, director addresses or all of these. The filing can be completed online through the OBR Portal directly, through an authorized service provider like Launch a Business or by someone with authority to act on behalf of the corporation.
What Is a Registered Office Address?
A registered office is your corporation's official legal address.
This is where:
Legal documents are served
Annual compliance notices are sent
Official correspondence is delivered
CRA documents are mailed
Every Ontario corporation must list one - it must be in Ontario and it must be a physical address - no P.O. boxes allowed!
When Do You Need to Change Your Corporation Address?
Update your corporation's address whenever your registered office changes.
Common situations include:
Moving offices
Working from home
Purchasing a commercial property
Renting new office space
Moving to another city
Changing your virtual office provider
Accountant or lawyer no longer acting as your registered office
How Long Do You Have to Update the Address?
Ontario corporations should update their registered office within 15 days of the change happening, but if it’s been longer than that you’ll want to do it as soon as possible after the change has occurred.
Waiting too long can result in:
Missing legal documents
Missed government notices
Compliance issues
Problems obtaining Certificates of Status
Delays with corporate filings
Can You Use a Home Address?
Yes!
Many small businesses use their home as the registered office.
Keep in mind:
It becomes part of the public record.
Anyone searching your corporation may see it.
If privacy is important, many owners choose a commercial office or professional registered office service.
Step-by-Step: How to Change a Corporation Address in Ontario
Step 1: Determine Which Address Is Changing
Ask yourself:
Registered office?
Director address?
All of the above?
One or both of these addresses can be changed at the same time through filing a Notice of Change using the OBR Portal or through Launch A Business.
Step 2: Obtain Corporate Approval
Depending on your bylaws, the directors typically approve changing the registered office.
Keep a record of the decision in your corporate records.
Step 3: File a Notice of Change
You'll submit the updated address through the Ontario Business Registry.
Information required generally includes:
Corporation name
Ontario Corporation Number (OCN)
New registered office address
Authorized filer information
Step 4: Receive Confirmation
Once processed, your corporation's public record will reflect the new address.
Always keep confirmation with your corporate records.
What Information You'll Need
Before filing, have:
Ontario Corporation Number
Company Key
New registered office address
Email address
Director information
Effective date
Can You Change the Address Online?
Yes!
Most Ontario corporations can update their address online through the Ontario Business Registry or an authorized intermediary, like Launch A Business.
Using a filing service like Launch A Business often reduces errors and speeds up processing.
Does CRA Need to Be Updated Too?
Yes.
Changing your Ontario corporate address does not automatically update CRA records.
You'll likely need to update:
Corporate Income Tax
GST/HST
Payroll
Import/Export accounts
This is one of the biggest mistakes businesses make after moving.
Other Organizations You Should Notify
Changing your registered office doesn't update every organization automatically.
Notify:
CRA
Banks
Insurance companies
Municipal licensing offices
WSIB
Suppliers
Customers
Payment processors
Professional regulators
Domain registrar
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Using a PO Box
A registered office requires a physical Ontario address.
Forgetting CRA
Government corporate records and CRA are separate systems.
Forgetting Annual Returns
Changing your address doesn't replace annual filing obligations.
Updating Only Your Website
Many businesses change their website but forget the legal filing.
Not Updating Corporate Records
Your minute book should reflect significant corporate changes.
How Much Does It Cost?
Costs vary depending on how you file.
There is no government fee to submit the filing. Professional filing services typically have a service fee associated with the filing. However, professional filing services can help avoid rejected filings and delays.
How Long Does It Take?
Many electronic filings are processed quickly, although processing times vary depending on the filing method and system availability.
Can You Change More Than Just the Address?
Yes!
Many corporations update multiple items at once.
Examples include:
Registered office address
Director updates
Officer updates
Email address
If you're wondering how do I change my corporation name, you'll generally need to file Articles of Amendment rather than a Notice of Change.
Similarly, if you're asking how can I change my business name, the process depends on whether you're changing a corporation's legal name, a business name registration, or operating under a new trade name.
Example
Sarah incorporated in Ottawa but recently moved her consulting business to Kingston.
She:
✅ Updated her registered office
✅ Updated CRA
✅ Changed her bank records
✅ Updated Google Business Profile
✅ Notified insurance
Her corporation remained fully compliant with Ontario requirements.
Expert Tips
✔ Keep digital copies of every filing confirmation.
✔ Update your address before moving whenever possible.
✔ Review your corporation profile annually.
✔ Keep directors informed.
✔ Maintain an up-to-date corporate minute book.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I change a corporation address in Ontario?
File a Notice of Change through the Ontario Business Registry to update your registered office address.
Is changing my corporation address free?
Government fees and service fees vary depending on how the filing is completed.
Do I need a lawyer?
No.
Many corporations complete the filing themselves or use an incorporation filing service.
Does changing my address change my CRA records?
No, not automatically.
CRA records must usually be updated separately.
Can I use my home address?
Yes, but it becomes part of the public corporate record.
Can I change my corporation name at the same time?
Not through a Notice of Change.
Changing a corporation's legal name requires Articles of Amendment.
What happens if I don't update my corporation address?
You may miss legal notices, government correspondence, tax information, and compliance deadlines.
Can I change my mailing address without changing my registered office?
Ontario corporations and businesses no longer list a separate mailing address. Instead, an email address is now listed, and all government documents are sent to this email address.
Final Thoughts
Keeping your corporation's address up to date is one of the simplest—but most important—corporate compliance responsibilities in Ontario.
Updating your registered office promptly helps ensure you receive legal notices, maintain accurate public records, and avoid unnecessary complications with government filings.
If you're unsure which address needs updating or you're making additional corporate changes at the same time, getting professional assistance can help ensure everything is filed correctly the first time.
