Understanding the Ontario Company Key: What It Is and How It’s Used
- Lisa Shaw
- Jan 26
- 4 min read
If you’re just starting a business in Ontario, or you’ve got an existing business and you’re trying to make changes, you’ve probably come across something called an Ontario Company Key.
It’s one of those pieces of information that sounds important (because it is), but it’s not always clear what it actually does. Let’s break it down so you can see what it’s used for, why it matters, and how it’s different from the Business Number (BN) you might already be familiar with.
What Is an Ontario Company Key?
The Ontario Company Key is a unique identifier assigned to every business and corporation that’s registered in Ontario. Think of it as a “password” for your company when interacting with certain government services online through the OBR Portal. It’s a 9-digit number that helps the Ministry of Government and Consumer Services (MGCS) verify your corporation when you’re filing documents, updating information, or using digital services.
Basically, the Company Key is like your company’s password to the Ontario corporate system—without it, you can’t access some of the online tools that make managing your business or corporation easier.
When Was It Introduced?
The Ontario Company Key was introduced in October 2021 as part of Ontario’s push to modernize corporate services through their new OBR Portal. Before that, most interactions were paper-based, which could be slow and prone to errors. With the Ontario Company Key, Ontario businesses gained a simple way to securely log into the government’s online corporate services portal and control who has access to file on their behalf.
What Is It Used For?
You’ll use your Ontario Company Key anytime you need to:
File annual returns for your corporation online
Update your corporation’s registered office address or directors
Access the Ontario Business Registry digital services (OBR Portal)
Request corporate documents or certificates online
Register or renew a Business Name Registration
Basically, it’s a must-have if you want to manage your business or corporation efficiently.
How Is It Different From a Business Number (BN)?
This is where things get a little confusing for new business owners. The Ontario Company Key and the Business Number (BN) are both important, but they serve very different purposes:
Feature | Ontario Company Key | Business Number (BN) |
Issued by | Government of Ontario | Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) |
Purpose | Secure online access to Ontario business and corporate services | Identify your business for federal tax, payroll, and other CRA accounts |
Format | 9-digit number | 9-digit number (with program identifiers for GST/HST, payroll, etc.) |
Use | Managing business and corporate records in Ontario | Tax filings, payroll, GST/HST, import/export accounts |
So, while your BN is essential for taxes and federal interactions, your Ontario Company Key is mostly about business or corporate management within Ontario.
How to Get Your Ontario Company Key
For Businesses and Corporations Registered After October 21, 2021
If you registered or incorporated your business in Ontario after October 21, 2021, your Ontario Company Key was issued automatically. This is because all new business filings are now done through the Ontario Business Registry (OBR) portal, which sends the key directly to your email (a new point of contact for Service Ontario to use for all businesses and corporations in Ontario).
If you’ve misplaced your Company Key or aren’t sure where it is, don’t worry. You can retrieve it through the OBR portal, or we can help get it for you. You’ll just need some information to confirm your identity and your corporation.
For Businesses and Corporations Registered Before October 21, 2021
If your business started before October 21, 2021, a Company Key wasn’t issued automatically. You would need to request it manually through the Ontario Business Registry, or we can help get it for you. In almost all of these cases, it’s sent by mail since there would not have been an email listed on file for anything registered before the new OBR Portal was up and running.
But, fear not - once you get your Company Key, you can add an email address to your info, so any future correspondence would be sent straight to that email.
For New Businesses and Corporations Using Launch a Business
When you incorporate through Launch a Business, your Company Key comes automatically with your business registration or incorporation documents from the Ontario Business Registry. Make sure to keep it safe—you’ll need it whenever you log in to manage your corporation online and for any future filings.
Key Takeaway
Your Ontario Company Key might seem like just another number, but it’s an important part of running a business or corporation in Ontario. It ensures you can access online services quickly and securely and keeps your corporate records up-to-date. Remember: it’s not the same as your BN, so keep both handy—they each have their own job to do.
Want to get your Ontario Company Key hassle-free? Incorporate your business with Launch a Business and get all your documents, including your Company Key, in one place—no guesswork, no stress.
Still have questions about how to get your company key? Need us to help you get it for you? Give us a call or schedule your consult today!