Step-by-Step: How to Request a Corporate Search in Ontario
- Natalie Paquette
- Nov 21
- 3 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
Need to find official information about a business in Ontario? Whether you’re verifying a company’s status, checking corporate history, or confirming details for legal or financial reasons, a corporate search is the fastest way to access accurate, government-verified information.
At Launch a Business, we make it easy to order official corporate records—without the confusing forms or long government wait times. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide on how to request a corporate search in Ontario and what you’ll get in your report.
Step-By-Step Guide to Requesting a Corporate Search
Need a corporate search but don't know where to start, which search you need or how to get it done quickly?
Watch our YouTube video for a quick breakdown of the most requested searches, what's included in each and how to get yours asap!
What Is a Corporate Search?
A corporate search provides official information about a business or corporation that’s registered or incorporated in Ontario (and across Canada). These details are pulled directly from the Ontario Business Registry (OBR) or the equivalent government database in other provinces.
Depending on the type of report you request, you’ll find different details.
If you’re looking for a Corporate Profile Report, you can find key details like:
The corporation’s legal name and number
Registration or incorporation date
Current directors and officers
Registered office address
Business status (active, dissolved, etc.)
Tradenames (both active and expired)
Filing history and more
Why You Might Need a Corporate Search
Corporate searches are useful for a variety of reasons, such as:
Verifying a business partner or supplier before signing a contract
Checking your own corporation’s records for accuracy
Obtaining proof of good standing for banks, lawyers, or investors
Researching competitors or market data
Accessing incorporation documents for legal or compliance purposes
Step-by-Step: How to Request a Corporate Search in Ontario
Here’s exactly how it works when you order through Launch a Business:
Step 1: Choose the Type of Search You Need
There are a few types of corporate searches available, depending on what you’re looking for:
Corporate Profile Report – shows the most current information about a corporation, including directors, addresses, and status.
Certificate of Status – confirms that a corporation is active and in good standing with the government.
Copy of Articles of Incorporation – provides the original registration documents submitted when the business was first incorporated.
Not sure which one you need? We’re happy to help you choose the right option for your purpose.
Step 2: Provide the Business Details
You can search using either:
The corporation name, or
The Ontario Corporation Number (OCN)
Once you submit the details, our team will confirm the information before processing your request. This helps ensure your report is accurate and matches the correct business.
Step 3: Submit Your Request
Simply fill out the short online form on our Corporate Searches page.
We’ll get started on your search once we’ve received the request.
Step 4: Receive Your Official Report
Your report is typically delivered by email the same day, often within a few hours during business days.
We’ll send the official PDF copy directly to your inbox (remember to check spam, junk, and anywhere else it may have been sent!) — ready for printing, sharing, or filing with your records.
Need to Do Multiple Searches?
If you need to request bulk searches (for multiple corporations or provinces), our team can help with that too.
Simply contact us with your list of names or corporation numbers, and we’ll prepare a customized quote and turnaround time.
How Launch a Business Makes It Easier
Instead of dealing directly with government portals, we handle everything for you — from verifying the correct entity to retrieving the official documents. You get:
✅ Fast turnaround (usually same-day delivery)
✅ Secure, government-sourced information
✅ Easy online ordering — no account setup required
✅ Friendly, helpful support if you need assistance
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re verifying your own business or researching another company, a corporate search is a reliable way to access official corporate information in Ontario.
With Launch a Business, you’ll get quick, accurate reports — without the confusion of navigating government systems.
Ready to request a corporate search? Visit our Corporate Searches page to get started today. And, if you are unsure about which search you might need, give us a call or book a quick consult so we can help explain the differences between these searches.
