When do I need to renew my Ontario business registration?

Business registrations in Ontario must be renewed every five years from the date of registration to remain legally active and compliant.

What happens if I miss my business registration renewal in Ontario?

Failing to renew can result in your business name becoming inactive, legal penalties, and the risk of losing exclusive rights to your business name.

How do I renew a sole proprietorship or partnership in Ontario?

You can renew online through the Ontario Business Registry or in-person at ServiceOntario. The process involves confirming business details and paying the renewal fee.

Can I renew my Ontario business registration online?

Yes. Online renewal through the Ontario Business Registry is fast, secure, and ensures immediate confirmation of your business registration renewal.

How much does it cost to renew a business registration in Ontario?

Renewal fees vary depending on the business type. Generally, the fee is modest and can be paid online during the renewal process.

Do I need a NUANS report to renew my business registration in Ontario?

No. A NUANS report is typically required for new registrations or incorporations, not for routine renewals of existing business registrations.

What information do I need to renew my business registration in Ontario?

You need your current business registration number, legal business name, owner information, and any updated contact or business details.

Can I update my business information during renewal?

Yes. The renewal process allows you to update your business address, owner information, and other contact details to ensure your registration is accurate.

How long does the renewal process take in Ontario?

Online renewals are typically completed instantly, while in-person or paper-based renewals may take a few days to process.

Can I renew a business registration late in Ontario?

Yes, but late renewals may incur additional fees and risk temporary loss of business name rights until the renewal is processed.

Is it necessary to renew a corporation’s registration in Ontario?

Corporations in Ontario have different filing requirements, such as annual returns, rather than standard business name renewals. Check corporate compliance guidelines for details.

What is the easiest way to renew my Ontario business registration without stress?

Using a guided service like Launch a Business ensures your renewal is done accurately, on time, and without confusion, handling all forms and fees efficiently.

Can I combine business registration renewal with other Ontario business services?

Yes. Many services allow you to renew your registration while also updating HST accounts, payroll information, or filing other compliance documents in one streamlined process.

When and How to Renew Your Ontario Business Registration Without Stress

Natalie Paquette
Nov 18
3 min read

Running a business in Ontario comes with a lot of moving parts — renewing your business registration shouldn’t be one of the stressful ones. Whether you registered as a sole proprietorship, partnership, or operating name under an existing corporation, keeping your registration up to date and active is essential to stay compliant (and keep your business name alive!).

Here’s everything you need to know about when and how to renew your Ontario business registration — and how to make the process quick, simple, and stress-free.

Why Business Name Renewals Matter

If you’ve registered a business name in Ontario (like a sole proprietorship or general partnership), it’s valid for five years. After that, it must be renewed to stay active with the Ontario Business Registry (OBR).

If you forget to renew, your registration will automatically expire — which can cause problems like:

No longer being able to use your business name until you re-register
Disruptions with banking or government programs
Issues proving your business is active

Keeping your registration current ensures your business name remains active and recognized with the government.

When to Renew

The renewal date is based on the original registration date, not when you started operating or opened your doors. You can renew any time within 6 months before and 60 days after the expiry date.

✅ Pro tip: Mark your renewal date in your calendar (or two!) — one reminder a few months before, and one closer to the expiry. That way, you won’t miss it.

If you’re not sure when your registration expires and don’t have a copy of your original registration, you can request a Profile Report from Launch a Business to get a new copy and confirm your renewal date.

How to Renew Your Ontario Business Registration

Here’s how the renewal process works, step by step:

1. Confirm your existing business details

Before renewing, double-check that your business information is still accurate — including your address, business activity, and contact info. If you’ve changed your business name, you’ll need to register a new business instead of renewing. If details like your address or business activity has changed, you will have to file an amendment (either before or after you renew) to update this info - the new Ontario Business Registry (OBR) doesn’t let you renew and update info at the same time anymore.

2. Submit your renewal

You can renew through Launch a Business — we handle the details, confirm your information, and make sure your registration is properly filed with the Ontario Business Registry.

We’ll send you a confirmation once your renewal is complete, along with your updated Business Name Registration (BNR).

Renew Your Ontario Business Registration

3. Keep your records handy

Once your renewal is done, keep your updated documents somewhere safe (and digital). You’ll often need your OBR for banking, suppliers, or government programs.

What Happens if You Miss the Renewal Deadline?

If your registration expires, don’t panic — it happens! You still have 60 days after the expiry date to get this done, and we can help (even if you’re down to the last day to submit it!)

Once it’s expired, though, it can’t be renewed. There’s still no need to panic - You’ll need to register your business name again as a new registration.

Keep in mind:

You’ll get a new registration number and issue date
You may need to update banks, CRA, and other accounts with the new info

To avoid the hassle, it’s best to renew before the expiry date.

How Launch a Business Makes It Easy

At Launch a Business, we make business renewals simple and stress-free.

Here’s what you can expect when renewing with us:

✅ 24 hour processing available

✅ Email confirmation and official documentation sent directly to you

✅ Friendly support if anything needs clarification

✅ Optional business search before renewing to confirm details

No portals. No confusing government forms. Just an easy renewal process — done right the first time.

Ready to Renew Your Ontario Business Registration?

If your registration is coming up for renewal (or has already expired), Launch a Business can help you get back on track fast.

Renew Your Ontario Business Registration

Final Thoughts

Renewing your business registration is one of those small but important admin tasks that keeps your business running smoothly. The good news? It doesn’t have to be stressful or confusing.

With Launch a Business, you’ll get clear steps, quick results, and a friendly team that actually gets small business life in Ontario. Let’s keep your business name active and your focus where it belongs — growing your business.

Have more questions about registering or renewing your business in Ontario? Give us a call or set up your free consult today, and we can help answer your questions!

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