Ontario Master Business Licence Registration & Renewal — Fast Online
Register or renew your Ontario Business Name (formerly Master Business Licence) online in ~1 hour. Ideal for sole proprietorships, general partnerships & trade names. All... +
- Government Authorized
- Lawyer‑Reviewed
- No Hidden Fees
2-Hour Rush Available
Lawyer‑Drafted Documents
100% Online Process
Transparent Pricing
What is a Master Business License in Ontario?
A Master Business license doesn’t last forever. Since Oct. 19, 2021, Government of Ontario discontinued issuing Master Business Licenses in Ontario. Master Business License is now called “Business Name Registration”. Previously, Ontario Sole Proprietorship, Ontario Partnership, and Ontario Trade Name all together were called Master Business License Ontario. Now all of them have separate names. In the new system-
Sole Proprietorship
Starts from
$49
Perfect for individuals starting a business alone – simple, low-cost registration with personal liability. +
- For all regular type of business.
- Add on Available : Pick & Choose
- No separate legal entity
Ready in ~1 Business Hour
Trade Name/DBA/Operating Name
Starts from
$49
Register a "Doing Business As" (DBA) name for your existing corporation, partnership, or sole proprietorship to operate un... +
- Government Fees Included
- Add-on Available: Pick & Choose
- Protects your operating name in Ontario
Ready in ~1 Business Hour
General Partnership
Starts from
$49
Register your business name for a partnership of 2+ people sharing profits, management, and unlimited liability. +
- Government Fees Included
- Add-on Available: Pick & Choose
- hared management & profit distribution
Ready in ~1 Business Hour
Ontario Sole Proprietorship Registration is” Business Name Registration for a Sole Proprietorship”
Ontario General Partnership Registration is “Firm Name Registration for a General Partnership “
Ontario Trade Name registration is ” Business Name Registration for a Corporation. “
Here is the sample of the new Business Name Registration (formal: master business license). If you would like to see a sample of the Current Master Business License Ontario (MBL), we kindly request you to see the provided master business license sample.
Master business license Ontario requirements
Master Business License was Ontario’s provincial Business Registration License that allowed unincorporated businesses to operate business in Ontario.
- Sole proprietors, general partnerships, and corporations are eligible to apply for a Master Business License (MBL).
- Choose a unique and available business name. You can check availability through the Ontario Business Registry.
- Hence, it is an unincorporated business you cannot use legal endings like “corporation,” “incorporated,” or “limited”
- You must clearly define the structure of your business
Sole Proprietorship: Single person Own and operate it
General Partnership: Two or More persons Own and operate it
Corporation Operating Under a Trade Name: If a corporation wants to operate using a name different from its legal name.
- Details about the owner(s) of the business, including:
- Full legal name(s).
- Address(es).
- Contact information (phone number, email).
- Business Address & Business Activities
WHAT TO EXPECT
Ontario Master Business Licence – Fast Registration & Renewal
An Ontario Master Business Licence (now officially called Business Name Registration) is required for any sole proprietorship, general partnership, or corporation operating under a name different from the owner’s exact legal name. Since October 19, 2021, the Ontario government transitioned to the Ontario Business Registry – the term “Master Business Licence” is legacy, but the registration remains essential for legal compliance, banking, contracts, and credibility.
Perfect for freelancers, consultants, tradespeople, small retailers, DBAs (Doing Business As), and partnerships starting quickly without incorporation. Registration provides a 9-digit Business Identification Number (BIN), protects your name provincially, and is valid for 5 years (renewable).
We handle your 100% online registration or renewal via the Ontario Business Registry – including name search, filings, address details, and activity description – with digital confirmation emailed in as little as 1 hour (rush available).
Key Features of Ontario Business Name Registration
Legal Requirement: Mandatory under the Business Names Act if trading under any name other than your personal name(s)
Provincial Name Protection: Reserves your business name across Ontario for 5 years
Fast & Simple Process: No complex documents – register or renew fully online
9-Digit BIN Included: Essential for taxes, permits, banking, and supplier accounts
Applies to Multiple Structures: Sole proprietors, general partnerships, trade names/DBAs for corporations
Easy Renewal: Renew anytime before or up to 60 days after expiry to avoid cancellation
Complete Digital Delivery: No paper, mailing, or ServiceOntario visits required
Ready to register or renew your Ontario business name and operate legally with confidence?
Incorporate Online in 3 Easy Steps
01
Tell Us About Your Business
Fill our secure form in as little as 10 minutes.
02
We File the Paperwork
03
Receive Your Documents
What’s Included
- Articles of Incorporation (customizable)
- Corporate Bylaws & Minute Book (PDF)
- CRA Business Number & Corporate Tax ID
- Named or Numbered Corporation
- Expert review by our registry agent
Popular Add‑Ons
- NUANS report & name reservation
- Corporate kit (binder, seal, share certificates)
- CRA GST/HST, Payroll, Import‑Export accounts
- Annual return filing & compliance support
- Domain name & website starter bundle
Expand & Manage Ontario Business Confidently – Business Ontario
Ontario Regular Corporations
Register Non-Profit Organization
Business Name Registration
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Frequently Asked Questions
Who needs a master business license in Ontario?
A Master Business License (MBL) is required for individuals or entities that want to operate a business under a name that is different from their legal name. The following types of businesses typically need an MBL:
Sole Proprietorship: If an individual runs a business and wants to use a name other than his/her own personal name (e.g., “John Smith” wants to operate as “Smith’s Landscaping”), he/she requires to register for Master Business License (MBL)
General Partnership: When two or more individuals run a business together under a specific Business name (e.g., “John Smith” and “Jane Doe” operate as “Smith & Doe Plumbing”), they must obtain a Master Business License (MBL) to register the partnership’s business name.
Corporations Operating Under a Trade Name: Corporations that want to operate using a name other than their legally registered Ontario corporation name (e.g., “ABC Manufacturing Inc.” operates under the trade name “ABC Gardening”) must register the trade name through Master Business License (MBL). This does not replace the corporate registration but is required for the alternate business name. It is also called DBA or Operating name.
Who Does Not Need a Master Business License?
Individuals using their own legal name (e.g., “John Smith” running the business as “John Smith”) do not need an MBL.
Corporations using their registered corporate name (e.g., “ABC Manufacturing Inc.” operating directly as “ABC Manufacturing Inc.”) do not need to register a separate trade name through a Master Business License (MBL).
Where to get a Master business License Ontario
The Easiest and most convenient way to apply for a Master Business License is through the Service Ontario if you have appropriate knowledge of it. Because there are some legal terms that you need to know to do it by yourself.
You can also apply through third-party service providers that are authorized by Service Ontario to process business registrations. These companies may charge additional service fees but can help expedite the process and provide extra services like business consulting.
Some of the intermediaries include:
- Business Ontario Corporate Services Inc.
- RegiCorp Inc.
- Ontario Corporation Centre
- Incorp Pro
We, Business Ontario Corporate Service, are also authorized intermediate partner providers with Service Ontario. We proudly register thousands of master business licenses in Ontario. We offer all kinds of Business and corporate-related services that are offered by Service Ontario through our friendly Online website.
Our service includes access to the Ontario Business Registry (OBR), registering a business in Ontario, registering your business name, filing corporate documents, and update master business license in Ontario, master business license renewal, and other business information.
Master Business License vs Business Name Registration
Master Business License (MBL) and Business Name Registration are closely related. Business Name Registration in Ontario is the updated modern name of an unincorporated business, and Master Business License (MBL) is the formal name of Business name registration in Ontario. Business Name Registration is the act of registering a business name with the government. The Master Business License (MBL) is the certificate you receive as proof of registration, allowing you to legally operate under the registered business name.
How to Renew a Master Business License in Ontario
To renew Master Business License in Ontario is straightforward. To renew your Master Business License (MBL) you just need to follow a few simple steps with us:
Check Expiration Date: Your MBL is valid for 5 years from the date of issuance. It is near expiration you need to renew your Master Business License (MBL)
Prepare Required Information:
To renew your MBL, you’ll need the following information:
- Business Name
- Business Identification Number (BIN)
- Owner Information
Update Master Business License Ontario
You can make some specific changes to your Registered Master Business License:
- Updating your business address
- Adding or removing business partners
- Altering your business activities
Please remember once you register your Master Business License you cannot change owner. To change owner you must cancel your Master Business License and register a new Master Business License. When you Register a business in Ontario whether it is an Ontario sole proprietorship, an Ontario partnership, or an Ontario trade name, you must keep your business registration or master business license in Ontario up to date. We already mentioned that every master business license in Ontario is valid for 5 years, so after the validity period, you must renew it. Any changes to your master business license Ontario, address, or owner’s name must be updated within a timeframe with the Ontario Business Registry.
Master Business License Vs Articles of Incorporation
Master Business License (MBL) is primarily for unincorporated businesses like sole proprietorships and partnerships, or corporations using a trade name.
Articles of Incorporation are the main document of a corporation. It creates a separate legal entity with limited liability, which offers more legal protection but requires more regulatory compliance and ongoing maintenance.
If you want to run a small business with personal liability or operate under a trade name, the Master Business License is the document you need. If you are looking to incorporate a corporation with limited liability, you’ll need to file Articles of Incorporation.
Does A Master Business License Expire
Yes, a Master Business License (BIN) in Ontario does expire. Typically, the renewal period is five years. Failure to renew on time may automatically cancel Master Business License.
How long is a Master Business License Ontario valid?
Although Master Business License Ontario’s name has changed, the 5-year validity remains the same. Previously, Every Master Business license in Ontario was valid for 5 years, after the validity period, every Master Business License in Ontario must be renewed. Even now, every Ontario Sole Proprietorship, Ontario partnership, and Ontario Trade name (that was Previously called Master Business License Ontario) is valid for 5 years.
After 5 years, you will need to update master business license in Ontario with the Ontario Business Registry. That means master business license renewal is mandatory after 5 years of its validity. You can renew your master business license in Ontario before 60 days of its expiration or 60 days grace days.
How to cancel a Master Business License
To cancel or discontinue your Master Business License (MBL) in Ontario, you need to notify the Ontario government that you are no longer operating your business under the registered name. This is typically referred to as canceling your business name registration.
At first, determine the Reason for Cancellation. There are many reasons an MBL can cancel like closing the business, or changing business structure (from a sole proprietorship to a corporation).
Please keep in mind No refunds are issued for canceling your Master Business License before the 5-year expiration. If the business is incorporated and you cancel the Master Business License for a trade name, the corporation itself remains active unless you take separate steps to dissolve it.
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