Register a Trade Name/DBA/Operating Name

Register a Trade Name in Ontario

You may want to register a business name under your corporate name. Trade Name is a good choice for you. If you already have a corporation but would like to operate under a different business name than your corporation’s name you can register a Trade name. A trade name is also known as “doing business as” or DBA, or operating name. With this business registration, you can operate a business under a different name than the full corporate name.  There are several reasons why a corporation may wish to operate a business using something different than the legal name of the corporation.

What is a Trade Name Registration?

A trade name is the operating name of a corporation. Trade names are different from the legal name of a corporation or other entity. Corporations usually register a trade name to distinguish their business. When a corporation want to introduce new products or services they register a Trade name or operating name or Doing business name as under legal Corporation name.​

Requirements for Registering a Trade Name in Ontario

• A unique business name. That is not already used in Ontario. To make ensure you can reserve your Ontario NUANS® report.
• Corporation details under which Trade name will Register
• A physical address in Ontario.

Basic Information About Registering a Trade Name

• Trade name is registered under a corporation, not for sing individual.
• Ontario Trade name is valid for five years. After five years you must need to renew it.
• Business name is not protected in Ontario
• A corporation can register as many trade names as it wishes.

How long is a trade name registration valid in Ontario?

A trade name in Ontario has a specific validity period. Once registered, Trade name registrations in Ontario are valid for five years. After this period, the trade name must be renewed if you want to continue operating your business under that name.

Can other unincorporated Business Register a Trade Name?

No, Other types of business registrations, such as Sole Proprietorships and Partnerships, are not able to register operating names under their businesses. Only a corporation can register a Trade name under its legal name.

Why should I register my trade name in Ontario?

• By using a trade name or DBA, a corporation can continue to be legally recognized even though it operates under a new name.
• If You have a numbered company and you want to operate a name business
• You want to add more business lines for your existing corporation but that isn’t reflected in your corporate name
• to separate bank account and accounting purposes a corporation registers trade name
• Professional corporations want to conduct business under a business name that is unrestricted by the rules of the regulatory body.

Is it mandatory to register a trade name in Ontario?

Technically the answer is “No”. But if a corporation wants to add new product lines, services, or business operations then it is required. It can be beneficial for branding all products or services.

Can I register a trade name online?

Yes, you can register a trade name online through our user-friendly website. To add a Trade name to your existing corporation click here.

What is the difference between a trade name and an Ontario corporation?

A trade name allows you to operate under a different name but does not create a separate legal entity.

On the other hand, an Ontario corporation creates a separate legal entity with its own rights and responsibilities. A corporation also offers limited liability protection, while a trade name does not.

Can I use my trade name in other provinces or countries?

Trade name registration in Ontario only provides protection within the province. If a corporation intends to operate its business in other jurisdictions, then it needs to register a trade name in each of those jurisdictions as well.

Who Can Register a Trade Name?

Any authorized person of a corporation (officers, directors) can register a Trade name on behalf of a corporation

Can I change my trade name after it has been registered?

Yes, but you will need to cancel your existing trade name registration and register a new one. The change is not automatic, and you cannot simply edit the registered name.

Once an unincorporated business is Registered (sole proprietorship, Partnership, or Trade name) you cannot change your trade name. However, you will need to submit a new application and pay a fee.

How to Renew a Trade Name in Ontario?

Trade name (also known as business name) is valid for five years from the date of registration. After which it needs to be renewed. Unfortunately, the Government of Ontario will not remind you of the renewal date you must track it. But if you register your Trade name with us, we will track it and let you know the renewal date.

What Happens If You Miss the Renewal Deadline?

If you miss the renewal deadline, your trade name registration will expire. After that, you will no longer be legally permitted to conduct business under that name.

What happens if someone else is already using my desired trade name?

If someone else is already using your desired trade name in Ontario, you will not be able to register it. You may need to choose a different name or try to negotiate with the existing user.

Do I need to provide any documentation when registering my trade name?

You may need to provide your registered corporation documentation (Certificate or Articles and company) when registering your trade name.

Can I register a trade name if I am not a resident of Ontario?

Yes, the first and foremost condition is you must have an Ontario Corporation in Ontario. Then you can add your trade name to your existing corporation regardless residency of in Ontario.

Can I operate multiple businesses under one trade name?

 No, each business should have its own registered trade name. If you are operating more than one business, each will need a separate registration.

Does registering a trade name give me exclusive rights to that name?

No, registering a trade name in Ontario does not give you exclusive rights to that name. It only allows you to operate under the name within the province. Other businesses may register the same or a similar name in different provinces.

Can I use my trade name for my website domain?

Typically, yes. However, registering a trade name does not automatically give you rights to the corresponding domain name. You’ll need to separately check domain availability and register it for your website.

What are the other name of Trade name?

• Trade name
• Operating name 
• Doing Business as

What’s the difference between trade name and corporation?

A trade name is a ‘doing business as’ (DBA) name used by sole proprietors/partnerships (no legal protection), while a corporation is a separate legal entity that requires full registration and provides liability protection.

Under which law is a trade name registered in Ontario?

Trade names in Ontario are registered under the Business Names Act. Business Names Act governs the registration and use of business names in the province.

We offer comprehensive assistance to customers looking to register a trade name for their business. Our services include:

1. Name Availability Search: We conduct a thorough search to ensure the desired trade name is available and not already in use by another business in the same jurisdiction. This step helps avoid potential conflicts and ensures the uniqueness of the trade name.
2. Trade Name Registration: We guide customers through the process of registering the trade name with the appropriate government agency in Ontario. This typically involves completing the necessary application forms and providing the required documentation.
3. Documentation Preparation: Our team assists in preparing the required documents for trade name registration, ensuring accuracy and compliance with the registration requirements. We provide guidance on the information and supporting documents needed to complete the registration process.
4. Application Submission: We handle the submission of the trade name registration application on behalf of the customer. This includes ensuring all forms are properly completed, attaching the necessary supporting documents, and submitting them to the relevant government agency within the specified timelines.
5. Follow-up and Communication: We maintain regular communication with the government agency to track the progress of the trade name registration. If any additional information or clarifications are required, we liaise with the agency on behalf of the customer to ensure a smooth and efficient process.
6. Compliance and Renewal: Once the trade name is registered, we provide guidance on maintaining compliance with ongoing obligations, such as renewing the registration within the required timeframes. We assist customers in understanding the renewal process and ensure they remain compliant with all regulatory requirements.

Why Business Ontario Corporate Services is the Best Choice for Your Business Needs?

• We are the official intermediary of Service Ontario
• We offer complete Online support that save your time
• All Business services in one place
• We offer unlimited name searches with no additional cost
• Our business specialists make sure your filings meet all regulatory standards.
• Chat, email and call support whenever you need it.

Our aim is to simplify the trade name registration process for our customers and provide them with peace of mind knowing that their trade name is registered correctly and legally. By entrusting us with their trade name registration, customers can focus on building their brand and conducting business operations with confidence.