Effective February 1, 2025, all businesses registered with the Ontario Business Registry (“OBR”) must have a “Company Key” to complete any filings or transactions. This applies even if you use an intermediary to submit OBR filings.

What is a Company Key?

A Company Key is unique a 9-digit code that is associated with your business and should be kept confidential. A Company Key provides access to your company’s OBR profile and as of February 1, 2025, is required for any business-related filings and transactions.

Has Your Business Been Issued a Company Key?

Companies incorporated before October 19, 2021, were not assigned a Company Key and must obtain one by submitting this request form.

Companies incorporated on or after October 19, 2021, were assigned a Company Key upon incorporation.

How to Obtain a Company Key?

If your company has not been issued a Company Key, you will need to request one through the OBR. The OBR has created a Company Key Guide, which provides step-by-step instructions on how to request the Company Key for your business.

If your company was issued a Company Key but you cannot locate it, you can retrieve it on the ServiceOntario website using the corporation’s official email address. If there is no email address on file, the Company Key can be mailed to the registered office or principal place of business. For help creating a ServiceOntario account, use this guide.

Important Notes:

• Ensure that each of your companies has a Company Key to avoid issues with filings after February 1, 2025.
• If you use an intermediary to submit filings for your business, you will need to provide the Company Key once, for the first time filing after February 1, 2025.
• Up until February 1, 2025, any corporation under the OBR can submit transactions without a Company Key.

If you have any questions about this new OBR requirement, please reach out Momentum Law LLP at +1 (416) 594-0791 or email at info@momentumlaw.ca.