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Business & CorporateSole Proprietors

Master Business Licence Registration

If you are carrying on business in Ontario under a name other than your own legal name, you are required to register that name under the Ontario Business Names Act. A Master Business Licence (MBL) is the registration certificate issued by the Province of Ontario that confirms your business name is on file with the government. This package handles the registration on your behalf and provides you with your registration confirmation. Important: a Master Business Licence is not a corporation. It does not create a separate legal entity, does not provide limited liability, and is not the same as incorporation. It simply registers a trade name with the Province of Ontario.

1–3 business days
Ontario

What Is Included

  • Business name search (NUANS or Ontario name search)
  • Registration of one business name under the Ontario Business Names Act
  • Province of Ontario Master Business Licence (registration certificate)
  • Guidance on renewal obligations (registration is valid for 5 years)

What Is Not Included

  • Incorporation — this is a name registration only, not a corporation
  • Federal business name registration
  • Trademark registration or search
  • HST, payroll, or CRA account registrations
  • Ongoing business or legal advice

Who This Service Is For

Sole proprietors operating under a trade name
Partnerships operating under a business name
Individuals or businesses required to register a name before opening a bank account
Anyone carrying on business in Ontario under a name other than their personal legal name

Information Required from You

  • 1Proposed business name
  • 2Legal name and address of the registrant (individual or corporation)
  • 3Nature of the business activity
  • 4Start date of business

Common Add-Ons

Ontario incorporation (via Ownr.co referral)See Incorporation Package
Business name renewal (every 5 years)$299 + HST

Frequently Asked Questions

Important Limitations

  • •A Master Business Licence is a business name registration only. It does not create a corporation, does not provide limited liability, and is not a trademark registration.
  • •Operating as a sole proprietor or partnership exposes you to personal liability. If limited liability is important to you, consider incorporation.
  • •Business name registrations in Ontario expire after 5 years and must be renewed.
  • •Registration of a business name does not give you exclusive rights to that name. Only trademark registration can do that.

Fixed fee

$499

Plus HST

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