How to Renew Your Master Business License in Ontario

Renewing a business license in Ontario is a routine requirement for many business owners, but it is often overlooked until it becomes urgent.

Whether your registration is about to expire or you are unsure where you stand, knowing when and how to renew matters. Missing the renewal window can lead to unnecessary delays, administrative issues, or even the need to register again from scratch.

In this article, we explain how to renew your business license in Ontario — officially referred to as a Business Name Registration, and formerly known as a Master Business Licence (MBL) — what to watch for in 2025, and how to avoid the most common mistakes, drawing on practical insights from tax accountants working with incorporated businesses in Ontario.

How do I renew my Ontario master business license?

Most business owners renew their business license online through the Ontario Business Registry, which is now the standard and most efficient method. In limited situations, renewal may still be completed by mail or by email, depending on the business type and circumstances. These alternative methods are generally used less often and tend to involve longer processing times and additional requirements.

Regardless of the method used, the same rules always apply. You must be within the allowed renewal window, have accurate business information, and pay the required renewal fee.

1. Make sure your business is eligible for renewal

Before anything else, confirm that you are within the allowed renewal period.

A business name registration can be renewed up to 6 months before its expiry date. If the registration has already expired, a 60-day grace period still allows renewal. After that point, renewal is no longer possible and the business must be registered again as a new registration.

This timing rule applies regardless of how you choose to renew.

2. Ensure you can access your business registration

Since 2025, renewing online requires a Company Key. This nine-digit code is used to securely access your business profile in the Ontario Business Registry.

Some businesses received it automatically when they were registered. Others must request it separately. Without this key, online renewal cannot be completed. This is one of the most common points where renewals stall, especially close to the deadline.

3. Review your business information before renewing

When you renew, you are confirming that the information on file is still accurate. This includes your business name, address, and business activity. If anything has changed since your last registration, the renewal is the right moment to update it. Keeping this information current helps avoid issues later with banks, partners, or government agencies.

At this stage, you should also have the key information and documents related to your registration readily available. This typically includes your Business Identification Number (BIN), which identifies your registration at the provincial level, as well as the details from your original business name registration.

If you no longer have your original registration document, the required information can usually be retrieved through the Ontario Business Registry before completing the renewal.

4. Submit the renewal and pay the fee

For most businesses, the renewal fee is $60 CAD, extending the registration for another five years. Depending on the business structure, the fee may be higher.

Once the renewal is submitted and payment is completed, confirmation is issued and the registration becomes active immediately when done online.

5. Keep your confirmation and follow up if needed

After renewing, save your updated registration certificate with your business records. Financial institutions and other third parties may request it as proof that your registration is current.

If you updated key information such as your address or business activity, remember that these changes are not automatically shared with the Canada Revenue Agency. Federal records must be updated separately when applicable.

When to renew a Master Business License

You can renew your business name registration under Business Names Act (BNA) up to 6 months before the expiry date shown on your registration certificate.

If your license has already expired, you have up to 60 days after the expiry date to complete the renewal. If you miss the deadline, you can no longer renew your registration, and you will have to re-register your business, a much longer process. This also applies if your business changes ownership or name.

If a business names registration expires, it can lead to problems with your business bank account, clients, contractors, etc. Filing your renewal on time is the best way to keep your business running smoothly.

Renewal timeline

• 6 months before expiry: The renewal window opens
• Expiry date: Your registration expires
• 60 days after expiry: End of the grace period
• After 60 days: A new registration is required (new BIN issued)

What happens if my master business license expires?

If your license expires and the grace period passes, you cannot simply "fix it later."

You must register again as a new business. This means a new BIN, a break in your business history, and potential complications with banks, contracts, and partners. In some cases, your business name may even become available for someone else to register.

Renewing on time avoids all of these risks.

How much does it cost to renew your business license in Ontario?

For most businesses, the cost to renew a business registration in Ontario is $60 CAD, and the renewal is valid for 5 years.

At $60 for five years, the cost comes down to $12 per year to keep your business legally registered under its name. It is a small investment for the legal protection and professional credibility that an active registration provides.

Is it time to renew your Business Name Registration?

Renewing your business license is part of running a compliant business in Ontario. While the process itself is relatively simple, it requires attention to timing, accurate information, and follow-through. Keeping track of renewal dates is entirely the responsibility of the business owner, and overlooking them can create avoidable complications.

At T2inc.ca, we work daily with incorporated businesses across Canada on their corporate tax returns and help them stay organized from a tax and accounting perspective. If you need support with your corporate tax filing or are looking for bookkeeping services, our team or our reliable accounting partners can help you move forward with confidence.

Contact us if you need clarity on your corporate tax obligations or support with your accounting needs.