Step-by-Step: Renew Your Ontario Business License Online

A business license permits you to carry on your operations in the vicinity of Ontario and Canada. That said, it’s important to note that this license is only valid for a specific period. In that case, you have to follow the procedure for Ontario business license renewal. Keeping your Ontario business license valid is a legal necessity. It doubles up to be a smart move for entrepreneurs who want uninterrupted operations.

Bizincs is here to clarify what you need to do to renew your business license in Ontario—hassle-free and seamlessly. With transparent steps, you can renew your business name registration, formerly known as the master business license.

Want to register your business in Ontario? Check out our step-by-step guide.

What does a Master Business License Mean?

Authorities in Ontario now call a master business license a business name registration, but the relevance of both names remains intact today as well. Through this document, you can run your company under a particular name without incorporating it. Every business structure—from partnerships to sole proprietorships and more—can use this license.

Importance of Ontario Business License Renewal

You need to renew business license Ontario online because it keeps your name active in the Ontario Business Registry this way. If the renewal doesn’t take place, the following risks come to the fore:

• Cancellation Risks 

After 60 days of expiration, you won’t be able to renew your business license in Ontario. You will have to undertake a new registration process to get back to work. For continuous operations, you’ll have to renew within the timeframes suggested. 

• Disruption Risks

An expired license can lead to disruptions in business activities such as banking, signing contracts, eligibility to apply for financing, government contracts, etc.

• Regulatory Adherence

Penalties will follow you when you don’t have a proper license for your business. 

If you do renew your business license on time, here’s how it benefits you:

• Legal compliance with Ontario’s regulations.
• Continued use of your business name registration.
• Eligibility to apply for financing, insurance, or government contracts.
• Your business remains visible in public records.
• You maintain credibility with customers and vendors.

So, keen business runners need to stay on top of their game and follow the renewal guidelines for the Ontario region. 

Read More: 10 Steps to Financial Projections for Canadian Businesses

When to Undertake ServiceOntario Business Renewal?

For ServiceOntario business renewal, you have to do so five years from the date of business name registration. You won’t be receiving any automatic reminders from the Ontario Business Registry, so the onus of remembering the expiration date falls on you.

We recommend renewing your business license six months prior to the expiry date. This will give you sufficient time to finish the process. You do get 60 days’ grace after the expiration date for renewal without re-registering. However, failing this time as well will lead to the cancellation of your business registration. 

Step-By-Step Guide to Renewing Your Business License in Ontario

The breakdown of the Ontario business license renewal process is as follows:

Step 1: Gather Required Information

Before you start, ensure you have:

• Your Business Identification Number (BIN) or previous license number.
• Legal name of the business owner(s).
• Since 2021, it’s been compulsory to include your NAICS (North American Industry Classification System) code.
• Updated business address, phone number, and email.
• Valid credit card or Interac information for payment.

Note: The NAICS code is a 6-digit number representing your business activity. You can find it at Statistics Canada NAICS Search.

Step 2: Visit the Ontario Business Registry (OBR)

To proceed, head over to the official Ontario Business Registry online portal.

Choose one of the following sign-in options:

• One-key ID (Government of Ontario credentials)
• Sign-In Partner (e.g., your bank login)

Once logged in, you should locate your business profile and click on “Renew Business Name Registration.”

Step 3: Fill Out the Renewal Form

Form 5290E is used to gather all the relevant information required for your license renewal. You can download and preview the instructions here: Form 5290E Instructions PDF

The form asks for

• Business name and owner details
• Business address (physical and mailing)
• Business activity and NAICS code
• Declaration that the information is correct
• Official email (mandatory)

Step 4: Pay the Renewal Fee

The Ontario license renewal fees are typically around $60 CAD, plus HST.

Payment can be made securely through:

• Visa/Mastercard
• Interac Debit
• Prepaid business account (if applicable)

After successful payment, you’ll receive a confirmation and a copy of your renewed business license via email.

Step 5: Keep Your Records Updated

Once your renewal is complete, ensure:

• You print or save a copy of the new license.
• Your contact info is up to date with the CRA, WSIB, and local municipalities.
• Your website, marketing materials, and directories reflect the current license period.

If you’re working with banks, grant agencies, or partners, forward them a copy for compliance.

Renewing Through a Third-Party Service (Optional)

If you’d prefer not to deal with the government interface, several intermediaries offer renewal services. They:

• Handle the application for you
• Ensure proper NAICS code use
• Help you avoid missing information

Expect to pay an additional service fee, usually $40–$80, depending on the provider.

Who Needs to Renew Their Ontario Business License?

The following business structures need to renew their licenses:

• Sole Proprietorships
• General Partnerships
• Business Names (Trade Names) Under a Corporation

If you’re a corporation incorporated under the Ontario Business Corporations Act or federally under Corporations Canada, your business information is governed by different regulations and doesn’t require this license renewal. However, you still need to file annual returns.

Final Thoughts

Your Ontario business license renewal is essential for maintaining your business’s legal status and market presence. If you stay ahead of your renewal deadline and follow the online process, you’ll avoid the hassle of re-registration and keep your operations running smoothly. It’s important that you not wait for reminders and instead mark your calendar, renew early, and stay compliant! 

If you’re looking for business incorporation, planning, or projections in Canada, Bizincs is the partner to consider. Get in touch to receive a fully tailored solution specifically curated for your business needs.