How to File a Notice of Change with the Ontario Business Registry: Step-by-Step Guide

If you run a business or nonprofit in Ontario, keeping your organization’s information up to date is not just a good practice; it is the law. One important update you may need to make is called a Notice of Change. This blog will explain what that means, when you need to file one, and how to do it using the Ontario Business Registry. We have made this guide simple enough for anyone to follow, even if you are in high school or just starting out.

What is a Notice of Change?

A Notice of Change is a legal form you submit when certain details about your business or nonprofit change. For example:

• Your head office address changes
• You change your directors or officers
• A director’s address changes
• A new official email address is being used

If any of these changes happen, you need to let the Ontario government know. This is done through the Ontario Business Registry (OBR).

Who Needs to File a Notice of Change?

You need to file a Notice of Change if you are part of any of the following:

• An incorporated business in Ontario (including corporations and limited partnerships)
• A registered charity or nonprofit incorporated under the Ontario Not-for-Profit Corporations Act (ONCA)
• Any other organization that is registered with the Ontario Business Registry

When Do You Need to File It?

You must file the Notice of Change within 15 days of the change happening. This deadline is very important. If you miss it, your business or nonprofit could face penalties or even risk being dissolved.

What You Need Before You File

Before logging in to the Ontario Business Registry, make sure you have:

• Your Ontario Corporation Number (OCN) or Business Identification Number (BIN)
• The updated information you want to report
• Your ServiceOntario account login
• Authorization to act on behalf of the business or nonprofit

If you do not have a ServiceOntario account yet, you will need to register for one at www.ontario.ca/page/ontario-business-registry.

How to File a Notice of Change: Step-by-Step

1. Log In to the Ontario Business Registry
   Visit www.ontario.ca/OBR and click “Log in.” Use your Onerkey ID (ServiceOntario account login).
2. Search for Your Business
   Enter your OCN or BIN to find your business or nonprofit profile.
3. Start a New Filing
   Choose “Notice of Change” from the list of filing types.
4. Update the Information
   Enter the new details, whether it is a new director, updated address, or other changes.
5. Review and Confirm
   Double-check your entries to make sure everything is correct.
6. Submit the Filing
   Once submitted, you will receive confirmation by email. You can also download a copy for your records.

Is There a Filing Fee?

• For Ontario business corporations: No fee
• For nonprofits and charities under ONCA: No fee
• For extra-provincial registrations: Fees may apply

Always double-check on the OBR website to confirm current fees.

Why Is It Important?

Filing a Notice of Change keeps your organization in good standing with the province. That means:

• Your business or nonprofit remains legally active
• You stay eligible for government programs or funding
• You avoid legal problems or fines

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Waiting too long to file after a change
• Using outdated director or officer info
• Not updating your registered email address
• Forgetting to confirm the filing was accepted

Need Help?

If you are not sure how to file or what details are required, you can:

• Call the Ontario Business Registry
• Visit a ServiceOntario centre
• Talk to a charity lawyer or accountant who works with Ontario corporations or charities

    If you have questions, you can contact the ServiceOntario Contact Centre from Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

·         Tel: 416-314-8880

·         Toll-free: 1-800-361-3223

·         TTY: 416-325-3408

·         Toll-free TTY: 1-800-268-7095

Keeping your records updated with the Ontario Business Registry is part of running a responsible and law-abiding organization. A Notice of Change is easy to file online and free for most organizations. Just remember to file it within 15 days, and you will stay compliant and avoid trouble down the road.

Need help from a legal expert?
B.I.G. Charity Law Group has helped thousands of organizations across Canada stay compliant and grow with confidence. We offer fixed fees and unlimited support during the process. Contact us today for help filing your Notice of Change or managing other corporate updates for your nonprofit or charity.

Visit us at www.charitylawgroup.ca
Call us at 416-488-5888

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