What is a Certificate of Status in Ontario

Who Issues a Certificate of Status?

The Ontario Business Registry (operated through ServiceOntario) issues Certificates of Status for corporations incorporated under Ontario law, including charities and nonprofits incorporated under the Ontario Not-for-Profit Corporations Act (ONCA). If your organization is incorporated federally instead, under the Canada Not-for-profit Corporations Act, you'll need to request the federal equivalent from Corporations Canada instead — more on that distinction below.

Why Charities and Nonprofits May Need One

Charities and nonprofits may need a Certificate of Status when they apply for grants, open a bank account, sign major contracts, or partner with other organizations. It helps prove that your charity is properly set up and still active. Funders in particular increasingly ask for one as part of due diligence before releasing grant money.

Certificate of Status vs. Charitable Registration: Don't Confuse These

A Certificate of Status only confirms your organization's standing as a corporation with the Ontario government. It does not confirm your status as a registered charity with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).

These are two separate systems:

• Provincial corporate standing (Ontario Business Registry): confirms your corporation exists, has filed its annual returns, and hasn't been dissolved.
• CRA charitable registration: confirms your organization can issue official donation receipts and is compliant with its annual T3010 filing.

An organization can be in good standing provincially while its CRA charitable status is revoked, suspended, or under review — and vice versa. If a funder or partner specifically needs proof of your CRA charitable status, a Certificate of Status alone won't satisfy that request; you'll also need to point them to your organization's listing on the CRA's List of Charities and Other Qualified Donees or provide your CRA confirmation letter.

How to Get a Certificate of Status in Ontario

1. Go to the Ontario Business Registry.
2. Log in with your organization's company key (or set up a ONe-key/Ontario.ca account if you don't have one).
3. Select your organization from your registry profile.
4. Choose "Certificate of Status" from the available document requests.
5. Pay the $26.00 fee online by credit or debit card.
6. Download your certificate as a PDF, typically available the same business day.

If you don't have your company key, you can request one through the Ontario Business Registry before starting this process — this can take a few business days, so plan ahead if you're on a deadline.

How Much Does a Certificate of Status Cost in Ontario?

The cost of a Certificate of Status in Ontario is $26.00, payable directly to the Ontario Business Registry (confirmed on the Ministry's official fee schedule). If you order through a third-party service provider or law firm instead of ordering directly through the registry, expect to pay more — typically $50 to $80 or higher — for their convenience and handling.

There is no separate official "rush" tier through the registry itself; online requests are typically processed the same business day, while requests made by mail can take significantly longer. Always confirm the current fee on the official registry before paying a third party, since intermediary pricing varies and isn't regulated by the province.

How Long Is a Certificate of Status Good For in Ontario?

A Certificate of Status does not have an official expiry date. However, some banks, funders, or government offices may ask for a certificate that is no older than 30 to 90 days, so it's worth checking with whoever is requesting it before you order one.

Certificate of Status Across Canada

This document goes by different names depending on the jurisdiction:

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If your charity or nonprofit is federally incorporated under the Canada Not-for-profit Corporations Act (CNCA), you'll need a Certificate of Compliance from Corporations Canada — not an Ontario Certificate of Status — even if your operations are based in Ontario.

This trips up a lot of organizations that incorporated federally but operate primarily in Ontario, so it's worth double-checking which jurisdiction actually issued your corporate charter before you order the wrong document.

If you're changing your corporation's name or structure and need to file Articles of Amendment, note that your Certificate of Status will reflect the amended name only after the amendment has been processed and approved.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a Certificate of Status expire? 

No, it has no official expiry date, but most banks, funders, and government bodies won't accept one older than 30–90 days.

Can I get a Certificate of Status the same day? 

Yes, if you request it online directly through the Ontario Business Registry, it's typically issued the same business day.

Is a Certificate of Status the same as a Certificate of Incorporation? 

No. A Certificate of Incorporation confirms your organization was legally created; a Certificate of Status confirms it's still active and in good standing right now.

Does a Certificate of Status prove my organization is a registered charity? 

No. It only confirms your corporate standing with Ontario — it says nothing about your CRA charitable registration status. Check the CRA's List of Charities for that.

How much does a Certificate of Status cost in Ontario? 

The official Ontario Business Registry fee is $26.00. Third-party providers typically charge more.

Charities and nonprofits may need a Certificate of Status when they apply for grants, open a bank account, sign major contracts, or work with other organizations. It helps prove that your charity is properly set up and still active. If your charity or nonprofit needs help getting a Certificate of Status, incorporating under ONCA, or securing a NUANS report for a name change, our team can assist. We have helped hundreds of Canadian charities and nonprofits with their legal documents and filings.

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