What is the Ontario Corporation Company Key, and How Do Charities Get It?

Published June 18, 2025 By Dov Goldberg

If your charity or nonprofit is incorporated in Ontario, you may hear about something called a Company Key. This key is an important code you need when updating your organization’s records with the Ontario government. It’s like a password that proves you are allowed to make changes to your charity’s information online.

Let’s break it down.

What is a Company Key?

A Company Key is a unique 9-digit number given to your organization by the Ontario Business Registry. It works like a security PIN. You need it to log into your business profile and make updates, such as changing your address, filing annual returns, or updating your directors.

How Do You Get a Company Key for an Ontario Corporation?

If you are a charity or nonprofit that is incorporated in Ontario, you can request your Company Key directly from the Ontario Business Registry. Here’s how:

1. Visit the Ontario Business Registry website.
2. Look for the “Get a Company Key” section.
3. Fill out the request form with your organization’s Ontario Corporation Number (OCN) and other details like your official email or mailing address.
4. The key will be sent to your registered office address or email, depending on how your records were set up.

You can also call ServiceOntario for help if you’re not sure what information they have on file.

Is the Company Key the Same as a Business Number?

No, they are different things.

• Your Company Key is used only with the Ontario Business Registry.
• Your Business Number (BN) is issued by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) and is used for things like payroll, GST/HST, and charity status.

So even though both are identification numbers, they serve different purposes and come from different government offices.

Where Can I Find My Ontario Corporation Number?

Your Ontario Corporation Number (OCN) is another important number. You receive this number when your charity or nonprofit is incorporated in Ontario.

You can find your OCN on:

• Your Articles of Incorporation
• Your corporation’s profile on the Ontario Business Registry
• Any official letters from ServiceOntario

If your organization was federally incorporated but registered to operate in Ontario (also called extra-provincial registration), you would still be assigned an Ontario Corporation Number.

How Do I Get a Business Identification Number in Ontario?

If your charity or nonprofit will do things like hire employees or collect HST, you’ll also need a Business Number (BN) from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). This is different from your OCN and Company Key.

To get a BN:

1. Call the CRA at 1-800-959-5525 or
2. Register online at Canada.ca

You’ll need this number to register for things like:

• Payroll
• HST/GST
• Charity status if you plan to apply

Final Tips for Charities and Nonprofits

• Keep your Company Key in a safe place. Only share it with trusted people who manage your charity’s records.
• If you’re applying for charity status, make sure all your numbers (OCN, BN, Company Key) are up to date and organized.
• If you ever lose your Company Key, you can request a new one from the Ontario Business Registry.

Having the right numbers in place helps your charity stay compliant with government rules and keeps your records in good standing.

‍