How to Change the Address on Articles of Incorporation in Canada

Moving your business closer to the warehouse to reduce transportation costs? If so, you’re not the only one, as many businesses move to reduce operational costs. 

However, you might now be wondering how to change the address on the Articles of Incorporation and what steps are legally required. In that case, we have got you covered.

This guide walks you through everything you need to know, from identifying the type of address you’re changing to filing the right forms, keeping records up to date, and avoiding compliance issues.

Key Takeaways

• Your registered office address serves as a legal anchor for your corporation, and any change must be formally filed to remain compliant.
• Updating your Articles doesn’t automatically update the CRA or other partners, and each system requires its own notification.
• A registered office must be a physical Canadian address (not a P.O. Box), so keep it accurate to avoid missed notices, penalties, or compliance issues.

How to Change Your Address on Articles of Incorporation in Canada

Here is our complete step-by-step guide to help you update your corporate address correctly, whether you’re incorporated federally or provincially.

Step 1: Determine the Type of Address Change You Need

Before filing anything, you’ll need to confirm which type of business address you’re updating. In Canada, corporations typically manage several types of addresses.

• Registered Office Address (ROA)
  This is the legal and physical address of your corporation, located in the province or territory where you’re incorporated. Your ROA is the official location for receiving legal documents and notices, so changing it requires an official notification to the federal or provincial corporate registry.
• Mailing or Correspondence Address
  This is where you receive general business mail. It can be updated through online portals like CRA My Business Account and usually doesn’t require changes to your Articles.

Some provinces, like British Columbia, require a separate Records Office address for financial documents. If you’re unsure which corporate details need updating, Ownr’s guide to corporate changes is a helpful starting point.

Step 2: Update the Address on Your Articles of Incorporation

Once you confirm the type of address change, the next step is filing the update with the federal or provincial authority that manages your corporation.

For Federal Corporations
If you’re incorporated under the Canada Business Corporations Act (CBCA):

1. Complete Form 3 (Change of Registered Office Address)
2. File the form within 15 days of the address change
3. Submit through the Corporations Canada online filing system

The filing can be done by the corporation’s director and typically takes only a few minutes. Now, if your new registered office is in a different province or territory, you’ll need to formally amend your Articles. This process requires the approval of the board and a shareholder special resolution and must be filed using Form 4 (Articles of Amendment). 

For Provincial Corporations
Each province has its own process and uses its own online service, such as Nova Scotia’s Registry of Joint Stock Companies or BC Registries and Online Services. But generally, changing your ROA:

1. Must be filed with the provincial government
2. Can be done via mail or online, depending on the province
3. May require updating both the ROA and Records Office address (e.g., British Columbia)

Step 3: Notify Other Relevant Authorities

After filing the change, business owners must inform other institutions to avoid missed notices or tax issues.

• Canada Revenue Agency (CRA): Requires businesses to update the mailing address, physical location/head office, and books and records address. This can be done through CRA My Business Account and is important for accurate tax filings.
• Bank and Financial Institutions: Your corporate bank accounts and credit facilities rely on accurate business information.
• Employees, Contractors, Vendors: Any group that relies on your corporate address for communication should be notified as soon as possible.

Step 4: Verify the Change and Keep Your Records Updated

Once your filing is processed, double-check that your new address appears correctly in the public registry. Then update your internal records, the minute book, the website, and any customer-facing materials so that everything reflects the new location. 

This helps maintain accurate corporate records and ensures your corporation remains reachable.

Why Is the Address on the Article of Incorporation Important?

Your Articles of Incorporation outline your corporation’s key legal details, including its name, share structure, and registered office address. This address is crucial because it:

• Identifies the corporation’s legal jurisdiction
• Determines where legal documents can be delivered
• Ensures the corporation is reachable
• Supports transparent record-keeping

Keeping this address current is essential for proper business registration and long-term legal compliance. If you’re also updating a director’s information at the same time, you can follow this separate process for changing a director’s address

Can I Use a PO Box as a Legal Address in Canada?

In most cases, no. You cannot use a P.O. Box as your corporation’s registered office address. However, you can use a P.O. Box as a mailing or correspondence address, since those don’t require physical accessibility. 

Corporations Canada and most provincial registries require a physical address where:

• Legal documents can be served
• Corporate records are available for inspection

Why Changing Your Registered Office Address Is Critical for Your Business

Since the corporate law governs the ROA, any move, whether across the street or across town, is legally necessary after relocation. Updating your corporation’s information regularly keeps your business legally compliant, protects your business from default judgments, and prevents missed legal notices.

What are the Costs and Timeframes for Changing Your Address on Articles of Incorporation?

When you update your registered office address in Canada, the cost and timing depend on where your corporation is registered and whether you’re simply updating the address or moving to a different province.

Federal Corporations (CBCA):
At the federal level, changing your corporation’s registered office address usually involves minimal fees and a short processing time. Here’s the cost breakdown:

• Notice of Change (same province): Free
• Articles of Amendment (moving to another province): $200

The service standard is 4 business hours (online) and 1 business day (email or mail).

Provincial Corporations:
Fees vary anywhere from no charge to over $150 based on the province and whether you’re filing online or via paper. Here is a quick look at the cost and general processing time for some of the provinces:

Note: Data is based on publicly available government guidance and standard registry processes.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Can I change my business address without changing my articles of incorporation?

Yes. You can change your mailing address or operating address without filing an update to your Articles. However, if you change your registered office address, you must file an official notice with the federal or provincial government.

Do I need an attorney to change my registered office address in Canada?

No. Most business owners file this change themselves via government online portals. However, legal advice can be helpful if:

• You’re moving your registered office to another province
• You need to amend your Articles
• Your corporation has complex governance requirements

How long does it take to process an address change on articles of incorporation?

Processing times vary by jurisdiction. For federal filings, the service standard is 4 business hours (online) and 1 business day (email or mail). Provincial timelines differ but are generally similar. Amendments that require shareholder approval may take longer.