A vendor asks for your corporation number before closing a deal. A government form requires it before you can hit submit. But you have no idea where it is.
Every corporation in Canada gets a business incorporation number at the time of registration. The problem is that most business owners never think about it again until someone asks for it.
This guide will help you find your Canadian business incorporation number fast. You’ll learn what the number is, where to look for it, and how it’s different from the CRA business number you use for taxes.
Key Takeaways
- Your incorporation number is a unique, permanent identifier assigned at incorporation by the federal or provincial registrar. It confirms your corporation’s legal existence.
- It is distinct from tax identifiers like the CRA business number, which is used for GST/HST, payroll, and corporate income tax.
- The fastest way to find it is to check your certificate of incorporation or search Canada’s Business Registries online for free.
What is a Business Incorporation Number in Canada?
A business incorporation number (also called a corporation number) is a unique identifier that the federal or provincial government assigns to your corporation at the date of incorporation. It uniquely identifies a corporation registered in Canada and confirms that your business is a legal entity under Canadian law.
You’ll need this number more often than you’d think. Here are the most common situations where it comes up:
- Filing corporate annual returns
- Signing contracts or legal documents
- Applying for government programs or grants
- Verifying your corporation’s legal status (certificate of status / good standing)
- Vetting partners or vendors through corporate due diligence searches
It’s also required when opening a corporate bank account in Canada and for federal procurement and government contracting.
This number is publicly searchable. Anyone can look up your corporation number in Canada through government corporate search tools to verify your company’s status.
What Does Your Incorporation Number Look Like?
The format of your incorporation number depends on whether you have a federal corporation or a provincial corporation. Here’s a quick breakdown:
Federal numbers are numeric. Provincial numbers may include letter prefixes or vary in length. If a number doesn’t match the format for your incorporation jurisdiction, you might be looking at a different identifier.
Incorporation Number vs. Business Number: What’s the Difference?
Confusing the incorporation number vs business number is one of the most common mistakes entrepreneurs and startup founders make.
Here’s how they compare:
If a supplier asks you to verify your legal status before signing an agreement, they want the incorporation number. If the CRA asks for your number when you file taxes, that’s your business number.
Where to Find Your Business Incorporation Number
Now for the part you came here for. Here are three ways to find your corporation number, starting with the easiest.
Check Your Incorporation Documents
Your corporation number appears on the Certificate of Incorporation as a permanent identifier. You’ll also find it in your articles of incorporation. If you have either document on hand, you’ll find it there.
Incorporated through Ownr? Both documents are securely stored in your dashboard. You can retrieve them anytime.
Your corporate minute book is another reliable spot. It contains your incorporation documents and all subsequent corporate filings. If you don’t have a physical copy, Ownr also offers a digital online minute book that keeps everything organized.
Search the Federal Registry
The fastest free way to search for any Canadian corporation is through Canada’s Business Registries. This government-issued portal pulls records from multiple federal and provincial registries. You can search by corporation name or number at no cost.
This is the recommended starting point if you don’t know where your corporation number is or which registry holds your records.
For corporations registered specifically under the Canada Business Corporations Act (CBCA), the Corporations Canada search tool is also available. Use this if you already know your company is a federal corporation and want to retrieve a corporate profile report.
Search Your Provincial Corporate Registry
If you choose provincial incorporation in Canada, your records live with the relevant provincial corporate registry. Here’s where to search by province:
Search processes and fees vary by province. Some registries offer free basic lookups. Others charge a small fee for a corporate profile report.
What to Do if You Can’t Find Your Incorporation Number
Don’t panic. Here are three common scenarios and what to do with each one:
- You’ve lost your original documents. Run a search on Canada’s Business Registries using your company name. You can also request a corporate profile report from the relevant federal or provincial registrar to obtain a copy.
- Your company name has changed. Search using your original name or current registered name. The incorporation number is permanent and does not change when a company amends its name. The corporate registry updates the name on record, but the number stays the same.
- You incorporated through a third party. Contact whoever handled your incorporation, whether that’s a lawyer, a corporate paralegal, or an incorporation platform like Ownr. Ask them to provide a copy of your certificate of incorporation or articles of incorporation.
Ownr Incorporates Your Business and Securely Stores Your Documents
Now you know how to find your Canadian business incorporation number. Check your certificate of incorporation or articles of incorporation first. If you don’t have them, search the relevant government registry using your company name.
Haven’t incorporated yet? Ownr handles the process online and stores your documents in one place.
Need help staying on top of corporate compliance? Ownr offers a managed corporation service that takes care of your annual return filings and corporate records.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is an incorporation number the same as a corporation number?
Yes. The incorporation number and corporation number are the same thing. Both refer to the unique identifier assigned to your corporation when it was registered. Government documents and legal filings may use either term, but they point to the same standardized, permanent number.
Does my incorporation number expire?
No. Your incorporation number is permanent and does not change after issuance. It stays with your corporation for its entire legal life. You never need to renew it.
Do I need both an incorporation number and a business number?
Yes. The incorporation number confirms your corporation’s legal existence with the corporate registry. A CRA business number is required for compliance with federal tax obligations, such as GST/HST and payroll. They serve different purposes, and you need both to operate.
How long does it take to get an incorporation number?
You usually receive your corporation number immediately upon successful filing. Whether you incorporate federally through Corporations Canada or through most provincial registries (like the Ontario Business Registry or BC Registry Services), the number is assigned as soon as your application is processed and approved.
Can I look up another company’s incorporation number in Canada?
Yes. Corporation numbers are publicly searchable. Use Canada’s Business Registries for federal and provincial searches, the Corporations Canada search tool for federal-only lookups, or individual provincial registries. This is commonly used to verify a partner’s or vendor’s legal status during due diligence.
Does my incorporation number change if I change my business name?
No. The incorporation number is non-transferable and not tied to the corporate name. A business name change updates the corporate registry record, and the new name will appear on future filings. But the number itself stays the same.
Do I need my incorporation number to file my corporate tax return?
Yes. The CRA requires your corporation number (along with your business number) when filing a T2 corporate income tax return. The corporation number confirms your corporation’s legal identity. The business number identifies your CRA tax account. Both are necessary.
Ask AI About this Topic
ChatGPT | Claude | Perplexity | Grok | Google AI Mode
Launch your business starting at $49
This article offers general information only, is current as of the date of publication, and is not intended as legal, financial or other professional advice. A professional advisor should be consulted regarding your specific situation. While the information presented is believed to be factual and current, its accuracy is not guaranteed and it should not be regarded as a complete analysis of the subjects discussed. All expressions of opinion reflect the judgment of the author(s) as of the date of publication and are subject to change. No endorsement of any third parties or their advice, opinions, information, products or services is expressly given or implied by RBC Ventures Inc. or its affiliates.