This article contains frequently asked questions in regard to the Ontario Business Registry (OBR) in relation to eCore.
Overview
On February 1, 2025, the Ontario Business Registry (OBR) is introducing an update that will require a Company Key to be provided to conduct specific transactions for entities created prior to October 19, 2021. This Company Key will only need to be provided to service providers like Dye & Durham on a one-time basis.
Once the Company Key is provided to Dye & Durham on the first transaction you can continue to easily conduct transactions through eCore.
For many of the entities that have been created and registered through eCore, this update will have no impact on your current workflows.
Q - What is the Company Key?
A - Your Company Key is similar to a Personal Identification Number (PIN). It is a 9 digit code that is unique to a business and should be kept confidential.
The business name or Ontario Corporation Number (OCN)/Business Identification Number (BIN) coupled with your Company Key allows you to access and manage a business in the Ontario Business Registry.
Q - How do I get the Company Key?
A - Visit the OBR Company Key guide to learn about how to request a Company Key.
Q - How do I know if Dye & Durham needs to be given a Company Key?
A - On and after February 1, 2025, if we require a Company Key to conduct any transactions, you will be asked to provide one within the filing process.
If you want to check if a Company Key is required prior to starting a transaction you can use eCore’s easy-to-use Authority Checker and Authority Giver tools. The Authority Checker can be used to determine if a Company Key is required to complete a filing for an entity, and the Authority Giver can be used to provide eCore with the Company Key. To use the new tools, go to Corporate / Other Ministry Filings / Tools.
Q - Will I need to provide the Company Key more than once?
A - No, once you have provided Dye & Durham the Company Key, we will have authority for you to continue filings. It is possible for the authority to be revoked; in the event this happens the Company Key will need to be provided again.
Q - What if I need to change my address or official email to obtain a Company Key?
A - If your address or official email address needs to be changed, up until February 1, 2025 you can make this change in eCore without a company key. If the address or official email address is not changed prior to February 1, 2025, you can request the Company Key from the Ontario Business Registry and answer additional questions to have a Company Key emailed immediately to you if you qualify.
Q - What if I have drafted a transaction prior to February 1st 2025?
A - Use our easy-to-use Authority Checker tool to confirm if you will need to provide a Company Key to complete the filing. The Company Key can be provided in the Authority Giver tool. Find these tools under Corporate / Other Ministry Filings / Tools.