What Is a Registered Office Address?
A Registered Office Address is the official address of your corporation, as recorded with the Ontario Business Registry. This is where:
- Legal documents are served
- Government notices and correspondence are sent
- Your corporation’s minute book must be kept and made available for inspection (unless stored electronically, where permitted)
Under the Business Corporations Act (Ontario) (OBCA), every corporation must have a registered office address in Ontario as of the date of incorporation.
Legal Requirements
According to OBCA:
- The address must be in Ontario and include a municipal address (i.e., no P.O. boxes)
- The corporation must be able to receive documents and service of process at this address during regular business hours
- Any change to the registered office address must be formally reported to the Ontario Business Registry
Why You Shouldn’t Use Your Home Address (If You Can Avoid It)
Many entrepreneurs default to using their home address when incorporating. While this is legally permitted, it can come with unintended consequences:
1. Loss of Privacy
Once your corporation is registered, your registered office address becomes part of the public record. Anyone, including customers, creditors, or solicitors, can search and find it. Using a residential address means your personal location becomes publicly searchable.
2. Risk of Missed Government Mail
Government notices, compliance reminders, and legal service documents are sent to the registered office. If you move and forget to update your records, or if your home mailbox isn’t secure, you could miss critical deadlines or legal notifications.
3. Professional Image
For some businesses, listing a residential address may not align with their brand or create the same level of credibility as a business or third-party address.
What Should You Use Instead?
If possible, consider designating:
- A commercial office address
- A co-working space or mail-handling service (if permitted and compliant)
- A professional services firm, such as a lawyer or corporate agent
What matters most is that the address is reliable, monitored, and kept up to date with the registry.
SkyLaunch’s Complete Compliance Package includes the use of our address as your corporation’s Registered Office Address. Any government mail that we receive will be uploaded to your secure portal so you can access it at any time.
Final Thoughts
Your registered office address is more than a checkbox on the incorporation form: it’s a legal and operational touchpoint for your corporation. Choosing the right address, and understanding its implications, helps protect your privacy, ensure compliance, and support your professional presence from day one.
