Corporation Key - Qs&As

What is a Corporation Key?
A Corporation Key is a six digit access code that must be entered, along with a corporation number, before certain online transactions can be carried out on the Corporations Canada Online Filing Centre.

Who should request a Corporation Key?
Where a corporation wishes to submit or update corporate information online, and no payment is required to make that submission or update, the corporation should apply for a Corporation Key. Examples of the kinds of online information submissions for which a key is required include changes to the corporate registered office address; changes to the board of directors; and online applications to dissolve a corporation.

Why does my corporation need a Corporation Key?
The use of a Corporation Key is an enhanced online security precaution. Only individuals who have a Corporation Key are permitted to revise certain corporate information items online with Corporations Canada.

Which online transactions require a Corporation Key?

• Changes to registered office information
• Changes to Directors information
• Adding or changing an additional address
• Dissolving a corporation
• Managing annual return reminder email subscriptions

When does my corporation need a Corporation Key?
Your corporation may not need a Corporation Key immediately. A key is required only when the corporation needs to update its corporate information and chooses to do this online. A key is also needed when a corporation wants to apply online to be dissolved.

How does my corporation obtain a Corporation Key?
Simply click on the link "Obtain Corporation Key" found on the online filing center and follow the steps described there.

Is there a fee?
There is no fee for a Corporation Key.

Where do I send the request?
The request is processed online.

How will we receive our key?
The key will be sent by regular mail to the registered office of the corporation that Corporations Canada currently has on file.

What if our registered office address is out of date?
If your registered office address is out of date, please follow the instructions provided within the "Obtain Corporation Key" request.

How long does it take to process a request for a Corporation Key?
Corporations Canada usually processes such requests within two business days of their receipt. The Corporation Key is then sent to the corporation's registered office address via Canada Post.

How do I use the Corporation Key?
Users who require a Corporation Key, will be prompted for the key and the corporation number during online filing transactions.

What do we do if the Corporation Key is lost or misplaced.
In the event that a Corporation Key is lost or misplaced, you should follow the steps to obtain a new Corporation Key through the link "Obtain Corporation Key." on the online filing center. The previous Corporation Key becomes invalid as soon as a new Corporation Key is requested online.

Should access to the Corporation Key be restricted?
The Corporation Key should be kept with the corporation's other important records. Access should be restricted to those who are authorized to make online changes and requests on behalf of the corporation.

What if a law firm (or other entity) is listed as the registered office address for my corporation?
The Corporation Key is sent to the registered address that Corporations Canada has on file for your corporation, even where this is the address of a law firm or other entity acting on your behalf. If you do not want the Corporation Key sent to the registered address, you can revise the address by following the instructions provided through the "Obtain Corporation Key" link.

How do I find out what address Corporations Canada has on file for my corporation's registered office?
To see the registered office address that is on file for your corporation, simply initiate a request for a Corporation Key through the "Obtain Corporation Key" link or search Corporations Canada online database of federal corporations.