A new way to manage and search B.C. companies coming in 2024

Last updated on January 17, 2024

In 2024, the BC OnLine and the Corporate Online applications will no longer be used to access Corporate Search and filings for B.C. companies. Read more here.

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Why is it changing?

  • Corporate Online is moving to the new Business Registry, including:
    • Filing your annual reports
    • Keeping B.C. companies up-to-date 
  • BC OnLine and Corporate Search is moving to the new Business Search
    • Search for B.C. company information and filings
 

What types of B.C. companies are moving to the new BC Registry application?

  • Community contribution companies
  • Limited companies
  • Unlimited liability companies

Note: Other business types, like extra provincial companies, limited partnerships, limited liability partnerships, etc., will move to the new application in later phases. Societies will continue to be available through Societies Online.

 

Learn more and get ready  

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Is there anything I need to do right now?

No, there is nothing you need to do right now.

You won’t be able to link your company until B.C. companies have transferred to the Business Registry.

When it is time you will need to:

  • First login and create your BC Registries account
    • Link your existing company to the account
  • File your annual report or other filings

Note: If you are already set up in the new BC Registry application, you don't need to set up another account.

 

What if I manage multiple corporations?

  • We can assist you by adding those businesses on your behalf
  • More information will be posted soon
 

Will I still receive annual report reminders and other documents by mail?

  • Annual report reminders and documents will be emailed to you - reminders will no longer be mailed.
 

Why do you need my email address?

  • A valid email address listed on your current Corporate Online or BC OnLine account is needed because:
    • We will use this email to send you important information about these changes.
    • Annual report reminders and documents will be emailed to you  - reminders will no longer be mailed.

 

Additional information

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Why do I need to set up a new account for my existing B.C. company?

  • The Corporate Online application you use today is an aging piece of software that was built over 20 years ago and requires serious upgrading to keep up the demand of business being created.
  • When the new Business Registry is ready, you will be able to create a new, and more secure account for your company
 

Is it possible to get set up early?

  • If you would like to get a head start, you can set up your account now but it is not required.
  • Wait until the new application launches and get set up when it’s time to file your annual report or other filings.
  • If you want to learn more about account setup, view our guides and other resources.
 

Is the new BC Registry application more secure?

By following today’s best digital security practices, the following login methods will prevent identity theft by confirming who is completing filings.

NOTE:

  • Did you know that most users use the BC Services Card app to set up a BC Registry account and log in so that they don’t have to remember a password?
  • BC Services card app is the easiest and most secure way to access your business and other government services,
    • For example: ICBC, MyHealth, and Canada Revenue Agency.
 

What will happen to Address Change BC?

  • Address Change BC (ACBC) will no longer be available.
  • Users will need to submit address changes directly with these government agencies.
 

Do you use automation, robotics, or screen scraping software to access search in BC OnLine or Corporate Online?

It is recommended to develop application programming interfaces (API) to replace the robotic process automation or screen scraping tools that may be currently used for high volume searches or corporate registry submissions. Further information can be found on the BC Registries API Gateway. 

 

Who can I contact if I have more questions?

You can email us at bcreg.engagement@gov.bc.ca.