Understanding the Ontario RIN (Registrant Identification Number): Complete Guide for Businesses
What Is a RIN in Ontario?
A RIN (Registrant Identification Number) is a unique business identifier issued by the Ontario Ministry of Transportation (MTO).
It is used to register and own vehicles under a business or corporate name rather than an individual’s driver’s licence number.
In short: A RIN allows your company, partnership, or organization to legally own, lease, buy, or sell vehicles in Ontario. If your business buys or transfers a vehicle, you must have a valid RIN before completing the transaction at ServiceOntario.
Who Needs a RIN?
You need a RIN if your organization:
• owns or leases commercial or fleet vehicles in Ontario;
• registers a vehicle under a company name;
• buys or sells vehicles through a business rather than personally; or
• operates a corporation, partnership, or numbered company that appears on a vehicle permit.
Even small businesses and sole proprietors require a RIN if they plan to register vehicles under their business name instead of their own.
How to Get a RIN in Ontario
There are two official ways to obtain a RIN:
Option 1: Complete the RIN Application Form
Businesses can apply for a RIN by filling out a Business Information Form through ServiceOntario.
You’ll need:
• Your business name and address
• Ontario Business Number (BN) or Master Business Licence
• Identification for the authorized signing officer
• Proof of incorporation or registration
After submission, ServiceOntario issues your RIN and adds it to the MTO’s business ownership database.
Option 2: Swear a RIN Declaration (Commissioned or Notarized)
If you prefer a guided route, you can complete a RIN Declaration Form, which is a sworn statement confirming:
• Your authority to act on behalf of the business
• The legal existence of the business entity
• The intent to register or transfer ownership of a vehicle
The declaration must be sworn before a lawyer, notary public, or commissioner for taking affidavits.
This process is often used by small businesses or entrepreneurs who need special assistance with the process.
Getting a RIN Declaration Online
You can now obtain a sworn RIN Declaration online through RIN-Ontario.ca.
Online RIN Declaration services provide:
• Pre-finalized, government-compliant RIN declaration documents
• Remote commissioning via licensed lawyers or commissioners
• Instant digital copies for submission to ServiceOntario
This option eliminates the need to visit a notary or ServiceOntario office in person — saving time while ensuring compliance with Ontario’s legal standards.
Why the RIN Is Important for Businesses
The Registrant Identification Number acts as the business’s official vehicle ownership identity.
It ensures:
• The vehicle is legally owned by the business, not an individual
• Corporate vehicles can be insured and transferred properly
• Business continuity even if directors or officers change
Without a valid RIN, your business cannot appear as a vehicle owner, which can delay purchases, sales, or fleet registrations.
Common RIN Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)
1. Using a personal driver’s licence number for a business vehicle
2. Failing to update the RIN when the business address or name changes
3. Missing signatures or unsworn declarations
4. Submitting incomplete documentation to ServiceOntario
Tip:
Always verify that your RIN matches your current business registration and that any declaration you use is properly sworn.
Quick Summary
Step 1:
Confirm business eligibility — Your business must own or lease vehicles
Step 2:
Choose method — Fill form or swear a declaration
Step 3:
Gather documents — Business registration, ID, two pieces of mail with business address, declaration form
Step 4:
Submit to ServiceOntario — In person or online
Step 5:
Receive your RIN — Used for all future vehicle transactions
Frequently Asked Questions About Ontario RINs
1. What is a RIN number in Ontario used for? A RIN identifies a business entity as the owner of a vehicle for registration and legal purposes.
2. Can I get a RIN online? Yes. Many platforms allow you to swear a RIN Declaration online with a licensed lawyer or commissioner. You can then submit it directly to ServiceOntario.
3. How long does it take to get a RIN? Typically 1–3 business days, depending on documentation and ServiceOntario processing time.
4. Is a RIN mandatory for all companies? Yes — if a company wants to own, lease, or register a vehicle under its business name, a RIN is mandatory.
5. Can I use my driver’s licence number instead? No. Individuals use driver’s licence numbers, while businesses must use a RIN for legal registration.
Key Takeaways
• A RIN is essential for business vehicle ownership in Ontario.
• It is issued by the Ontario Ministry of Transportation (MTO).
• You can apply via form or sworn declaration.
• Online RIN declarations make the process fast and compliant.
• Always ensure your business information is up to date with the MTO.
A RIN (Registrant Identification Number) is a unique business identifier issued by the Ontario Ministry of Transportation (MTO).
It is used to register and own vehicles under a business or corporate name rather than an individual’s driver’s licence number.
In short: A RIN allows your company, partnership, or organization to legally own, lease, buy, or sell vehicles in Ontario. If your business buys or transfers a vehicle, you must have a valid RIN before completing the transaction at ServiceOntario.
Who Needs a RIN?
You need a RIN if your organization:
• owns or leases commercial or fleet vehicles in Ontario;
• registers a vehicle under a company name;
• buys or sells vehicles through a business rather than personally; or
• operates a corporation, partnership, or numbered company that appears on a vehicle permit.
Even small businesses and sole proprietors require a RIN if they plan to register vehicles under their business name instead of their own.
How to Get a RIN in Ontario
There are two official ways to obtain a RIN:
Option 1: Complete the RIN Application Form
Businesses can apply for a RIN by filling out a Business Information Form through ServiceOntario.
You’ll need:
• Your business name and address
• Ontario Business Number (BN) or Master Business Licence
• Identification for the authorized signing officer
• Proof of incorporation or registration
After submission, ServiceOntario issues your RIN and adds it to the MTO’s business ownership database.
Option 2: Swear a RIN Declaration (Commissioned or Notarized)
If you prefer a guided route, you can complete a RIN Declaration Form, which is a sworn statement confirming:
• Your authority to act on behalf of the business
• The legal existence of the business entity
• The intent to register or transfer ownership of a vehicle
The declaration must be sworn before a lawyer, notary public, or commissioner for taking affidavits.
This process is often used by small businesses or entrepreneurs who need special assistance with the process.
Getting a RIN Declaration Online
You can now obtain a sworn RIN Declaration online through RIN-Ontario.ca.
Online RIN Declaration services provide:
• Pre-finalized, government-compliant RIN declaration documents
• Remote commissioning via licensed lawyers or commissioners
• Instant digital copies for submission to ServiceOntario
This option eliminates the need to visit a notary or ServiceOntario office in person — saving time while ensuring compliance with Ontario’s legal standards.
Why the RIN Is Important for Businesses
The Registrant Identification Number acts as the business’s official vehicle ownership identity.
It ensures:
• The vehicle is legally owned by the business, not an individual
• Corporate vehicles can be insured and transferred properly
• Business continuity even if directors or officers change
Without a valid RIN, your business cannot appear as a vehicle owner, which can delay purchases, sales, or fleet registrations.
Common RIN Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)
1. Using a personal driver’s licence number for a business vehicle
2. Failing to update the RIN when the business address or name changes
3. Missing signatures or unsworn declarations
4. Submitting incomplete documentation to ServiceOntario
Tip:
Always verify that your RIN matches your current business registration and that any declaration you use is properly sworn.
Quick Summary
Step 1:
Confirm business eligibility — Your business must own or lease vehicles
Step 2:
Choose method — Fill form or swear a declaration
Step 3:
Gather documents — Business registration, ID, two pieces of mail with business address, declaration form
Step 4:
Submit to ServiceOntario — In person or online
Step 5:
Receive your RIN — Used for all future vehicle transactions
Frequently Asked Questions About Ontario RINs
1. What is a RIN number in Ontario used for? A RIN identifies a business entity as the owner of a vehicle for registration and legal purposes.
2. Can I get a RIN online? Yes. Many platforms allow you to swear a RIN Declaration online with a licensed lawyer or commissioner. You can then submit it directly to ServiceOntario.
3. How long does it take to get a RIN? Typically 1–3 business days, depending on documentation and ServiceOntario processing time.
4. Is a RIN mandatory for all companies? Yes — if a company wants to own, lease, or register a vehicle under its business name, a RIN is mandatory.
5. Can I use my driver’s licence number instead? No. Individuals use driver’s licence numbers, while businesses must use a RIN for legal registration.
Key Takeaways
• A RIN is essential for business vehicle ownership in Ontario.
• It is issued by the Ontario Ministry of Transportation (MTO).
• You can apply via form or sworn declaration.
• Online RIN declarations make the process fast and compliant.
• Always ensure your business information is up to date with the MTO.