For individuals submitting a Federal Incorporation in Ontario, identity verification is a crucial step in the application process. As you complete your application in Ownr, you will be guided through the identity verification procedure. This process is integrated into Ownr’s application, ensuring that all information is collected accurately.

What is Identity Verification (IDV)?

Identity Verification is the process of confirming that you are who you claim to be. This process helps prevent fraud and protects sensitive information.

Why does Ownr need to Verify my Identity?

Corporations Canada requires identity verification in order to incorporate a business. This is done to prevent fraud and ensure that bad actors are not abusing the business incorporation system.

How is IDV accomplished?

Ownr uses a digital document verification tool provided by RBC. The process is as follows:

Why am I being directed to an RBC tool?

As an RBC company, Ownr has access to RBC’s technology. Ownr uses RBC’s tool strictly for the purpose of verifying your identity to meet Corporation Canada’s requirements for incorporation.

Does Ownr share my photo and ID information with RBC?

No, your information will not be stored or used by RBC. A third party digitally processes the ID images, with a manual check run only if digital checks fail. The third party does not share images with Ownr or RBC, even for troubleshooting purposes. The third party retains images for 90 days for fraud mitigation purposes.

Why do I need to use a smartphone for IDV?

The “liveness” check on your selfie (done to ensure that you’re the person on the government-issued ID) requires smartphone technology. It’s possible for fraudsters to find ways around these checks via a laptop camera.

What if my identity cannot be verified using the IDV check?

Ontario businesses have the option to incorporate federally or provincially. Corporations Canada imposes rigorous compliance obligations to federal corporations, which include stringent identity verification requirements. ID document verification is not required for Ontario provincial incorporation.

Both Federal and Ontario Provincial corporations can operate from and do business anywhere in or outside of Ontario or Canada (as long as they comply with the law of the jurisdictions in which they operate). The main difference is that Ontario provincial corporations must retain a registered head office in Ontario at all times. Additionally, Ontario provincial corporations typically do not pay fees for their annual returns, do not have to file information about their individuals with significant control (ISCs) with the government, and are not required to have a minimum number of Canadian residents as directors.

You can opt for “Federal Canadian” or “Provincial Canadian” in the “Corporate Information” section of your Ownr registration.

What do I do if my ID could not be verified?

Please see our IDV troubleshooting guide.

Which IDs are accepted?

Please find a comprehensive list of accepted IDs below. Note that some documents are not accepted because they do not have the required security features that allow for rigorous digital IDV.