RIN vs. VIN vs. BIN: Decoding Ontario’s Business and Registration Numbers

By Candice Webster • Commissioner of Oaths • Updated on October 27, 2025 • 11 min read

By Candice Webster • Commissioner of Oaths

Updated on October 27, 2025 • 11 min read

Table of Contents

Key Takeaways

A RIN is a nine-digit MTO number that lets Ontario businesses register, renew, and transfer vehicles under their legal name.
You need a RIN for vehicle registrations under a business, fleet management, dealer or leasing transactions, and company name or address updates.
A VIN is a 17-character manufacturer code that uniquely identifies a vehicle for registration, insurance, ownership transfers, and recalls.
A BIN is a nine-digit Ontario Business Registry identifier for non-corporate registrations, used for provincial filings, permits, licences, and updates.
Get our free RIN Letter template and book an online notary appointment to have your RIN Letter commissioned today.

Understanding the difference between a RIN, VIN, and BIN in Ontario can be confusing for many business owners. Each number serves a distinct purpose in identifying businesses or vehicles within provincial and federal systems.

Here, we demystify RINs, VINs, and BINs in Ontario, so you understand which numbers you need to register vehicles and manage compliance.

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What is a RIN Number in Ontario?

A Registrant Identification Number (RIN) is a unique nine-digit number issued by Ontario’s Ministry of Transportation (MTO). It identifies a business, corporation, or organization that owns or registers vehicles in the province.

To be legally driven on the road, all Ontario vehicles must have an identification number issued by the Ministry of Transportation. To register a vehicle, an individual typically provides their driver’s license, but, a business doesn’t have one. Instead, a business provides a registrant identification number.

In simple terms, a RIN allows businesses to register, renew, and transfer vehicles under their legal business name. A business needs only one RIN, which can be used to register multiple vehicles. Essentially, a RIN ensures that all vehicle records are accurate, traceable, and secure within the Ontario’s registration system.

You will likely need RIN letter to request a RIN from MTO. We have an easy, fillable, free RIN Letter template you can use to draft one up in minutes!

To learn more about RIN in Ontario, you can check out our complete Guide to Ontario’s Registrant Identification Number.

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Purpose of an Ontario RIN Number

A RIN ensures every business-owned vehicle is properly linked to its legal entity. This connection allows companies to register, insure, and plate vehicles under their company name. It also serves as proof of ownership in the event of theft, misuse, or liability issues.

Besides compliance, a RIN streamlines record-keeping and reduces administrative friction. This unique number helps prevent fraud and duplicate registrations, improves data accuracy, and simplifies renewals and updates. If your business manages multiple vehicles, a single RIN provides an efficient way to centralize and track registrations.

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When You Need a RIN Number in Ontario

The following are instances when a business, corporation, or organization needs a RIN in Ontario:

When you register a vehicle in the name of a corporation, business, or organization for the first time at a ServiceOntario centre.
When your business changes its legal name or address, and that business is already linked to one or more registered vehicles.
When buying, leasing, or transferring a vehicle under a business’s name.
When managing or operating a fleet of vehicles owned or registered to the business.
When a dealership, leasing company, or commercial operator handles vehicle transactions on behalf of clients or customers.

Obtaining a RIN Number in Ontario

To obtain a Registrant Identification Number, you must apply through the Ministry of Transportation or visit a ServiceOntario centre.

First, submit a RIN Letter listing your business name, address, and reason for the request. Use our free, fillable RIN Letter template to draft yours in minutes.
Have an authorized official, like a notary public, commission your letter to verify your identity and confirm that your letter is truthful.
Submit proof of business registration or incorporation and two documents confirming your business address. See which documents you need to submit with your RIN letter here.

Do RIN Letters Need To Be Commissioned?

Yes, RIN Letters must be commissioned before they can be submitted to the MTO. Commissioning involves signing your RIN Letter in front of an authorized official, like a notary; and you can do this online in 7 minutes. Book an online notary appointment to sign your RIN Letter from anywhere with Wi-Fi today.

Commissioning confirms that a business owner or director has authorized the creation or update of their business’s RIN. It also helps prevent unauthorized filings, ensures document authenticity, and maintains full compliance with MTO standards.

During commissioning, you’ll make an oath or affirmation to confirm that the details in your letter are true and complete. To learn more about how commissioning works, check out our guide on Finding a Commissioner of Oaths Near You.

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What is a VIN Number in Ontario?

A Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is a unique 17-character alphanumeric code assigned to every vehicle manufactured since 1981. It acts as a vehicle’s fingerprint, containing detailed information about its manufacturer, country of origin, year, make, model, and engine size. VINs are unique to each vehicle and are never shared.

Purpose of a VIN Number in Ontario

A VIN is a number the Ministry of Transportation uses to identify business and personal vehicles for legal and administrative purposes. Businesses and individuals alike need a VIN to register vehicles, apply for insurance, renew licence plate permits, or transfer ownership.

Further, law enforcement relies on VINs to trace stolen vehicles and verify their ownership. Meanwhile, insurance providers use them to verify vehicle details and determine premium rates.

VINs also allow drivers to access comprehensive vehicle history reports that reveal details such as accident history, liens, and ownership records. Additionally, VINS help track safety recalls and emissions testing compliance, ensuring vehicles meet Ontario’s road safety and environmental standards.

When You Need a VIN Number in Ontario

There are several situations in Ontario where you’ll need to provide or use a VIN to complete vehicle-related transactions. These include:

To confirm a vehicle’s identity when buying or selling a car, and for the transfer of ownership.
Registering a vehicle you bought.
Correcting discrepancies between a VIN listed on a vehicle permit document and the one physically displayed on a vehicle plate.
Updating vehicle details, such as its weight, colour, or configuration, to ensure the proper record is amended.
When you require replacement parts for your vehicle, you may need to provide the VIN to ensure suppliers order the correct parts.

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Obtaining a VIN in Ontario

A Vehicle Identification Number is assigned automatically by a vehicle manufacturer and does not require an application.

You can find a VIN in several places, including:

On the driver-side dashboard, visible through the windshield
On the driver-side door frame label
On your vehicle permit or registration certificate

What Is a BIN Number in Ontario?

A Business Identification Number (BIN) is a unique nine-digit code assigned to businesses registered in Ontario. It serves as the primary identifier for companies operating within the Ontario Business Registry (OBR).

A BIN is essential when completing provincial transactions and maintaining legal identification. BINs apply to entities such as sole proprietorships, partnerships, and trade names registered for business in Ontario.

It’s important not to confuse a BIN with the Business Number (BN), a federal number issued by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). A BN is used to identify a business for federal programs, such as GST/HST, payroll deductions, and corporate income tax.

On the other hand, a BIN is specific to Ontario’s provincial registration and legal operations. BINs are assigned by the Ontario Ministry of Public and Business Service Delivery and identify a business within Ontario’s corporate registry.

Purpose of a BIN Number in Ontario

A BIN is crucial for any registered business enterprise operating within Ontario. It provides provincial identification and supports the smooth handling of legal and administrative transactions.

Note that Ontario corporations are not typically issued BINs, as they’re already assigned a Corporation Number through the provincial registration system.

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When Do You Need a BIN Number in Ontario

Here are some specific situations where you might need a BIN in Ontario:

When registering a business as a sole proprietorship, general partnership, or other non-corporate entity in Ontario, a BIN is automatically assigned.
For provincial filings, permits, licences, and registrations, a BIN is used as Ontario’s official business identifier.
When registering a business name, if you operate under a name different from your legal name, to use that trade name legally in Ontario.
To access or update your Ontario Business Registry record (for example, changing the address or updating ownership information on your business registration).

Obtaining a BIN in Ontario

A Business Identification Number is created automatically when you register your business or corporation through the Ontario Business Registry.

To get a BIN:

Visit the Ontario Business Registry online
Complete the required registration or incorporation form
Receive your nine-digit BIN once the application is approved

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Key Differences Between RIN, VIN, and BIN in Ontario

Each number serves a distinct purpose in Ontario’s business and vehicle identification system. See who issues each number, what they identify, and typical use cases below:

Identifier	Who Issues It	What It Identifies	Typical Use Cases
Registrant Identification Number	Ministry of Transportation of Ontario	A business or organization registering a vehicle	Used when registering, transferring, or renewing vehicles owned by a company or corporation.
Vehicle Identification Number	Vehicle manufacturer	A specific vehicle	Required for vehicle registration, insurance, ownership transfer, and safety recalls.
Business Identification Number	Ontario Business Registry	A registered business entity or corporation	Used for business filings, permits, and licensing with the provincial government.

Understanding RIN, VIN, and BIN Numbers in Ontario

Managing Ontario’s different identification numbers, RIN, VIN, and BIN, can feel overwhelming, but each number serves a unique purpose.

A RIN links a business to its registered vehicles. A VIN identifies each individual vehicle for ownership and history tracking. A BIN connects a business to the OBR for provincial accounts and licences.

Keeping these numbers organized helps ensure smooth transactions, legal compliance, and accurate records across every level of business operation.

Need help drafting your RIN Letter? Use our free RIN Letter Template to draft your letter quickly and ensure it meets all Ministry of Transportation requirements.

Book an online notary appointment with us today to commission a RIN Letter or any other business document in minutes, from anywhere.