WSIB Clearance Certificate: What It Is and How to Get One in Ontario
A WSIB clearance certificate is a free document from Ontario's Workplace Safety and Insurance Board showing that a contractor is registered and its WSIB account is in good standing. It is valid for up to 90 days and protects the business that hired the contractor from liability for that contractor's unpaid WSIB premiums during that period.
This guide explains what a clearance proves, who asks for one, how to get or check one online, the special rules for construction, and what to do if your account isn't in good standing.
What is a WSIB clearance certificate?
A clearance (the WSIB's own term; most people say "clearance certificate") is a unique number the WSIB issues to a business, contractor or subcontractor. It confirms two things:
- the business is registered with the WSIB; and
- its account is up to date, including premium reporting and payment.
Only registered businesses in good standing can get one. One clearance number covers all of your contracts, so you don't need a separate certificate for each client.
Why do principals ask for a WSIB clearance?
The hiring business is called the principal. Under section 141 of the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, 1997 (WSIA), a principal can be held liable for a contractor's unpaid WSIB premiums and other amounts owing. WSIB policy caps that exposure at the value of the labour portion of the contract.
When the WSIB issues a clearance, it gives up its right to pursue the principal for the contractor's debts for the validity period of the certificate. That is why general contractors, property managers, condominium corporations and other principals ask for a current clearance before work starts and keep asking for a new one while the job continues.
Party | Role | What the clearance does for them |
|---|---|---|
Principal | Hires the contractor | Protects it from liability for the contractor's unpaid WSIB amounts while valid |
Contractor | Does the work | Proves it is registered and in good standing, which many clients require |
Subcontractor | Hired by the contractor | Same as a contractor; the contractor becomes the principal for this relationship |
Who needs a WSIB clearance certificate?
Clearances apply to principals that hire contractors for work in industries covered by the WSIB (Schedule 1 or Schedule 2 activities). They do not apply to householders buying services for their own home.
In practice, demand comes from three groups:
- Construction. Clearances are a legal requirement here, with offences for both sides (see below).
- Other covered industries. The construction offences don't apply here, but the principal's liability for a contractor's unpaid premiums does, so many principals collect clearances anyway, for example for cleaning, landscaping, trucking and security contracts.
- Tenders and procurement. Governments and large companies often ask for a clearance as part of a bid or vendor onboarding.
Suppliers, delivery drivers and similar visitors to a site do not need clearances.
How long is a WSIB clearance certificate valid?
A clearance is valid for up to 90 calendar days, depending on the date it is issued, and it is renewable. Most clearances expire on the 20th of February, May, August and November.
If the account is still in good standing, the WSIB issues a new clearance automatically for the next period. A clearance for the next period isn't available until after the renewal date. Principals and contractors must keep clearance records for at least three years.
How do I get a WSIB clearance certificate online?
A clearance is created automatically while your WSIB payments and reporting are up to date. To get a copy:
- Register with the WSIB if you haven't already. Registration is free and done online. See our guide to WSIB registration in Ontario.
- Bring your account into good standing. Report premiums for every past period, file any required reconciliation, and pay everything owing.
- Sign in to WSIB online services and open the clearance application. You can request a clearance immediately and download the certificate.
- Send it to your client, or give them your clearance number so they can download it themselves.
- Turn on email delivery. Under "My Email Notifications" in online services, you can subscribe to receive new clearances automatically each period.
You can also ask for a clearance by email, but that takes three to five business days from when the WSIB receives the request.
Does a WSIB clearance cost anything?
No. The WSIB provides clearances at no charge. However, most newly registered businesses that need a clearance at the time of registration must make an initial advance payment of $250. It is credited to the account and applied to future premiums, so it is a prepayment, not a fee.
What are the WSIB clearance rules for construction?
Construction has its own policy (WSIB policy 14-02-19, under WSIA sections 141.1 and 141.2). A principal that directly hires a contractor for construction work must obtain a clearance before the work begins, and the clearance must stay in effect for the whole time the contractor is working.
Principal must | Contractor must |
|---|---|
Get the contractor's clearance before construction work starts | Not perform construction work without a clearance |
Renew it when it expires or is revoked | Tell the principal if its clearance is revoked |
Not let the contractor work during a period it knows no clearance is in effect | Get clearances from its own subcontractors, as their principal |
Keep clearance records for at least three years | Keep clearance records for at least three years |
Breaking these rules is an offence for both parties. The WSIB says the maximum fine under the WSIA is $100,000.
One exemption: a homeowner, occupant or their family member who hires a contractor for home repairs or renovation work on their own home does not need a clearance.
Do independent operators in construction need a clearance?
Usually, yes. Since January 1, 2013, WSIB coverage has been compulsory in construction for independent operators, sole proprietors, partners and executive officers, with limited exceptions. Because they must register, they can get a clearance once their account is in good standing, and the principals who hire them need one before work starts.
The main exceptions are people who work exclusively on exempt home renovation work hired directly by the homeowner, and one partner or executive officer per business who does no construction work. Outside construction, independent operators generally don't have to register, so they may not be eligible for a clearance. The WSIB offers a status questionnaire for these cases.
What if my WSIB account isn't in good standing?
An account the WSIB marks "ineligible" can't receive a clearance number. Your account is in good standing when it is open, uses the correct classification for your business activities, has premiums reported for all past periods, has reconciliation forms filed and has all amounts paid up to date.
To fix it, update your premium reporting and pay what's owing through online services, or contact the WSIB. WSIB policy also lets a clearance be issued if:
- the principal pays the amount owing on the contractor's behalf;
- an approved payment plan is in place and payments are being made; or
- a disputed amount under appeal is covered by a letter of credit and the other requirements are met.
How do I check another business's WSIB clearance?
Use the WSIB's quick access clearances service. It needs no login and lets you find, view and download a contractor's clearance. You can search registered businesses by business name, CRA business name, phone number, address, city or postal code.
If you hire contractors regularly, sign in to online services instead. You can build a list of contractors, see their clearance history, search by certificate number and get reminder emails before clearances expire.
Check the expiry date every time. A certificate a contractor emailed you last quarter may already have lapsed.
Starting a construction or contracting company in Ontario?
Clients will ask for your clearance from the first contract. When you incorporate in Ontario with OpenCompany, you can add WSIB registration and your CRA business accounts (HST and payroll) to your order in the incorporation wizard, and we'll handle those registrations for you once the corporation exists. See our pricing for the add-ons. For the tax side, read how to register for HST and get a business number. Need a certificate of status for a tender as well? We can order an Ontario certificate of status for you.
Frequently asked questions
Is a WSIB clearance certificate free?
Yes. The WSIB doesn't charge for clearances. Most newly registered businesses that need one at registration make a $250 advance payment, which is credited toward future premiums.
How long does it take to get a WSIB clearance?
If your account is in good standing, you can get one immediately through WSIB online services. Requests by email take three to five business days.
How long is a WSIB clearance certificate good for?
Up to 90 calendar days, depending on the issue date. Most expire on the 20th of February, May, August and November, and a new one is issued automatically if your account stays in good standing.
Can I get a clearance without employees?
In construction, yes: independent operators and owners generally must register, and once their account is in good standing they can get a clearance. Outside construction, independent operators usually don't register, so they may not be eligible.
What happens if I hire a contractor without a clearance?
You may be liable for the contractor's unpaid WSIB amounts, up to the labour portion of the contract. In construction, it is also an offence for both parties.
Do homeowners need a WSIB clearance from contractors?
No. A homeowner, occupant or family member hiring a contractor for repairs or renovations on their own home doesn't need a clearance.
How do I check if a contractor has WSIB?
Search the contractor in the WSIB's quick access clearances service, which needs no login. You can search by name, address, phone number or postal code and download the current clearance.
Why does my account show as ineligible for a clearance?
Usually because premiums haven't been reported or paid, a reconciliation is missing or the classification is wrong. Bring reporting and payments up to date, or contact the WSIB.
Sources: WSIB, Clearances, Clearances FAQ, Operational Policy Manual 14-02-04 Clearance Certificate, 14-02-19 Clearance Certificate in Construction, 12-01-06 Expanded Compulsory Coverage in Construction, How to register your business. Checked October 2026.
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