The Licence & Permit Issuing Office at the East York Civic Centre is open for walk-in services for new applications Monday to Wednesday starting at 8:30 a.m. subject to capacity. The office is closed from 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. daily.
New taxicab owners, drivers and limousine licence applications can only be submitted online and cannot be submitted in person.
Appointment services are available on Fridays only.
Businesses can also apply for new licences online.
Availability of in-person services for some licence types may vary. Please refer to the "How to Apply" tab on the appropriate licence or permit category on the City website.
Visit toronto.ca/Licences and search for your licence category for more information or to book appointments.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
The Municipal Licensing & Standards Division issues licences and permits for businesses and trades in accordance with City of Toronto Municipal Codes.
Prior to submitting a business licence application to Municipal Licensing & Standards some businesses require a Review of Zoning Compliance to ensure the proposed business complies with zoning bylaws.
Businesses that require a Review of Zoning Compliance most obtain the approval from Toronto Buildings before a business licence application can be accepted:
Your business is not considered licensed until the licence is issued, therefore you are not to operate the business until the licence is issued.
Licences are valid for one year from the date they have been issued. The expiration date for a licence is on the anniversary of the date on which the licence was first issued. The issue date and expiration date for the licence can be found on the right-hand corner of the licence.
Licences are not transferable from person to person or location to location. You cannot advertise or carry on any business under any name other than the one used on the licence. If a business moves from one location to another, a new licence application is required for the new location.
If you want to make changes to an issued licence, contact Municipal Licensing & Standards office via email, visit in-person, Monday to Wednesday starting at 8:30 a.m. subject to capacity (the office is closed 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.) or book an in-person appointment.
Some examples of stationery businesses that are licensed by the City of Toronto:
Trades and other professions
Additional information including fees involved and a list of businesses and trades that require a licence can be found on the City of Toronto website.
Note: Although Canada Post has resumed services, correspondences via mail are delayed. If you need to renew your annual licence or permit, it remains your responsibility to ensure your renewal is completed on time. Further information is provided below.
Your licence will expire annually on the anniversary of the date that the licence was first issued.
The Licence & Permit Issuing Office at the East York Civic Centre is open for walk-in services for renewing a licence Monday, Wednesday, Thursday starting at 8:30 a.m. subject to capacity. The office is closed from 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. daily.
Existing taxicab owners, drivers and limousine licence holders can attend the office on Tuesday and Thursday starting at 8:30 a.m. subject to capacity. The office is closed from 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. daily.
If you have not received your licence renewal notice, invoice numbers can be found on the City website using your licence number.
Existing licensees can renew their licences via the Business Licence & Permit Renewal form.
Application and Renewal fees can also be paid online, visit the City of Toronto website.
To check for outstanding documents required for your renewal, log into the renewal portal found on the City website. Outstanding documents must be submitted via the portal and not via email.
For general inquiries or to find out your client number, contact MLS via email.
The licensee must attend the Business Licensing and Regulatory Services office in order to get a replacement licence.
Clients must bring a government-issued photo ID (health cards not accepted) and will be required to sign an affidavit declaring that their licence has been lost, destroyed or not received. In some instances, a police report may also be required.
There is a cost for replacing a lost business licence.
When an application is taken, an application processing and a licence fee must be paid. Application processing fees are non-refundable and there are no exceptions. In some cases, the licence fee may be refunded (minus an administration fee).
Individuals with a criminal record can file an application for a licence, however, approval will be subject to the review of the file relative to Toronto Municipal Code, Chapter 545, Screening Criteria and Toronto Municipal Code, Chapter 545 4 - C.
Further information on Licensing can be found by visiting the Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 545.
Related information: