In Toronto, the use and sale of fireworks are regulated by the Fireworks Bylaw. Businesses selling fireworks year-round from a permanent business location are required to obtain a permit.
Learn more about rules for vendors and fireworks use and disposal.
Sole proprietorships (individuals), partnerships or corporations.
Applicants must be at least 18 years old.
Include two pieces of government-issued identification (one must be photo ID):
Note:
All applicants must also provide the following:
Corporations must also provide:
If a director of the corporation is unable to apply in person at the Licence and Permit Issuing Office, a designate may apply on their behalf. The designate must:
Family fireworks include low hazard fireworks for recreation, such as fireworks showers, fountains, golden rain, lawn lights, pinwheels, Roman candles, volcanoes, sparklers and other similar devices.
Vendors selling family fireworks need to show proof of at least $2,000,000 in Comprehensive General Liability insurance, naming the City of Toronto as an additional insured.
The completed insurance form must be signed and stamped by the insurer.
A Natural Resources Canada Authorization of Explosives licence is required if the vendor stores over 1000 kg (gross weight) of family fireworks at the site.
You can apply for new business licences or permits online or in-person.
Please have all required documents ready to upload before starting the application, as it requires 10-15 minutes to complete and cannot be saved. Download a step by step guide on how to submit a new application. Licence application fees can be paid online or by sending a cheque.
If you have already submitted an application you may upload additional documents using your upload token.
Upload Documents for Existing Request
You must book an appointment at the Licence and Permit Issuing Office, 850 Coxwell Avenue, 3rd Floor. Walk-ins will not be accepted.
Please arrive 10-15 mins early to check in and be on time for your appointment or you may be turned away and asked to re-book for another day and time, subject to availability.
You must bring a complete application as applications will not be accepted unless all the required documents are provided. Bring hard copies of all required documents and forms, including a recent photo if required. Digital copies of documents will not be accepted.
Payment can only be made by debit, credit or cheque. Cash will not be accepted.
$3,080.48
Do not sell fireworks to minors below the age of 18.
Vendors will need a permit for each location from which they are selling fireworks. Post a copy of the current, valid permit on the front window of the store or display in a clearly visible location.
Fireworks for sale should be displayed in a package, a glass case or other suitable container away from inflammable objects.
All fireworks should be out of the reach of minors. Fireworks not in approved packaging must not be accessible to the public.
Display only sample fireworks in store windows and make sure those do not contain any explosive elements. Fireworks can not be displayed in a place where they are exposed to the rays of the sun or to excess heat.
Post a “No Smoking” sign in the fireworks display area and make sure that people do not smoke, ignite flammable materials, or have lighted materials in the area. Make sure an employee attends the fireworks on display.
Vendors are required to display information about fireworks regulations and safety tips at their store. They also need to provide this information to buyers purchasing fireworks.
The City of Toronto has prepared a poster to help vendors inform buyers about fireworks rules, safety tips and proper disposal. Download, print, display and hand out this poster to buyers.
Any fireworks not on display must be put in storage according to the requirements of the Explosives Act. Storing fireworks in vehicles is prohibited.
A Natural Resources Canada Authorization of Explosives licence is required if the vendor stores over 1000 kg (gross weight) of family fireworks at the site.
Your licence will expire annually on the anniversary of the date that the licence was first issued. A renewal notice, identifying any documents required to renew the licence, will be mailed to the address on file.
The renewal fee is $3,080.48.
Existing licensees must renew their licences online. Licence renewal fees can be paid online or by sending a cheque.
Please have all required documents ready to upload before starting the renewal, as it requires 10-15 minutes to complete and cannot be saved. Download a step by step guide on how to renew a licence or permit.
Find your outstanding business licence or permit renewal invoice.
If you fail to renew your licence according to the bylaw, your licence will be cancelled and you will have to reapply.
