As of January 1, 2025, the City will have updated licensing and zoning bylaws for restaurants, bars and entertainment venues. Learn how the changes may impact your business and find available resources.
The City has developed a Licence Finder Tool to help businesses understand which licence or licences are suited to their operations.
| Category | Definition |
|---|---|
| Temporary Sign Providers | Businesses that apply for, manage, and monitor temporary signs. |
| Private School Bus or School Transportation Drivers | Any driver that uses a bus or vehicle to transport children to school privately. |
| Sidewalk (Chalk) Artist | Chalk artists create drawings on the sidewalk for voluntary donations in the street. |
| Portrait Artist | Individuals that make and sell on-site portraits. |
| Traveling Salesperson (Non-Resident) | A person who has not resided in the City of Toronto for the past three months that sells items to the public. |
| Chimney Repairman | A person or business that repairs chimneys. |
| Second Hand Goods Collector with Vehicle | Businesses the collect secondhand items with a vehicle on City streets. |
For application information for common businesses and professions visit Permits & Licences.
You can apply for new business licences or permits online or in-person.
Save yourself time and apply online. 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.