Business Licensing and Permits
Planning to operate a business in the City of Vaughan? You may require a business licence or permit.
News and updates
-
Answer
To operate in the City of Vaughan, some businesses and special events require a City licence. You can now check whether a business or special event has the required Vaughan licence here!
-
Answer
Starting June 1, 2025, refreshment vehicles will be able to operate in 10 city parks across Vaughan through a special endorsement.
-
Answer
Effective April 22, 2024, all Wildlife Removal Companies operating in Vaughan are required to have a business licence.
-
Answer
Applications are now available for a seasonal outdoor patio endorsement.
-
Answer
There are a few things to keep in mind when looking to hire a contractor.
-
Answer
The City of Vaughan currently licenses/permits various types of businesses, special events, lotteries and other activities. Property permits and applications can be found under the property by-laws section.
Apply for a Vaughan licence or check whether a business or event has one!
How to apply for specific licences and permits
Visit the pages listed below to learn about application requirements for each area listed!
- Adult entertainment parlour, owner, operator and entertainer
- Amusement: arcade, movie, bowling
- Auction hall and auctioneer
- Banquet hall
- Billiard hall
- Body rub parlour owner, operator and attendant
- Clothing donation drop box
- Commercial dog walker
- Driving school operator and instructor
- Eating establishment (restaurant), lounge, nightclub and pub
- Fence installer, landscaper, paver, pool installer, renovator, and snowplow contractor application
- Fireworks
- Hair and esthetics (personal services)
- Laundromat or dry cleaning facility
- Limousine company owner and driver
- Liquor licence
- Lottery
- Kennel or boarding
- Marriage licence
- Mobile signs company and mobile sign permit
- Newspaper box
- Parking
- Pet grooming establishment
- Pet shop
- Private transportation company owner and driver
- Refreshment vehicles
- Seasonal outdoor patio endorsement
- Second hand goods or pawn shop
- Selling food or drink - foodstuff
- Short-term rental brokerage or owner
- Special events and/or film permit
- Taxicab brokerage and driver
- Tobacco vendor
- Tow truck brokerage, owner or driver
- Vehicle cleaning and repair - public garage
- Video store
- Wildlife removal
How information is used
Notice of collection statement
This forms on the application pages will be used to collect personal information as defined under the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. This information is collected under the legal authority of the Municipal Act, 2001, S.O. 2001 c.25, as amended, or its successor act. This information will be used by the City of Vaughan for the administration and enforcement of City of Vaughan by-laws. Questions regarding this collection may be directed to the By-law and Compliance, Licensing and Permit Services department, City of Vaughan, 2141 Major Mackenzie Drive, Vaughan, Ontario L6A 1T1, at bylaw@vaughan.ca or 905-832-2281.
Options to apply and other resources
- Options to apply: For all business licences and permits, you can also apply in-person, by email, by mail or drop-box; see each business page for more information.
- Business registration: If you have any concerns related to business registration, please visit the Vaughan Business Enterprise Centre.
- Identification: Learn what Canadian identification is needed to apply for a business licence or permit.
- Other licences and permits: For a list of all City of Vaughan licences and permits, and other services, visit the Service Vaughan web page.
Videos
-
How to apply for and renew a business license or permit on the Licensing Portal -
Learn about the Licensing Portal