Business Licensing and Permits
Planning to operate a business in the City of Vaughan? You may require a business licence or permit.
Refreshment Vehicles in City Parks
Starting June 1, 2025, refreshment vehicles will be able to operate in 10 city parks across Vaughan through a special endorsement.
Do you operate Wildlife Removal Company in Vaughan?
Effective April 22, 2024, all Wildlife Removal Companies operating in Vaughan are required to have a business licence.
Do you operate an Eating Establishment or Banquet Hall? You may be eligible to have a seasonal outdoor patio.
Applications are now available for a seasonal outdoor patio endorsement.
Are you looking to hire a contractor?
There are a few things to keep in mind when looking to hire a contractor.
Do you need a business licence or permit?
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.
Business licences and permits
Adult entertainment parlour, owner, operator and entertainer
Amusement: arcade, movie, bowling
Body rub parlour owner, operator and attendant
Driving school operator and instructor
Eating establishment (restaurant), lounge, nightclub and pub
Fence installer, landscaper, paver, pool installer, renovator, and snowplow contractor application
Hair and esthetics (personal services)
Laundromat or dry cleaning facility
Limousine company owner and driver
Mobile signs company and mobile sign permit
Private transportation company owner and driver
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
Tow truck brokerage, owner or driver
Vehicle cleaning and repair - public garage
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.
The Business Licensing and Permits Portal
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.
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How to apply for and renew a business license or permit on the Licensing Portal -
Learn about the Licensing Portal