Licensing and Permits

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Business Licensing and Permits

ADULT ENTERTAINMENT ATTENDANT - This licence is required to either provide services designed to appeal to erotic or sexual appetites or inclinations or to operate an establishment where these activities take place.
- 1. Complete Application
  2. FEE
ADULT ENTERTAINMENT OPERATOR - This licence is required to either provide services designed to appeal to erotic or sexual appetites or inclinations or to operate an establishment where these activities take place.
- 1. Complete application form
  2. Fee
ADULT ENTERTAINMENT PARLOUR - This licence is required to either provide services designed to appeal to erotic or sexual appetites or inclinations or to operate an establishment where these activities take place.
- 1. Complete application form
  2. Fee
AUCTIONEER -This licence is required if you will be having auctions as part of your business.
- 1. Complete application form
  2. Fee
BANQUET HALL - This License is required for any building or hall used for the entertainment of a large group of people where food or alcohol may be provided.
- 1. Complete application form
  2. Fee
BILLIARD HALL - This licence is required to operate any facility where one or more billiard tables or pool tables or other games of a similar nature such as table soccer or table hockey.
- 1. Complete application form
  2. Fee
BODY RUB ATTENDANT - This licence is required to either perform massages or body rubs by any person not licensed or registered to perform massages for therapeutic purposes (such as a Registered Massage Therapist) or to operate an establishment where those take place.
- 1. Complete application form
  2. Fee
BODY RUB OPERATOR - This licence is required to either perform massages or body rubs by any person not licensed or registered to perform massages for therapeutic purposes (such as a Registered Massage Therapist) or to operate an establishment where those take place
- 1. Complete application form
  2. Fee
BODY RUB PARLOUR - This licence is required to operate a premises where massages or body rubs are performed as part of a business by any person not licensed or registered to perform massages for therapeutic purposes (such as a Registered Massage Therapist)
CHARITY CLOTHING DROP BOX - This License is required to install Charity Clothing donation drop boxes on private property within the City of Vaughan
DRIVING SCHOOL (Classroom) - This licence is required to operate any place where a person teaches another to drive or operate a car or any other motor vehicle.
- 1. Complete application form
  2. Fee
DRIVING SCHOOL INSTRUCTOR WITH VEHICLE - This licence is required to teach others to drive any vehicle
- 1. Complete application form
  2. Complete Certificate of Insurance form
  3. Fee
  4. Vehicle inspection
DRIVING SCHOOL INSTRUCTOR WITHOUT VEHICLE - This licence is required to teach others to drive any vehicle
- 1. Complete application form
  2. Fee
EATING ESTABLISHMENT - This licence is required to operate a business where food and drink are prepared and offered for sale
- 1. Complete application form
  2. Fee
FOODSTUFF - This licence is required for any business where food or drink of any kind (prepackaged or open) is sold to the public and intended to be consumed elsewhere.
- 1. Complete application form
  2. Fee
KENNEL/BOARDING FACILITY - This licence is required in order to operate a kennel or boarding facility for dogs or cats within the city
LAUNDROMATS / DRY CLEANERS - This licence is required in order to operate a Laundromat, dry cleaning establishment or dry cleaning depot.
- 1. Complete application form
  2. Fee
LIMOUSINE OWNER - This licence is required to own a limousine that another person is operating within the City of Vaughan
- 1. Complete application form
  2. Complete Certificate of Insurance form
  3. Fee
  4. Vehicle inspection
  5. Other
LIMOUSINE OPERATOR - This licence is required to operate a limousine within the City of Vaughan
- 1. Complete application form
  2. Fee
  3. Vehicle Inspection
  4. Other
MOBILE SIGN COMPANY - Required to rent or lease mobile signs
- 1. Complete application form
  2. Fee
MUNICIPAL LIQUOR LICENSE CLEARANCE - This clearance is required if you will be serving alcohol as part of your business. (Note: Business must be licensed as an Eating Establishment prior to applying for this license)
- 1. Completed application form http://www.agco.on.ca/forms/bi/2085_a.pdf
  2. Fee
LOTTERY - A Municipality may issue licences to conduct Bingo events with prize boards $5,500 and under, Media bingo events, Bazaars, Ticket raffle lotteries for total prizes $50,000 and under, and all break open ticket lotteries not issued by the provincial office. Who can get a licence to conduct a lottery scheme? Canada's Criminal Code permits charitable, religious and educational organizations to conduct a lottery scheme to raise funds pursuant to a licence being issued. Organizations must have a demonstrated charitable, religious or educational mandate to qualify. The Courts have determined that the term “charitable” refers to organizations which provide programs for: (a) the relief of poverty; (b) the advancement of education; (c) the advancement of religion; (d) other charitable purposed beneficial to the community. The following pre-requisites are mandatory to be considered eligible for a lottery licence: •Organizations must have been in existence for at least one (1) year before being considered eligible for lottery licences. •The organization must have a place of business in Ontario, demonstrate that it is established to provide charitable services in Ontario and use proceeds for objects or purposes which benefit Ontario residents. Licence fee is 3% of the total prize value for Raffle and Break Open Tickets
MARRIAGE LICENCE / CIVIL MARRIAGE CEREMONY A Marriage Licence is required for couples who are to be married in Ontario. The marriage must be solemnized within 90 days of the issuance and may be solemnized through: 1) a Religious Marriage Ceremony performed by an official of a recognized religion who has received authorization from the Office of the Registrar General to perform marriages in Ontario, or; 2) a Civil Marriage Ceremony performed by an Ontario Judge, Justice Of the Peace, or an appointed Municipal Clerk. If you are interested in obtaining a Marriage Licence and/or having a Civil Marriage Ceremony at the Vaughan City Hall, please expand this category for more information.
- MARRIAGE LICENCE
  - A certified translator must translate documents in a language other than English or French. If the bride or grooms are both present, they both must speak and read English competently, otherwise an interpreter must accompany them. It is the applicants' responsibility to provide an interpreter.
  - If you were divorced in Canada, you must bring the original or court-certified copy of the final decree, (if issued before January 1, 1987) or a Certificate of Divorce to your local municipal office when you are purchasing the Marriage licence.
  - If you were divorced outside of Canada, you must obtain authorization from the Ministry of Government Services before you can purchase a marriage licence. See this website for more information:http://www.ontario.ca/en/life_events/married/012202?openNav=before_you_get_married
  - If a previous marriage was dissolved or annulled within Canada, the Original Court Certified Copy of the Certificate of Divorce must be submitted. A Divorce Judgment is not acceptable. Certified copies may be obtained from the court, which granted the Divorce. Photocopies are not acceptable.
  - Review the requirements respecting marriage in Ontario.
  - Complete an application. (Form must be signed by both individuals getting married)
  - Fee
  - The bride and/or groom must submit the application with the supporting documents listed below in person to the Licensing Office at Vaughan City Hall at 2141 Major Mackenzie Drive, Vaughan
  - An original Birth Certificate, along with a valid Passport or Driver's Licence or OHIP card will be accepted for photo identification. A certified translator must translate documents in a language other than English or French. Citizenship Cards are not accepted. Applicants 16 or 17 years of age, other than a widow, widower or divorced person may marry with the written consent of his/her legal guardian. A special consent form is available for this purpose. If any person whose consent is required is unavailable or refuses to consent, an application may be made to a judge to dispense with consent.
  - PUBLICATION OF BANNS: A Marriage may be solemnized under the authority of the publication of banns. If you are having a religious ceremony, please check with the Clergy prior to purchasing a marriage licence.
  - For more information, please check with the Government of Ontario website at www.gov.on.ca.
  CIVIL MARRIAGE SERVICE PACKAGE
  
  To help make this important day as beautiful, dignified and intimate as possible; we have provided a package which contains information to assist you with the planning of the Civil Marriage Service. Enclosed you will find:
  1. Civil Marriage Ceremony Guidelines - The guideline provides answers to frequently asked questions with regard to Civil Marriages at City Hall.
  2. Pre-Civil Marriage Ceremony Questionnaire - This information will assist the Officiant and the Applicants to plan and coordinate the details of the Ceremony.
  3. Sample Vows - We have included three options for vows that the Applicants can choose from. There is a provision to allow Applicants to write custom vows for the service which can be inserted between the mandatory declarations required under the Marriage Act.
  4. Interpreter Certificate - This certificate is required to be completed and signed by anyone acting as an interpreter for the purpose of interpreting the vows of the ceremony.
  Note: Ceremonies are booked in advance to allow for a pre-ceremony consultation meeting. Please call 905 832–8504 to arrange an appointment. Click here for the Civil Marriage Service Package
NEWSPAPER BOX - Required to install newspaper boxes Completed application form Fee $50 per box
PERSONAL SERVICES - This licence is required to operate any kind of personal service establishment such as a Hair Dresser, Barber Shop, Aesthetician, tanning salon or tattoo parlour
PLACE OF AMUSEMENT - Class A (Arcade) - This licence is required for any business where there are three or more amusement machines (such as arcade, video games, pinball machines or other similar machines) available for public use.
- 1. Complete application form
  2. Fee
  3. Other
PLACE OF AMUSEMENT - Class B (Theatre) - This licence is required for any business where movies are shown to the public, not including video stores.
- 1. Complete application form
  2. Fee
PLACE OF AMUSEMENT - Class C (Bowling Alley) - This licence is required to operate a business where there are any bowling lanes for the use of the public
- 1. Complete application form
  2. Fee
PUBLIC GARAGE - Car Wash/Auto Dealer/Auto Lease/Auto Body/Auto Service Station/Mechanical Repairs - This licence is required for any business which will care for, repair, sell, lease or equip motor vehicles such as cars, trucks or busses.
- 1. Complete application form
  2. Fee
REFRESHMENT VEHICLE OWNER (TYPE 1 - CATERING TRUCK / ICE CREAM TRUCK) - This licence is required to own a Catering or Ice Cream truck where food or drinks are sold, that another person is operating within the City of Vaughan.
- 1. Completed application form
  2. Complete Certificate of Insurance form
  3. Fee
  4. Vehicle inspection
  5. Other
REFRESHMENT VEHICLE OWNER (TYPE 2 - HOT DOG CART /TYPE 3 - PUSH CART / MUSCLE POWERED CART) - This licence is required to own a Hot Dog cart, Push cart or any muscle powered cart where food or drinks are sold, that another person is operating within the City of Vaughan.
- 1. Complete application form
  2. Fee
  3. Proof of Region of York Heath Inspection
  4. Consent letter from land owner where business will be located.
  5. Vehicle inspection
REFRESHMENT VEHICLE OPERATOR (TYPE 1 - CATERING TRUCK / ICE CREAM TRUCK) - This licence is required to operate a Catering or Ice Cream truck where food or drinks are sold
- 1. Complete application form
  2. Fee
REFRESHMENT VEHICLE OPERATOR (TYPE 2 & 3 - HOT DOG CART / PUSH CART / MUSCLE POWERED CART) - This licence is required to operate any Hot Dog cart, Push cart or any muscle powered cart where food or drinks are sold.
- 1. Complete application form
  2. Fee
SALE OF FIREWORKS - This licence is required to sell consumer fireworks to the public. City of Vaughan Licensing By-law 315-2005 as amended, allows and licenses the retail sale of Consumer Fireworks for seven (7) days immediately preceeding Victoria Day (May 20) and Canada Day (July 1).
- 1. Complete a Zoning Search form - (Required for new locations only), for each location where you intend to sell fireworks. The Zoning Search form must be submitted to the Building Standards Dept. at 2141 Major Mackenzie Dr. along with your $105.00 payment. This will ensure that the location you have chosen will permit the sale of fireworks.
  2. Fireworks Safety Awareness Workshop - Attend Vaughan Fire and Rescue Service, Fire Prevention Division at 2800 Rutherford Rd. and make payment of $30.00 per person before date of workshop. Payment must be made in cash. Instruction will be given upon receipt of payment. Should you have any questions, please contact Vaughan Fire & Rescue Service at 905-832-8531 ext. 6325 for further information. All classes are one day classes and offered on Fridays, begining at 9 A.M. and finishing at 10:30 A.M. Classes will be held on March 15, 22, 2013, April 5th, 2013 and May 24th, 2013
  3. Licencing Application - Upon receipt of the Compliant Zoning Clearance and certification of the completetion of the Fireworks Safety Awareness Workshop, you must complete the Licencing Application and submit same with your non-refundable licence fee of $250.00 for each location to the Licencing and Permits Division of the City Clerks Department. Fireworks vendors must make their application no later than 21 days prior to the event in order to be considered eligible for the issuance of a Fireworks Licence.
  4. Fire Inspection - Your licence will be issued to you upon satisfactory completion of the Fire Department site inspection
  5. Other
  6. Fireworks Display Info
SECOND HAND GOODS / PAWN SHOP - This licence is required for any business which will sell any goods that have been previously used.
TAXI BROKERAGE - This licence is required to accept and dispatch calls from the public to taxis owned by others
- 1. Complete application form
  2. Fee
TAXI OWNER - This licence is required to own a taxi that another person is operating
- 1. Complete application form
  2. Fee
  3. Police Criminal Background Check (PCRC) from jurisdiction in which you reside.
  4. Vehicle inspection
TAXI OPERATOR - This licence is required to operate a taxi within the City of Vaughan
- 1. Complete application form
  2. Fee
  3. Police Criminal Background Check (PCRC)
  4. Letter of Employment from a Licenced Vaughan Taxi Owner
TOBACCO - This licence is required to sell tobacco products such as cigarettes, cigars, pipe tobacco or snuff to the public
- 1. Complete application form
  2. Fee
TOW TRUCK BROKERAGE - This licence is required to accept and dispatch calls from the public to tow trucks owned by others
- 1. Complete application form
  2. Fee
TOW TRUCK OWNER - This licence is required to own a Tow truck that another person is operating
- 1. Complete application form
  2. Complete Certificate of Insurance form
  3. Fee
  4. Schedule of Rates
  5. Police Vulnerable Sector Check
  6. Vehicle inspection (Note: Tow Truck must meet Transport Canada Regulations for the towing of vehicles)
TOW TRUCK OPERATOR - This licence is required to operate a tow truck within the City of Vaughan.
VIDEO STORE - General/Adult - This licence is required to sell or rent recorded visual media on video tapes, DVDs, video discs or any other medium
- 1. Complete application form
  2. Fee
PERMITS - Applications and Information related to Encroachments, Outdoor Exhibitions and Special Events
- 1. Encroachments
  2. Outdoor Exhibitions Application
  3. Special Events Application

Do you need a business licence or permit?

Planning to operate a business in the City of Vaughan? You may require a business licence. 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.

Options to apply

For stationary businesses, you can now apply for and renew your licence online on the Licensing Portal; you will also be able to apply for and renew other types of individual and mobile business licences and permits in the future. Visit the specific business pages below for more information.

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. If you have any concerns related to business registration, please visit the Vaughan Business Enterprise Centre. For a list of all City of Vaughan licences and permits, and other services, visit the Service Vaughan web page.

Learn what Canadian identification is needed to apply for a business licence or permit.