Transfer your business licence to someone else

Steps to transferring a business licence

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  Step 1: Fill out and submit transfer form

   Processing times for licences vary depending on the type of business and time of year. Fall and winter months tend to be our busiest times for business licensing.

  A. Fill out a transfer form

  The transfer form must be completed by both the existing business owners and new business owners.

  • Business licence transfer authorization form PDF file  (70 KB)

  B. Submit your form

  You can send your completed form and documents by:

  • Visiting us in person at Development and Building Service Centre
  • Submitting your form online
  • Mail (if you need a licence on a tight timeline) to Revenue Services

  Your changes will be processed – as long as you meet the requirements.

  If you do not apply in person, we will send you an invoice for the licence fee. Your business licence will be processed after we receive payment for the licence fees.

  Is your representative coming in person on your behalf?

  They need to bring:

  1. Their own current, government-issued photo ID
  2. A letter of authorization PDF file  (46 KB) from the business owner
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  Step 2: Get zoning, building, and licence approvals

  Your new business may need zoning, building, and licence approvals.

  Zoning approvals

  Do the zoning regulations for address allow your business to operate? To find out, contact the Development and Building Services Centre.

  Building approvals

  Does the building meet our building regulations? We will review the property records and may require you to get a special inspection or building permit.

  Licence approvals from other agencies

  Does your new business need approvals to operate from Vancouver Police Department, Vancouver Fire and Rescue Services, and Vancouver Coastal Health Authority? We will assist you through this approval process.

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  Step 3: Pay fees

  Fee: $171 - Review fees for 2023 PDF file (417 KB)

  How to pay

  By mail

  • Pay by cheque or money order (credit card cheques are not accepted) issued to the City of Vancouver
  • Mail your payment to the Development and Building Services Centre

  In person

  • Pay by credit card, debit card, cheque, money order, or cash (Credit card cheques are not accepted.)
  • Make cheques and money orders payable to the City of Vancouver
  • Bring your payment to the Development and Building Services Centre

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