Transfer your business licence to someone else

What you need to know

If you are taking over an existing business:

Your new business must be the same type of business as the existing business; for example, an existing restaurant's business licence can only be transferred to a new restaurant
The business licence can only be transferred once per calendar year

You cannot transfer over a home-based business licence.

Steps to transferring a business licence

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 (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
- Email to licenceoffice@vancouver.ca
- 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 (46 KB) from the business owner
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.
Step 3: Pay fees
The fee is $155.

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