Update information on your business licence account

By changing the following on your business licence, it helps us keep accurate records and it assures your business follows zoning and licence rules:

Business name
Trade name
Mailing address
Business address
Licence type

Change of business ownership?

You can either:

Steps to updating your business licence

Step 1: Fill out form and gather supporting documents

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 form

Business licence change of information form (62 KB)

B. Gather supporting documents

If you are changing your business name and trade name, attach all supporting documents for your type of name change. If not, go to step 2.

Type of name change	Supporting documents required
New incorporated company name	A copy of the Certificate of Change of Name issued by the Registrar of Companies
Change from a sole proprietor or partnership to an incorporated company name	A copy of the Certificate of Incorporation issued by the Registrar of Companies
Add or remove a partner's name for a partnership	Written consent from all parties involved A copy of the picture ID of the new partner (if you add a partner's name)
New trade name	None

Step 2: Send form and supporting documents
You can send your business licence change of information form and any supporting documents, if required by:
- Visiting us in person (if you need a licence on a tight timeline) at Development and Building Services Centre
- Email: licenceoffice@vancouver.ca
- Mail to: Development and Building Services Centre
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 template (46 KB)
Your changes will be processed – as long as you meet the requirements.

If you come in person, you can pay for the fee at that time.
Step 3: Get zoning, building, and licence approvals

If you need to change our business address or licence type, you may need the following zoning, building, and licence approvals. Otherwise, go to step 4.

Zoning approvals

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

Building approvals

Does the building at the new address 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 licence type 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 4: Pay fees
Fees apply to all changes – except for when you change your mailing address.

Type of change Fee

Business name or trade name $10

Mailing address None

Business address $25

Licence type $10

Payment options:

Online

Pay by credit card.

Pay online

By phone
- Pay by credit card.
- Phone 3-1-1 (Outside Vancouver: 604-873-7000)
By mail

Pay by cheque or money order (credit card cheques are not accepted) issued to the City of Vancouver.

Mail your payment to Revenue Services.

In person

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