Update information on your business licence account

Steps to updating your business licence

• |

• Step 1: Fill out form and gather supporting documents 

  Important note 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 PDF file (310 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	Form required	Supporting documents required
  New incorporated company	Business licence general application form	Refer to part 5 of the application form
  Change incorporated company name	Business licence change of information form	A copy of the Certificate of Change of Name issued by BC Registry
  Change from a sole proprietor or partnership to an incorporated company	Business licence general application form	Refer to part 5 of the application form
  Add or remove a partner’s name for a partnership	Business licence change of information form	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	Business licence change of information form	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:

  • Using our online form
  • Mail to: Development and Building Services Centre

  Is a representative applying on your behalf? They need to include:

  1. Their own current, government-issued photo ID
  2. A letter of authorization template PDF file (87 KB)

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

• Step 3: Get zoning, building, and licence approvals

  If you need to change your 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. 

  Information icon We will provide an invoice and payment instructions once requested changes are complete.

  Type of change	Fee
  Business name or trade name	$14
  Mailing address	None
  Business address	$33
  Licence type	$14

  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.

• |

• Did you find what you're looking for?