Update information on your business licence account

Steps to updating your business licence

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  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 PDF file (91 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

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  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 PDF file (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.

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  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.

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  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.

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