Business Licence

You will need a licence for your vehicle-based business in the City of Markham. The rules are set out in the Mobile Licensing By-law 2022-20 [PDF]. Here are the businesses that need licences:

• Driving Instructor [PDF]
• Driving School (Application available upon request)
• Refreshment Vehicle Operator [PDF]
• Personal Transportation Company [PDF]
• Taxi Plate Holder [PDF]
• Taxi Brokerage Owner [PDF]
• Taxi Driver [PDF]
• Taxi Driver Medical Form [PDF]
• Limousine Owner (Application available upon request)
• Limousine Driver (Application available upon request)

Please review the application forms listed above for your licence type, please fill it out and gather all of the supporting documents listed on the application. For applications that are not listed please e-mail licensingfc@markham.ca.

Your application must include all the documents listed on the application form.

Partial or incomplete applications will not be reviewed. A licensing officer will contact you once your application has been approved to book an appointment, as walk-ins at the counter are not permitted and applications will not be accepted.

Please contact licensingfc@markham.ca for further details and instructions on how to apply for a licence.
 

You will need a licence for your stationary business in the City of Markham. The rules are set out in By-Law 2018-90 [PDF]. Here are the businesses that need licences:

• Adult Entertainment Parlour (Goods) 
• Adult Entertainment Parlour (Services) 
• Auctioneers 
• Billiards, Bagatelle Establishments & Bowling Alleys 
• Body Rub Parlours 
• Clothing Donation Bins 
• Driveway Paving Contractors
• Dry Cleaning Depots 
• Firework Sales Permit
• Food Premises — Eating Establishments
• Food Premises — Food Stuffs 
• Golf Driving Ranges 
• Horse Riding Establishments 
• Kennel
• Mobile Sign Installers
• Personal Service Shop
• Places of Amusement
• Places of Amusement (Video Arcades)
• Places of Amusement (Carnivals)
• Public Garages
• Public Halls
• Retailers of Second Hand Goods
• Salvage Shops and Yards
• Special Sales Licence
• Temporary Vendors
• Tobacco Shops

For all applications that are listed please e-mail licensingfc@markham.ca.
 

Your application must include all the documents listed on the application form.

Partial or incomplete applications will not be reviewed. A licensing officer will contact you once your application has been approved to book an appointment, as walk-ins at the counter are not permitted and applications will not be accepted.

Please contact licensingfc@markham.ca for further details and instructions on how to apply for a licence.

Necessary Documents for Business Licensing in Markham

To operate a business in Markham, you'll need to gather and submit several documents as part of your business licensing application. Follow this guide to understand the requirements and how to access each document.

Required Documents for Business Licensing

Application Form

• Completed, dated, and signed.
• Agent Letter

  • Required if someone other than a Director of the Corporation is applying.

Corporation Documents/General Partnership Agreement

• Current and valid information including a list of Directors.
• See below for examples of Provincial and Federal Certificates of Incorporation.

Business Name Registration

• Register the Operating Name to the Corporation/Owner for each location. This can be done through Service Ontario. ServiceOntario Business Registry 
• See below for an example Business Name Registration/Master Business Licence.

Proof of Work Status

• The following identification can be used to prove age and employment eligibility:

  • a Canadian passport

  • a Canadian Citizenship card

  • a Canadian Permanent Resident card

  • an Ontario Photo card in combination with a Social Insurance Number ("SIN") card

  • a Canadian driver's licence issued by a province or territory with a SIN card

  • a Canadian Indian status card

  • a Canadian work permit in conjunction with Canadian government-issued photo identification,  such as an Ontario Photo card or Canadian driver's licence

York Regional Health Inspection Report

• Not the Green Pass Poster, but the full Inspection Report. To book an inspection, contact York Regional Health at:

  • Phone: 1-800-361-5653

  • TTY: 1-866-252-9933 (For the deaf or hard of hearing)

  • Email: Health.Inspectors@york.ca

  • See example Health Inspection Report below

Zoning Search

• Confirmation from the Zoning Department that the business use is permitted. Request a Zoning Search
• $75.00 Cost
• See example Zoning Search letter below

Building Permit Number

• Required if any renovations have been or will be done to the unit/space.

HST Document from Revenue Canada

•  Shows that the HST number is attached to either the Corporation and/or Operating Name. For more information, visit the Canada Revenue Agency
• See below for an example of what can be submitted to confirm GST/HST Registration.

Proof of Insurance

• Minimum $2,000,000 General Liability Coverage.

Business Registration Support

The Markham Small Business team offers dedicated support to those looking to start and grow their business. Contact them at msbc@markham.ca.

New businesses will typically fall under one of the three most common business structures:

• Sole Proprietorship: Owned and operated by a single individual without incorporation.

• General Partnership: Owned and operated by two or more individuals without incorporation.

• Corporation: A legally separate entity from its owners, which can be incorporated either federally or provincially.

Incorporating a Business

Incorporation creates a legal entity separate from its owners. Legal advice is recommended before incorporating. Incorporations can be done either federally or provincially.

• Register online with the Government of Ontario as a Provincial (Ontario) Corporation

  • Provides name protection within Ontario and is generally simpler and potentially less costly.

• Register online with the Government of Canada as a Federal Corporation

  • Allows operation under the same name across Canada, providing broader name protection and recognition.

Business Name Registration

A Business Name Registration, formerly known as a Master Business Licence, is required for entrepreneurs registering a sole proprietorship, partnership, or trade name for a corporation. Business names must be registered if they differ from the owner's legal name. Note that registering a sole proprietorship or general partnership does not guarantee exclusivity of the business name. Registrations are valid for five years and must be renewed upon expiration.

Costs:

• Name Search: $8 to $26, depending on the type of records included.

• Name Registration/Renewal: $60.

Payments are processed through the Province of Ontario’s Service Ontario Business Registry website, accepting Visa, Visa Debit, Mastercard, or Mastercard Debit.

Application Requirements:

• Owner’s name (or Corporation name for corporate-owned businesses)

• Address

• Credit card or debit Visa/Mastercard

• A valid email address

Register your Business Name Online.

Business Number

Once incorporated, you will receive a business number from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) for tax purposes. Additional tax accounts (e.g., GST/HST) may be required. For more information, visit the Canada Revenue Agency.

Getting a Municipal Business Licence

Once you have registered your business name, received your HST/GST number, and obtained proof of insurance, you can begin your application for a municipal business licence in Markham. For more information feel free to use resources such as BizPal to help answer any questions you have.

Temporary Sign Permits

Welcome to the City of Markham's official website for sign permits. Here you will find all the necessary information regarding the permits required for temporary signs as outlined in By-law 2002-94. This includes mobile sign permits, regular temporary sign permits, special sign districts in heritage areas, and election signs (By-law 2018-8).

Mobile Sign Permits 

Mobile signs are an effective way to promote your business or event. To place a mobile sign within the City of Markham, you must obtain a permit. Mobile signs are defined as signs that are mounted on a trailer or similar support structure and can be easily moved. Permits for mobile signs are typically issued for a 14 or 21-day period and must comply with the regulations outlined in By-law 2002-94.

Regular Temporary Sign Permits

Regular temporary signs include banners, A-frames, and other similar signs that are intended for short-term use. These signs are often used for special events, sales, or promotions. To display a regular temporary sign, you must apply for a permit. The application process ensures that all temporary signs meet the city's safety and aesthetic standards. Permits are usually granted for a limited duration and must be renewed if the sign needs to remain longer.

Special Sign Districts in Heritage Areas

The City of Markham has designated special sign districts within heritage areas to preserve the unique character and historical significance of these regions. If you plan to place a temporary sign in one of these districts, additional regulations and design guidelines will apply. These guidelines are in place to ensure that new signs complement the historic environment. Permits for signs in heritage areas require a review process to maintain the area's aesthetic integrity.

The City of Markham is accepting sign permit applications specifically for A-Frame signs in Special Sign Districts, email us to receive an application. Please note that a part of the application process requires written permission from Heritage Markham and the permit expires every calendar year.

Election Signs

Election signs are an important part of the democratic process, allowing candidates to communicate their message to the public. The City of Markham has specific regulations regarding the placement and timing of election signs. Election signs require a Municipal Permit for local roads and a Regional Permit for York Region roads. Candidates must comply with By-law 2018-8, which includes restrictions on size, location, and the period during which they can be displayed. Candidates and their teams are responsible for ensuring that all election signs adhere to these regulations.

For more detailed information on each type of temporary sign permit and application forms please contact us at licensingfc@markham.ca. For more information on guidelines and enforcement contact the City of Markham's By-law Enforcement Department. We are here to assist you in ensuring that your temporary signs comply with all municipal regulations.

In order to pay online, you will need the Bill Number and Folder Number as indicated on your renewal notice.  These numbers can be found on the top right corner of your renewal notice.
 

ONLINE PAYMENT

After completion of this online request and payment confirmed, your business licence will be emailed to you.

Contact the City of Markham Business Licensing Department at licensingfc@markham.ca for any changes to your business licence or for further information. 

To file a complaint, or to request an investigation of a possible Licensing violation, please send an email to licensingfc@markham.ca or call 905.477.5530 and a Call Centre representative will be able to assist you.

Please note that the City of Markham does not respond to anonymous complaints or requests for investigations and we reserve the right to determine the appropriate enforcement response to any complaint or request. Complainants will be required to provide their name, address, telephone number or email address in case follow-up is required by the investigating officer.

Note - Complainant’s personal information is kept confidential.

The following list comprises contractors licensed with the City of Markham for driveway work.

If a member of the public wishes to contact any of these companies, you may do so by conducting an online search for further information.

Please note that this list is provided for public reference only and does not constitute an endorsement of the companies listed.

Driveway Contractor licences expire annually on March 31st.

Last updated February 26, 2024