Availability of in-person services for some licence types may vary. Please refer to the “How to Apply” tab on licence category webpages below for more information. Payments can only be made by debit, credit or cheque.

Licence Applications

Licence and permit applications may be requested online or in-person. Search for your licence or permit category below for more information on how to apply.

Licence Renewal

Licences and permits must be renewed online or in-person. Search for your licence or permit category below for more information.

Frequently Requested Permits & Licences

All Permits & Licences

Licence or Permit Description Category
Vapour Product Retailers A Vapour Product Retailer is any retail store that sells vapour products, such as e-cigarettes. Business
Smoke Shops and Stores Which Sell Cigars and Cigarettes Businesses that sell cigarettes and tobacco products are required to obtain a Smoke Shop licence. Business
Taxicab Brokerages Taxicab brokerages or brokers are any person who accepts requests to connect individuals with taxicabs. Methods include using a smartphone or similar technology. Business
Taxicab Operators The taxicab operator licence is required to manage a taxicab or multiple taxicabs. A taxicab owner can only designate one taxicab operator to manage their taxicab. Taxicab operators also can manage more than one taxicab at a time. Business
Taxicab Owner A licence is required to own a taxi. Licences can be purchased, transferred to an estate or obtained from the waiting list. Vehicle
Taxicab Owner – Estate Transfer an existing Taxicab Owner licence into the name of an Estate. Vehicle
Taxicab Owner – Sale Purchase an existing Taxicab Owner licence from another owner. Vehicle
Temporary Sign (New Development) Development signs are used for new building developments, such as condominiums, townhouses or other new homes. To keep the city’s sidewalks clear for pedestrians and to ensure the safety of the right-of-way, these signs are required to have permits. Right of Way
Temporary Sign (Mobile) Mobile signs are used for advertising various events, activities and promotions.To keep the city’s sidewalks clear for pedestrians and to ensure the safety of the right-of-way, these signs are required to have permits. Right of Way
Temporary Sign (A Frame) A-frame signs can be placed in front of a business. To keep the city’s sidewalks clear for pedestrians and to ensure the safety of the right-of-way, these signs are required to have permits. Right of Way
Temporary Sign (Portable) Portable signs are rigid free-standing moveable signs which are not fastened to the ground or any structure. To keep the city’s sidewalks clear for pedestrians and to ensure the safety of the right-of-way, these signs are required to have permits. Right of Way
Theatre Businesses that operate theatres are required to obtain a theatre licence. Business
Tow Truck Drivers Tow truck drivers must obtain a licence to drive or operate a tow truck. Driver
Tow Truck Owners A licence is required to own and operate a “tow truck”. These refer to a motor vehicle that the public can pay to tow other vehicles. Individual owners may drive their tow truck without obtaining a separate tow truck driver licence. Vehicle
Arcades & Pay-to-Play Places of Amusement Places of Amusement including arcades, axe throwing, escape rooms, internet cafes, miniature golf course, roller-skating rinks, etc. require a licence to operate. Business
Private Transportation Companies (Uber, Lyft etc) & Drivers A Private Transportation Company (PTC) connects passengers with drivers of private vehicles through an application. All trips must be booked through the PTC’s “app”. Private Transportation Company and its drivers must be licensed. Business
Car Rental Business Businesses that rent out vehicles to the public for personal use. Business
Body Piercing, Electrolysis, Hair Salon, Nail Shop, Tattoo, Waxing and Other Personal Services Businesses that provide personal services are required to obtain a “Personal Service Settings” licence. Business
Body Rub Parlour Body rub parlours are any place where non-medical or non-therapeutic massaging services are provided by someone other than registered massage therapists, or other licensed or registered holistic practitioners. Those who own or operate body rub parlours are required to have a Body Rub Parlour licence. Business
Body Rubber Those who provide services in a Body Rub Parlour are required to obtain a Body Rubber licence. Trade
Bowling Alley A licence is required to operate a bowling alley. Business
Building Cleaner A person who cleans or restores the exterior of buildings/structures using pressurized air, water, steam, sand or other abrasives is required to obtain a licence. Trade
Building Renovators A person who repairs or renovates buildings/structures, including anyone who advertises themselves as a renovator, is required to obtain a licence. Trade
Buskers & Sidewalk Performers Buskers play music or otherwise perform for voluntary donations in the street. Examples of buskers are: singers, jugglers and mimes. Right of Way
Carwash, Gas Station or Public Garage A licence is required to operate body shop/car repair shop, car wash, gas station, car dealership or public garage. Business
Carnivals A licence is required to operate a carnival. Carnivals are shows consisting of rides and/or games where food can also be sold for consumption. They are usually held in parking lots or other approved locations. Business
Clothing Drop Box Location Permit Clothing Drop Boxes placed on private property need to obtain and display a permit. Business
Commercial Parking Lot Commercial parking lots where people are charged to park a vehicle require a licence. Operators of the commercial parking lots are required to obtain a licence for each lot. Business
Driveway Paving Contractor A person or business who repaves residential and commercial driveways. Trade
Driving School Instructors (Who Do Not Own Vehicle) If you provide driving instruction in a vehicle for a driving school that is not registered to you. Driver
Driving School Instructors (Who Own Vehicle) If you provide driving instruction in a vehicle for a driving school that is owned by you. Vehicle
Driving School Operators (In-Class Training Only) Driving School Operator who operates the in-class portion only. Business
Driving School Operators (In-Vehicle Training) Driving School Operators who operate a driving school with in-vehicle instruction. Vehicle
Drain Contractor A Drain Contractor repairs, constructs, installs and/or cleans drainage works including weeping tile beds and septic tank systems. Trade
Drain Layer A Drain Layer is a person who does drain laying, weeping tile installing, septic tank installing, drain reconstruction, or repair or removing tree roots or other obstructions from drains, or private drain connections. Trade
Food Trucks To operate a Food Truck, a licence is required. Vehicle
Food Truck Vending Vendors wishing to operate on the city’s streets or commercial parking lots require a vending permit. Right of Way
Food Carts To operate a food cart, hot dog cart or food bike, a licence is required. Vehicle
Refreshment Vehicle Driver Any driver of a food or ice cream truck. Vehicle
Sidewalk Vending Vendors wishing to operate on the city’s sidewalks also require a vending permit. Right of Way
Ice Cream Trucks To operate a ice cream truck, a licence is required. Vehicle
Ice Cream Vending Vendors wishing to operate on the city’s streets or commercial parking lots also require a vending permit. Right of Way
Sale of Fireworks The sale of fireworks requires a permit. There are five types of permits to sell fireworks on a temporary or permanent basis. Business
Restaurants, Cafes, Bars and Pubs Restaurants, cafes, bars, pubs and other eating and drinking establishments with seating must have a licence. Business
Grocery, Variety and Other Retail Food Stores Grocery, variety and other retail stores that sell food with no seating. Business
Sales Using a Push Cart Hawker/Pedlars with push cart are mobile salespeople who sell a variety of goods from a cart. Vehicle
Sales On Foot Hawker/Pedlars on foot are mobile salespeople who sell a variety of goods from from door-to-door and on the city streets. Trade
Sales With Motor Vehicle Hawker/pedlars with mobile vehicle are mobile salespeople who sell a variety of goods from a motorized vehicle. Vehicle
Pedlar Assistant Hawker/Pedlars assistants are mobile salespeople that help and are employed by individuals who sell a variety of goods. Trade
Heating Contractor Heating contractors installing warm air, hot water or steam heating equipment of any kind (except oil tanks and oil and gas burners) require a licence. This includes anyone who advertises themselves as a heating contractor. Trade
Holistic Centre Any premises in which holistic services are provided or offered. Business
Holistic Practitioner Holistic Practitioners are individuals who work in a holistic centre providing a variety of services for medical or therapeutic treatment. Trade
Insulation Installer A person who installs insulation materials in both residential homes and commercial buildings. Trade
Jewellery Buyers and Precious Metal Shops Any person who buys, sells, or deals in old gold and other precious metals for the purpose of smelting and recovering the same metals and jewellery. Business
Laundromats, Laundry Depots & Dry Cleaning Laundromats, laundry depots, washing/ironing services, and dry cleaning related services require a licence. Business
Taxi and Limo Driver If you drive a limousine or taxi for money, you must obtain a Vehicle-for-Hire Driver Licence. Driver
Limousine Owner All individuals who own a limousine to be driven for money, must be licensed. Vehicle
Limousine Service Company A company that accepts calls for booking, arranging or providing limousine transportation is required to obtain a licence. Business
Nightclub/Entertainment Establishments A dance facility where seating is not provided for all patrons. Food or beverage may be offered. Business
Marketing Displays Businesses can apply for an outdoor marketing display to display merchandise on the sidewalk in front of their business. The merchandise sold inside and outside must be the same. Right of Way
Pawn Shops A pawn shop is a shop or business who loans money to people who bring in valuable items which they leave with the pawnbroker. Business
Pet Shops This includes shops or places where animals, including birds are being sold. Business
Pedicab Owner A “pedicab” is a vehicle that can be pulled or pushed by a person, with or without an electric motor. A pedal-powered rickshaw is also considered a pedicab. The pedicab owner is required to be licensed. Vehicle
Pedicab Driver An individual who operates a pedicab. A “pedicab” is a vehicle that can be pulled or pushed by a person, with or without an electric motor. A pedal-powered rickshaw is also considered a pedicab. The pedicab driver is required to be licensed. Driver
Master Heating Installer A master heating installer engages in planning, installing and connecting warm air, hot water or steam heating equipment of any kind, including air conditioning and ventilating systems. Trade
Plumbing & Heating Contractor A person planning, supervising, employing people performing or installing plumbing and heating work require a licence. Trade
Plumbing Contractor A plumbing contractor is a person engaged in the business of contracting and/or repairing plumbing installations, or advertising themselves as a plumbing contractor. Trade
Private Parking Enforcement Agency A Private Parking Enforcement Agency (PPEA) undertakes parking enforcement activities such as issuing tags, tickets or notices on private property, for example a plaza parking lot on behalf of someone else. Business
Second Hand Shop Licence Businesses that sell or exchange second-hand goods from a shop or store or a person who goes from house to house to collect or purchase second-hand goods. Business
Second Hand Salvage Shop Businesses that have indoor storage of scrap metal, vehicles and tires for sale. Business
Master Plumber A master plumber is a person who engages in planning, supervising and installing of plumbing and employs people who perform plumbing work. Trade
Second Hand Salvage Yard Businesses that have outdoor storage of scrap metal, vehicles and tires for sale. Business
Auctioneer A person who sells items through a public auction must be licensed. Business
Sidewalk Café Restaurant/cafe owners can apply for a sidewalk patio (boulevard cafe) permit to allow them to serve on the public right-of-way (sidewalk). Right of Way
Adult Entertainment Club Owner/Operator Owners person who, alone or with others, possesses or occupies and operators who manages, supervises, runs, or controls operations of an adult entertainment club. Business
Adult Entertainment Club Designated Manager A designated manager is someone who manages, supervises or controls the daily or shift operations of a club on behalf of an owner or operator. Business
Adult Entertainer (Dancer) An Adult Entertainment Club Entertainer (dancer) that performs at adult entertainment clubs must obtain a licence. Business
Billiards/Pool Hall Businesses with one or more billiards or pool tables are required to obtain a licence. Business
Public Hall Businesses that rent out their premises for dances and parties. If the location has a valid liquor licence, a licence is not required. Business
Noise Exemption Permit Noise exemption permits can be requested for special events, events in parks and construction that extends beyond permitted hours. General
Graffiti Art Exemption To re-categorized graffiti on your property as graffiti art, you can obtain a graffiti art exemption. General
Other Businesses, Trades or Professions Additional licences you may require a permit, business, or trade licence to operate. Business
Landscape Construction If you are planning to undertake any landscaping work within the public right of way (the area beyond your property line), you will require a permit prior to starting work. Building
Fire Hydrant Use The City of Toronto grants Permits to allow the use of water from fire hydrants for specific purposes. Water
Fire Hydrant Flow Test Property owners, developers and contractors designing or upgrading a private fire flow system can apply for a Permit to test the flow rate and pressure of certain hydrants. Water
Sewer Discharge Sewer Discharge Permits and Agreements are required when private water (water not purchased from the City) is discharged into the City’s sewer system. Water
First Party Sign First Party signs are used to identify your business or service located on the property. Building
Third Party Sign Third Party signs are used to advertise businesses or services not available at the property. Building
Injure or Remove Trees If you wish to damage or remove a tree protected under City bylaws, you must obtain a permit. Building
Undertake Work in Ravines If your property is located within a ravine protected area, you may be required to apply for a permit to injure or remove a tree, dump fill, or alter the grade of land. Building
Building Permit A building permit is your formal permission to begin the construction, demolition, addition or renovation on your property. Building
Residential On-Street Parking A residential on-street permit entitles permit holding residents to park their automobile on the street within a specified area exclusively during permit parking hours. Parking
Residential Front Yard & Boulevard Parking An off-street parking permit is required if you wish to park in your front yard or on part of the City boulevard. Parking
Temporary On-Street Parking Temporary resident or visitor permits may be obtained to provide 24-hour, 48-hour and weekly on-street parking within the limits of a permit parking street or area provided space is available. Parking
Commercial Boulevard Parking An off-street parking permit is required if commercial property owners wish to rent part of the City boulevard to supplement space on private property for parking. Parking
Car-Share Vehicle Parking Car-share Organizations/Companies can submit applications to Transportation Services for the creation of on-street car-share vehicle parking areas (CVPAs). Parking
Filming Permit The Toronto Film, Television and Digital Media Office co-ordinates all location filming within the city and provides industry development support to the local screen-based community. Business
Pet Licence All dogs and cats owned in Toronto must be licensed and wear a tag. The licence must be renewed every year. Animals
Commercial Dog Walker Permit Permits are available for individuals to walk four to six dogs on a commercial basis. Animals
Bingo Licence Bingo licences may be issued for events at one of the three Commercial Bingo halls in Toronto or in a public place. Lottery
Raffles The City licences raffles to eligible non-profit charitable organizations with prizes up to $50,000. Lottery
Break Open Tickets The City licences organizations to sell Break Open Tickets at legions, hospitals and variety stores. Lottery
Lottery Events at a Bazaar The City licences lottery events at a bazaar where any combination of the following are held:

  • Raffle with prizes up to $500
  • Bingo with prizes up to $500
  • A maximum three wheels of fortune with a $2 bet
  • Penny auction raffle
Lottery
Fence Standards and Exemption There are standards for fence height and structure in Toronto. If you have a swimming pool, you need to have a particular type of fence. If you need your fence to be taller for a specific reason, you have to apply for a fence exemption permit. Building
Temporary Sign Providers Businesses that apply for, manage, and monitor temporary signs. Business
Circuses Circuses are public shows that may include performances by trained entertainers. Business
Clothing Drop Box Operator Licence Operators that apply for, manage, and monitor clothing drop boxes. Business
Private School Bus or School Transportation Drivers Any driver that uses a bus or vehicle to transport children to school privately. Driver
Sidewalk (Chalk) Artist Chalk artists create drawings on the sidewalk for voluntary donations in the street. Trade
Portrait Artist Individuals that make and sell on-site portraits. Trade
Traveling Salesperson (Non-Resident) A person who has not resided in the City of Toronto for the past three months that sells items to the public. Trade
Chimney Repairman  A person or business that repairs chimneys. Trade
Second Hand Goods Collector with Vehicle Businesses the collect secondhand items with a vehicle on City streets. Business
Marriage A marriage licence is required to get married in Ontario. General
Municipal Road Damage Deposit A municipal road damage deposit (MRDD) is a written and financial commitment from a property owner to submit a deposit with the City of Toronto as a guarantee against damage to the curb, sidewalk, road, boulevard and other City services located in municipal boulevards, as well as any clean-up of the adjoining street. Building
Street Occupation Permit You will require a street occupation permit prior to starting a demolition, renovation and/or construction project if you are planning to temporarily occupy any portion of the public right of way. Building
Street Furniture Publication Box Licence Publishers should apply for permits and install and maintain publication boxes within the public right-of-way. Business
Mechanical (HVAC) Permit – Stand-alone Stand-alone Mechanical (HVAC) Building Permit for work which is not related to other construction proposed for a building. Building
Related Mechanical (HVAC) Permit A Mechanical (HVAC) Permit is needed is your project includes HVAC elements. Building
Plumbing and Drain Permits – Stand-alone A stand-alone Plumbing Building Permit is needed or work which is not related to other construction proposed for a building. Building
Related Plumbing and Drain Permits A stand-alone Plumbing Building Permit is required for work which is related to other construction proposed for a building. Building
Residential Demolition Permit (with Replacement Building) A permit is required to demolish an existing house to allow a new house to be built on the site. Building
Pool Fence Enclosure A Building Permit is required for a new pool enclosure for an existing house. Building
Temporary Street Closure If you are planning to temporarily close the street fully or partially to occupy a curb-lane, sidewalk or boulevard for a race, run, walk or festival, you must apply for a Street Closure Permit. Right of Way
Banner A banner is a temporary sign that is suspended on, across or along a street, or a flag of non-rigid material that is suspended from a rigid arm fixed to a pole or utility pole. Right of Way
Sidewalk Sale A permit is needed for a sidewalk sale, or the display and sale of merchandise from a stand on the City sidewalk or boulevard fronting your store. Right of Way
Licence to Operate a Retail Store The Municipal Information for a Retail Store Authorization form provided by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO). Licence
Licence to Serve Alcohol To serve alcohol in Toronto you will need a liquor licence from the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO). Certain licences require that you serve notice to the City Clerk or are required to get municipal clearance or approvals from the City of Toronto. Licence
Multi-Tenant Homes (Rooming Houses) Rooming houses can include a house, apartment or building where you rent a room and share a kitchen and/or washroom with four or more people (not related to you) that pay individual rent. Licence
Opening or Modifying a Child Care Centre When applying for a new license or requesting a revision to an existing license, the program must comply with relevant municipal requirements. Licence
Fire/Security Upgrades Building Permit for the stand-alone replacement or alteration of the life-safety systems of a building, such as sprinklers, fire alarms or the installation of electromagnetic locking devices (Maglocks). Building
Portable Classroom Building permit for the placement of a portable classroom on the site of an existing school. Building
Designated Structures Building Permit for the construction of a designated structure, such as communication towers, crane runways, exterior tanks and supports, pedestrian bridges, retaining walls, satellite dishes and solar collectors. Building
Tents & Temporary Structures Building Permit for the temporary construction of a structure, such as a Tent or a Temporary Sales Pavilion. Building
Payday Loan Establishments Any premises, or any part of the premises that operates as a payday lending business as defined by the Payday Loans Act. Licence
Photography Permit A permit is required for commercial or formal photography such as an extended photo shoot or wedding photography, in City Parks and Recreation facilities. General