Launch Burnaby Armored Car Services and Start Your Secure Transport
This page gives you a practical, starter-friendly road map to launching an armored car service in Burnaby (NAICS 561613). It offers a clear requirements overview, the permits you’ll need, and realistic startup costs and timelines. You’ll learn how to form a compliant business, meet security standards, and get your first vehicle on the road—without guesswork or delays.
Key things you’ll learn include the licenses and permits required by Burnaby and British Columbia: a city business license, a private security contractor license, and any armed-guard credentials if you transport valuables. We’ll cover essential insurance requirements, vehicle and fleet standards, basic training, background checks, and a practical timeline from setup to operation.
Burnaby’s location near Vancouver’s business scene makes it a smart fit for armored transport. A growing demand for secure cash handling and valuables transport, plus access to banks, retailers, and logistics hubs, creates a solid market and growth opportunities for your new armored car service.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating an armored car service in Burnaby is Business Number (BN) Registration. This BN is issued by the Canada Revenue Agency and you cannot legally operate or bill clients without it. It is non-negotiable—without a BN you won’t be able to open bank accounts, file taxes, or manage payroll properly. To get started, apply online through the CRA and have your business details ready; this step should come first so you can legally handle every other requirement.
Beyond the BN, there are mandatory operational steps to keep your business compliant and safe. Health and safety matters come first in any physical service business, especially one with drivers and secure transport. If you have employees, you’ll need WorkSafeBC coverage and registration, and you must maintain proper safety training, incident reporting, and workplace precautions. While the armored nature of the work adds risk, staying current on safety protocols and insurance basics helps protect your team and your clients.
On the business registration and tax side, you’ll need BC-specific registrations when applicable. If you operate under a name other than your own, you must complete BC Business Name Registration for a sole proprietorship or partnership. You’ll also consider GST/HST registration if your annual taxable revenue meets the threshold or if you choose to register voluntarily, so you can collect and remit the tax properly. If you have employees, you’ll need Payroll Deductions Registration to handle employer payroll taxes and remittances.
Next steps: map out a simple timeline to tackle these items one by one. Start with obtaining your BN, then confirm WorkSafeBC and safety procedures, followed by BC Business Name Registration if needed, and GST/HST plus payroll registrations as your staffing plans require. With a clear plan and steady progress, you’ll move from setup to steady, compliant operation—and you’ll feel confident every day. You’ve got this.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a armored car services in Burnaby:
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Business Number (BN) Registration RequiredA 9-digit Business Number is required for most businesses operating in Canada. It is used to interact with the Canada Revenue Agency and other federal programs. Required for GST/HST, payroll, corporation income tax, and import/export accounts. Register FREE online through Business Registration Online (BRO) at canada.ca. Takes 15-30 minutes. As of November 3, 2025, online registration is MANDATORY for new BNs - phone registration no longer available. You'll need: business name, address, owner SIN, business type, and start date. BN (9-digit number) issued INSTANTLY online. Available 21 hours/day, 7 days/week (closed 3-6am ET for maintenance).
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BC Business Name Registration (Sole Proprietorship/Partnership) RequiredRegistration of sole proprietorship or partnership business names with BC Registries Register sole proprietorship or partnership at bcregistry.gov.bc.ca. Name reservation: $30 (standard) or $100 (priority 1-2 days). Registration fee: $40. Total: ~$70. Name reserved for 56 days after approval. Registration is continuous (no renewal required). No name protection for sole proprietorships. Personal names operating under own name do not require registration. Contact BC Registries: 1-877-526-1526.
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GST/HST Registration ConditionalRequired if annual taxable revenue exceeds $30,000 (small supplier threshold). Taxi/ride-share drivers must register regardless of revenue. Businesses with gross revenues over $30,000 in any single quarter or over four consecutive quarters must register for, collect, and remit GST/HST. Small suppliers (under $30,000) may register voluntarily. Register FREE online through Business Registration Online (BRO) when your revenue exceeds $30,000 in any 4 consecutive quarters (small supplier threshold). Takes 15-30 minutes. You MUST register within 29 days of exceeding threshold and start charging GST/HST immediately on the sale that made you exceed it. Need your BN (or get one simultaneously). As of Nov 3, 2025, online registration is mandatory. Voluntary registration available anytime for input tax credits.
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Payroll Deductions Registration ConditionalRequired if you pay salaries, wages, or other remuneration to employees. Must register before first pay period. Required if you have employees. You must withhold Canada Pension Plan (CPP), Employment Insurance (EI), and income tax from employee wages and remit to CRA. Register FREE online through Business Registration Online (BRO) when you hire your first employee. Takes 15-20 minutes. You'll need your Business Number (BN) or can get one simultaneously. Payroll account (RP) added to your BN instantly. Register BEFORE your first pay date. Required to deduct CPP, EI, and income tax from employee wages. For 2025: CPP rate 5.95%, EI employee rate $1.66/$100 insurable earnings.
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WorkSafeBC Coverage and Registration ConditionalRequired if you have workers in BC. Workers compensation insurance coverage through WorkSafeBC for employers in British Columbia WorkSafeBC coverage required for most BC employers. Average base premium rate: 1.55% of assessable payroll ($1.55 per $100). Register online at worksafebc.com. Apply 30 days before starting business or hiring workers. Processing: ~10 business days. Premium rates vary by industry classification (514 classification units). COR certified employers eligible for 10% rebate. Contact: 604-276-3100 or 1-888-967-5377.
Funding & Grants
Available funding programs that may apply to your armored car services:
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Three-stream grant program for Nunavut-based artists, businesses, and organizations: (1) Getting Started/Arts Creation/Training — supports education, training, art supplies, equipment; (2) Arts and Culture Development — supports collaborative arts initiatives, exhibitions, shows, and touring; (3) Infrastructure Development — supports studios and cultural tourism infrastructure. Annual call for proposals.
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Provided contributions to settlement, employment, and community organizations delivering programs addressing employment barriers for racialized newcomer women, including work placements, mentorships, job counselling, and support for gender- and race-based discrimination. Program renewal ended in 2025; no new open call as of early 2026. Over 2,200 racialized newcomer women were served …
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