Start an Automotive Glass Replacement Shop in Surrey Today
This page offers a practical, bite-sized roadmap to opening an automotive glass replacement shop in Surrey (NAICS 811122). It's built around six essential requirements that cover everything from business setup to the tools you’ll need. You’ll get an overview of permits, licenses, costs, and a realistic timeline to get you from idea to open door.
In simple terms, you’ll learn how to register your business, pick a legal structure, secure the necessary permits and local zoning approvals, obtain appropriate insurance and workers’ compensation, source glass and installation equipment, and set up a compliant workshop with the right safety standards. We’ll also map out the cost ranges and steps involved, plus a practical timeline that helps you plan the move.
Surrey is a smart place to start an automotive glass shop—it's growing, with a steady stream of vehicles and fleets, good access to Vancouver's market, and local support for small businesses. This city-and-industry combo gives you strong demand, plus opportunities to offer mobile services or in-shop replacement, helping you build a loyal customer base quickly.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating an automotive glass replacement shop in Surrey is Business Licence. This is a municipal permit you must obtain from the City of Surrey before you start any work. Without a valid business licence, you cannot legally operate in the city, so this is non-negotiable and should be your first step.
Mandatory Operational Requirements: health, safety, permits. You’ll need to protect your team and customers, so arrange WorkSafeBC coverage for your staff and maintain a safe, compliant shop. In addition, you’ll handle basic permits: keep your Surrey business licence current, and if you’re using a trade name rather than your own name, register your BC business name for a sole proprietorship or partnership. These items group together the day-to-day compliance you’ll manage from a safety and permitting standpoint.
Business Registration & Tax. Set up the business identifiers and tax numbers you’ll rely on. Start with a Canada Revenue Agency Business Number (BN). If you’re operating under a name other than your own, register your BC Business Name for a sole proprietorship or partnership. Plan for GST/HST registration with the CRA if your revenues reach the threshold or if you choose to register voluntarily. If you have employees, you’ll also handle payroll deductions registration through the CRA as part of your BN setup.
Encouragement and next steps. Start with the Surrey licence application, then organize your federal and provincial registrations in parallel. Create a simple checklist: choose your legal structure, register the business name if needed, apply for the BN, consider GST/HST needs, set up payroll if you’ll hire, and enroll in WorkSafeBC. If you’d like, I can tailor a step-by-step plan with links to the exact forms and city pages.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a automotive glass replacement shops in Surrey:
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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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Business Licence RequiredGeneral business licence required to operate a business in City of Surrey. Apply to City of Surrey for Business Licence: 1. Determine business category 2. Complete business licence application 3. Submit required documents (ID, lease, zoning confirmation) 4. Pay application and annual fees 5. Await approval and receive licence Contact City of Surrey Business Licensing for specific requirements. Home-based businesses may have different requirements. Annual renewal required.
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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 automotive glass replacement shops:
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The ATTC provides qualifying Ontario employers with a refundable tax credit equal to 25% of eligible expenditures (30% for small businesses) incurred during the first 36 months of a qualifying apprenticeship, up to a maximum of $5,000 per qualifying apprentice per year. The credit applies only to apprenticeship programs that …
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