Launch a Burnaby Limousine Service: Start Your Business Now
Welcome to a practical, friendly path to launching a Burnaby limousine service. This page explains exactly what you need to start and stay compliant under NAICS 485320, with a focus on action steps, costs, and timelines. If you’re juggling permits, insurance, and fleet setup, you’ll find a clear overview designed for busy entrepreneurs who want results without the guesswork.
Six practical requirements stand between you and your first ride. Here’s an overview you can act on: 1) register your BC business and get a business number; 2) obtain Burnaby municipal business licensing; 3) secure BC passenger transport authorization for for-hire vehicles; 4) arrange commercial auto insurance and passenger liability coverage; 5) meet vehicle safety standards and driver licensing; 6) set up GST/HST registration and basic bookkeeping. Costs cover licensing, vehicle readiness, insurance, and fleet setup; timelines vary by permit and vehicle readiness.
Burnaby’s mix of business parks, airports, and upscale hotels creates steady demand for executive transport. With solid planning and the right licenses, many new operators move from dream to curb in as little as 6–12 weeks.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a limousine service in Burnaby is Business Number (BN) Registration. This CRA-issued identifier is legally required for tax reporting, payroll, and doing business with government agencies, and you cannot legally operate without it. A BN underpins all other registrations and interactions with authorities, so get this in place first; it’s non-negotiable.
Beyond the BN, there are essential health, safety, and permit steps. You may need a Transport Canada Operating Certificate if your operation falls under federally regulated passenger transport, and you should secure WorkSafeBC Coverage and Registration to provide workers’ compensation and support safe working conditions for your drivers and staff. These items ensure you’re compliant and prepared to protect both customers and team members.
Business Registration & Tax: In BC, register your business name if you’re operating as a sole proprietorship or partnership (BC Business Name Registration). You’ll also want GST/HST Registration if your revenue reaches the threshold, and Payroll Deductions Registration if you have employees. These registrations help you collect and remit the right taxes and manage payroll properly from day one.
Encouragement: Start with the BN, then handle the BC business name registration, GST/HST, and payroll steps as needed. Check whether the Transport Canada certificate applies to your fleet and arrange WorkSafeBC coverage. With these practical steps in place, you’ll have a solid, compliant foundation for your Burnaby limousine service and can move forward with confidence.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a limousine service 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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Transport Canada Operating Certificate ConditionalRequired for specific regulated activities. Passenger transportation services may require operating certificates from Transport Canada depending on service type and interprovincial operations. Transport Canada general operating certificate. Motor carrier, aviation, marine, rail. Mode-specific requirements. Contact TC: 1-800-333-0371.
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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 limousine service:
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The Zero Emission Transit Fund (ZETF) is a $2.75 billion federal program running from 2021 to 2026 that advances Canada's commitment to electrify public transit and school bus fleets. The fund supports both planning projects (feasibility studies, transition plans, up to 80% of eligible costs) and capital projects (vehicle procurement, …
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