Launch Your Saint John Limousine Service the Right Way
This page lays out a practical roadmap to start a Saint John limousine service (NAICS 485320). Find clear guidance on business setup, vehicle readiness, and getting compliant so you can launch with confidence. You’ll get a concise overview of the nine requirements, the permits and licenses needed, typical startup costs, and the timeline to go from idea to road-ready.
You’ll learn the nine essential requirements to meet, plus the permits and licenses you’ll need for Saint John. We cover startup costs, insurance, vehicle inspections, driver qualifications, and timelines so you can budget accurately and plan your launch.
Why Saint John is a strong fit: The city’s mix of business travel, tourism, and port activity creates steady demand for professional limousine services. With accessible roads to Atlantic Canada and a growing events scene, a Saint John limo can serve corporate clients, travelers, and locals alike, and build a durable local brand.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a limousine service in Saint John is Business Licence. This is legally required to run any commercial transportation business within the city, and you cannot legally operate without it. It is non-negotiable. Securing the licence is the essential first step that underpins everything else, so start here and keep it current as you add other registrations and safety measures.
Mandatory Operational Requirements. In addition to the licence, you’ll need to cover health, safety, and permits. Ensure you have New Brunswick WorkSafeNB Employer Coverage, which provides workplace insurance for drivers and staff. Depending on your fleet and operations, a Transport Canada Operating Certificate could apply if your service falls under federally regulated passenger transport. Be prepared for other permits or certifications if your operations expand or change.
Business Registration & Tax. This is where you set up the formal business and tax framework. Obtain a Business Number (BN) with the Canada Revenue Agency to handle taxes and payroll. If you’re using a name other than your own, register it with New Brunswick’s SNB. If you’re forming a corporation, complete NB Corporation Registration. For GST/HST, register accordingly, and if you hire employees, set up Payroll Deductions Registration. If you’re operating as a partnership, there’s Partnership Registration to consider as well.
Encouragement & next steps. The good news is you don’t have to do everything at once. Start with the Business Licence, then tackle BN and SNB registrations, and arrange WorkSafeNB coverage. Gather the required documents, and consider a quick consult with a local accountant or business advisor to map out timelines, fees, and any province-wide or federal forms. With a clear plan, you’ll move from plan to launch with confidence.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a limousine service in Saint John:
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Business Licence RequiredGeneral business licence required to operate a business in City of Saint John. Apply to City of Saint John 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 Saint John Business Licensing for specific requirements. Home-based businesses may have different requirements. Annual renewal required.
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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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New Brunswick Business Name Registration (SNB) RequiredBusinesses in New Brunswick must register their business name with Service New Brunswick if operating under a name other than the owner's legal name. This applies to sole proprietorships, partnerships, and trade names. Registration provides legal recognition and is required for business operations and licensing. Registration can be completed online through SNB Online. Business name registrations for sole proprietorships and partnerships must be renewed every 5 years. To register a business name in New Brunswick: 1. Conduct name search ($13.80) 2. Complete registration through SNB Online 3. Pay $112 registration fee (includes Royal Gazette) 4. Receive certificate of business name 5. Renew every 5 years ($62) 6. Report any changes as required
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Partnership Registration ConditionalRequired for partnerships. Registration of partnerships. Register through Province of New Brunswick Corporate Registry or business services: 1. Conduct name search if applicable 2. Complete registration application 3. Submit required documents 4. Pay registration fees Contact Province of New Brunswick government services for specific requirements and fees. Annual reporting may be required.
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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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NB Corporation Registration ConditionalRequired if incorporating in New Brunswick. Incorporation under NB law. Register through Province of New Brunswick Corporate Registry or business services: 1. Conduct name search if applicable 2. Complete registration application 3. Submit required documents 4. Pay registration fees Contact Province of New Brunswick government services for specific requirements and fees. Annual reporting may be required.
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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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New Brunswick WorkSafeNB Employer Coverage ConditionalRequired if you have employees in New Brunswick. Employers in New Brunswick must register with WorkSafeNB (Workplace Health, Safety and Compensation Commission) and maintain coverage for workers. WorkSafeNB provides insurance coverage for workplace injuries and occupational diseases. Most employers are required to register, with limited exceptions. Registration must occur within 10 days of commencing business operations or hiring the first worker. Employers pay assessments based on their classification unit rate and assessable payroll. To register with WorkSafeNB: 1. Determine if you're in a mandatory industry with 3+ workers 2. Register with WorkSafeNB online or by phone 3. Report assessable payroll annually 4. Pay premiums based on industry rate ($1.18/100 avg 2024) 5. Maintain coverage and report workplace injuries 6. Experience rating affects rate (+80% to -40%)
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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