Start a Locksmith Business in Burnaby: Practical Steps to Success
This page helps you start a locksmith business in Burnaby under NAICS 561622. You’ll find a clear 5-step requirements overview, plus practical guidance on permits, licenses, costs, and a realistic timeline to get up and running. Use this as your practical blueprint for turning your locksmith skills into a local, compliant business.
Five essential requirements to launch: 1) register your business with the BC Corporate Registry and choose a legal structure; 2) obtain a Burnaby business license and any municipal permits; 3) complete locksmith training or secure credentials relevant to the trade; 4) obtain general liability insurance (and consider bonding for higher‑risk work); 5) acquire core locksmith tools, a reliable vehicle, and set up your workspace. Expect startup costs in the approximate range, and a typical timeline of 4–8 weeks to be fully operating.
Burnaby combines steady demand from homes, businesses, and auto clients with proximity to Vancouver, making it a strong market for locksmiths. A local license and a few strategic marketing steps can help you capture customers quickly, with room to grow as you build reputation and expand service areas.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a locksmith business in Burnaby, BC is the Business Number (BN) Registration. This is a federal registration with the Canada Revenue Agency and it’s legally required to do business with the government and to manage taxes. You cannot legally operate without a BN, so securing it upfront is non-negotiable.
Mandatory operational requirements cover health and safety and any permits. In BC, you must have WorkSafeBC coverage and registration so anyone working on a jobsite is protected; this applies whether you have employees or are a sole operator. Also check Burnaby’s local licensing or permits for locksmith work, and keep safety training and basic precautions up to date.
Business registration and tax numbers follow. If you’re using a name different from your legal name, register the BC Business Name. Then you’ll need GST/HST Registration if your revenue crosses the threshold or you want to reclaim input tax. If you hire employees, you’ll also require Payroll Deductions Registration. Your BN will be used to handle these tax-related registrations, so keep it handy as you set up these accounts.
Next steps and encouragement: Start with applying for the BN, then register the BC Business Name if needed, and arrange WorkSafeBC coverage. Decide on GST/HST Registration and Payroll Deductions Registration as your business grows, and confirm any Burnaby licensing requirements. You’ve got a clear, practical path—taking these steps now will set you up for a smooth and compliant start.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a locksmiths 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 locksmiths:
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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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