Launch Your Moncton Motor Vehicle Towing Business Today
This page delivers a practical roadmap to launching a motor vehicle towing business in Moncton, aligned with NAICS 488410. It includes an eight-point requirements overview, covering what you must set up, from business registration and insurance to tow truck standards and local bylaw checks, so you move from idea to licensed operator quickly and confidently.
What you'll learn: the permits and licenses you need, insurance basics, vehicle and tow truck specs, driver safety training, and environmental requirements. We'll break down costs you should plan for, a realistic timeline, where to apply, and the documents and applications you'll gather to stay compliant.
Why Moncton works for a towing business: steady demand along key routes, proximity to major highways, and a growing service landscape that values reliable roadside help. The eight-step plan fits local rules and makes starting your towing company approachable, even if you’re new to the industry, setting you up for long-term growth.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a motor vehicle towing business in Moncton is obtaining a Business Licence. This licence is a legal must to operate locally, and you cannot legally run the towing service without it. It’s issued by the local municipality and must be current; without a valid licence you risk penalties, delays, and being unable to take on jobs.
Mandatory Operational Requirements: Health and safety and permits are essential. In New Brunswick, if you have employees, you must have New Brunswick WorkSafeNB Employer Coverage to protect workers and comply with workplace safety rules. Complying with general safety expectations for towing operations is also important, and keeping up with required permits tied to your services helps ensure smooth, legal daily operations.
Business Registration & Tax: Your official registrations and numbers include a New Brunswick Business Number (BN) with the Canada Revenue Agency, and a New Brunswick Business Name Registration (SNB) if you’re operating under a trade name. If you form a partnership or NB corporation, you’ll complete Partnership Registration or NB Corporation Registration, respectively. You’ll also need GST/HST Registration and Payroll Deductions Registration as applicable to your business size and employee plans.
Encouragement and next steps: Start with securing the Business Licence, then line up the business structure and registrations in a practical sequence. Gather the necessary documents, register for the BN and SNB, and arrange GST/HST and payroll registration as needed. If you have employees, get WorkSafeNB coverage in place. Consider a quick consult with a small business advisor or accountant to map a simple, step-by-step plan and keep momentum without feeling overwhelmed. You’ve got a clear path to launch.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a motor vehicle towing in Moncton:
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Business Licence RequiredGeneral business licence required to operate a business in City of Moncton. Apply to City of Moncton 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 Moncton 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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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%)
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