Launch a Saint John Motor Vehicle Towing Business Today
Whether you're new to the towing industry or expanding your services, this page walks you through starting a motor vehicle towing business in Saint John under NAICS 488410. It provides a practical overview of the eight essential requirements, the permits and licenses you’ll need, typical startup costs, and a realistic timeline from planning to first dispatch.
You’ll learn which permits and registrations apply in Saint John and New Brunswick, the insurance coverage needed for towing operations, and how to meet vehicle, equipment, and safety standards. We outline the eight core requirements you must satisfy, give quick cost guides for licenses and gear, and map out a step-by-step path from setup to launch, including a clear timeline.
Saint John’s coastal location, busy highways, and active fleet traffic create solid demand for roadside assistance and towing services. With clear local rules and a straightforward path to licensing, you can move from idea to road-ready faster and with more confidence.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a motor vehicle towing business in Saint John is a Business Licence. This licence is a legal requirement from the city, and you cannot operate a towing service without it. It’s non-negotiable and should be your first step before pursuing any other registrations or permits. Once you have the licence, you’ll be better positioned to handle the other essential compliance tasks.
Beyond the licence, the next focus is mandatory health, safety, and operational permits. In New Brunswick, you must have New Brunswick WorkSafeNB Employer Coverage if you have employees, which protects your team and keeps you compliant with workplace safety laws. Along with coverage, follow solid safety practices for towing work—maintaining your vehicles, using proper roadside procedures, training your drivers, and keeping clear records of incidents or near-misses—to reduce risk and protect your people and customers.
On the business-registration and tax front, you’ll want to line up several items. If you’re using a name other than your own, register it as a New Brunswick Business Name (SNB). You’ll also need a Business Number (BN) from the federal government to handle tax accounts. Depending on your structure, you may pursue Partnership Registration or NB Corporation Registration. GST/HST Registration may be required if your taxable supplies meet the threshold, and Payroll Deductions Registration is needed if you hire employees. Ensure WorkSafeNB coverage continues as your workforce grows.
Next steps: start with obtaining the Saint John business licence, then set up your BN and SNB, decide whether you’ll operate as a sole proprietor, partnership, or corporation, and plan for GST/HST and payroll registrations. If you’d like, I can help map out a simple timeline and checklists to keep you on track. You’re taking the right, practical path—steady progress leads to a compliant, successful towing business.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a motor vehicle towing 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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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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