Launch a Burnaby Motorcycle, ATV, and All Other Motor Vehicle Dealers Business
This page guides you through starting a Burnaby-based motorcycle, ATV, and all other motor vehicle dealers business (NAICS 441227). It lays out the five essential requirements, the permits you'll need from Burnaby and provincial authorities, and a practical timeline to move from registration to a ready-to-operate showroom.
You’ll learn a clear, step-by-step path to compliance, including the five core requirements: business registration; Burnaby business license with zoning confirmation; BC motor vehicle dealer license; insurance and any required security measures; and tax registrations such as GST/HST. The guide also covers necessary permits, typical startup costs, and a realistic timeline from submission to your first day in business.
Burnaby is a smart fit for a motorcycle, ATV, and motor vehicle dealer: strong local demand, accessible showroom and service space, and proximity to Vancouver-area riders and suppliers. With clear zoning and licensing paths, you can build a compliant, customer-focused business that grows over time right in this dynamic city.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a motorcycle, ATV, and motor vehicle dealer business in Burnaby is the Business Number (BN) Registration. This BN is issued by the Canada Revenue Agency and you cannot legally run your business or issue invoices without it. It’s the foundation that lets you handle taxes, payroll, and other government filings, and it is non-negotiable.
Mandatory operational requirements cover health, safety, and basic permits. In BC, you must have WorkSafeBC coverage for your employees, which means registering and maintaining coverage so workers are protected if an injury happens. You should follow BC workplace safety rules, keep safety training up to date, and maintain solid safety and compliance practices in your shop.
Business registration and tax numbers come next. If you operate as a sole proprietor or partnership, you’ll need BC Business Name Registration. Depending on your sales and staff, you’ll also need GST/HST Registration and Payroll Deductions Registration to withhold and remit income tax, CPP/EI, and other payroll amounts. A BN from CRA links these registrations, so plan to set them up together and keep everything aligned.
Next steps and encouragement: start with applying for your BN, then register your business name in BC, decide on GST/HST needs, and set up payroll deductions and WorkSafeBC coverage. Use the official government sites or talk with a small-business advisor to map out a realistic timeline. With these basics in place, you’ll be on solid footing to launch and grow your dealership thoughtfully.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a motorcycle, atv, and all other motor vehicle dealers 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.
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