Launch a Burnaby New Car Dealer Business Today
This Burnaby guide helps you plan and launch a New Car Dealer (NAICS 441110) business with confidence. It offers a concise overview of the five essential requirements, plus practical notes on permits, initial costs, and a realistic timeline so you know what to expect from day one. This page also highlights the five requirements you'll meet before opening, plus typical costs and permit steps.
You’ll learn the core steps: register your business, secure a Burnaby municipal license with any zoning clearances, obtain a licensed motor vehicle dealer permit, meet facility standards and insurance requirements, and plan your finances — including startup costs, ongoing fees, and working capital. The guide also outlines a typical timeline from incorporation to first inventory and showroom readiness.
Burnaby’s strong market, convenient access to suppliers, and active local business climate make this a smart place to launch a new car dealer. With five clear requirements and practical milestones, you can open your showroom sooner and start serving customers with confidence.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a car dealership in Burnaby is the Business Number (BN) Registration. This government-issued identifier is how you handle taxes and interact with federal programs, including GST/HST and payroll. You cannot legally run the business without a BN, and it’s non-negotiable whether you’re a sole proprietor or a partnership.
Mandatory Operational Requirements: health, safety, permits. In practice this means taking workplace safety seriously. If you have employees, you must have WorkSafeBC Coverage and register for premiums so your staff is protected and you meet provincial rules. Keep the showroom and shop safe for customers and staff, and be prepared for any local permits or compliance steps that may apply to operating a dealership in your area. These health and safety responsibilities are ongoing and essential.
Business Registration & Tax. In BC, you’ll also need to register the BC Business Name if you operate as a Sole Proprietorship or Partnership. You may need GST/HST Registration with the federal government if your revenue reaches the threshold or you choose to collect GST/HST from customers. Payroll Deductions Registration is required if you have employees to handle income tax withholdings and other payroll contributions. Your BN ties these tax accounts together, helping you stay compliant and organized as you grow.
Encouragement: next steps and encouragement. Start by confirming your business structure and choosing a name, then get your BN and BC Business Name registration in place. If you have employees, set up GST/HST, payroll, and WorkSafeBC accounts as needed. Take it one step at a time— these registrations lay a solid foundation, reduce surprises later, and help you get your Burnaby dealership up and running with confidence. If you’d like, I can map out a simple, personalized checklist with exact forms and timelines.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a new car 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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