Launch Your Burnaby Taxi and Ridesharing Services Today
This page offers a practical, step-by-step guide to starting a taxi and ridesharing service in Burnaby under NAICS 485310. You'll find a concise 6-step requirements checklist, plus a clear rundown of permits, licenses, and registrations you’ll need. We map out typical startup costs and a realistic timeline to move from idea to road, so you know what to budget and when to act.
What you’ll learn: exactly which permits and licenses Burnaby requires for taxi and ridesharing services, how to apply, and what reviewers look for. We cover vehicle and driver qualifications, insurance needs, background checks, business registration, and municipal taxi permits. You’ll also get a practical costs snapshot and a step-by-step timeline to get you operating sooner.
Why Burnaby? The city’s location near Vancouver and busy neighborhoods mean solid demand for reliable rides. A clear regulatory path helps you launch confidently, attract riders, and grow with low friction. If you’re ready, this guide gives you the playbook to start your taxi and ridesharing business in Burnaby with clarity.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a taxi business in Burnaby is the Business Number (BN) Registration. This government identifier is used for taxes, payroll, and other filings, and you cannot legally run a taxi or ridesharing service without it. This requirement is non-negotiable—complete your BN application before moving on to any other licensing or operations.
Mandatory operational requirements cover health, safety, and the permits you may need. You may need a Transport Canada Operating Certificate if your operation falls under certain regulated transport rules, so check whether your fleet or services trigger this. In addition, you must have WorkSafeBC coverage and registration to protect workers and comply with workplace safety rules. Grouped together, these items ensure that drivers and customers are protected and that your operation meets basic compliance and permit standards.
Business Registration & Tax focuses on the foundational registrations and numbers that keep your finances and reporting solid. This includes BC Business Name Registration if you’re using a trade name (for Sole Proprietorship or Partnership), plus the national GST/HST Registration to collect and remit taxes where applicable. If you hire employees, you’ll also need Payroll Deductions Registration. Collectively, these steps connect your business to the right government programs and make sure you handle taxes and payroll correctly from day one.
You’ve got this! Start with your BN, then verify whether you need a BC business name registration, and set up GST/HST and payroll registrations as you prepare to hire. If you’re unsure about any step, consider a quick consult with Burnaby’s business licensing office or a local compliance advisor to map out the exact forms and timelines. Take it one step at a time, and you’ll build a solid foundation for success.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a taxi and ridesharing services 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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Transport Canada Operating Certificate ConditionalRequired for specific regulated activities. Passenger transportation services may require operating certificates from Transport Canada depending on service type and interprovincial operations. Transport Canada general operating certificate. Motor carrier, aviation, marine, rail. Mode-specific requirements. Contact TC: 1-800-333-0371.
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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 taxi and ridesharing services:
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The Zero Emission Transit Fund (ZETF) is a $2.75 billion federal program running from 2021 to 2026 that advances Canada's commitment to electrify public transit and school bus fleets. The fund supports both planning projects (feasibility studies, transition plans, up to 80% of eligible costs) and capital projects (vehicle procurement, …
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