Launch Your Regina Taxi and Ridesharing Service Today
On this page you'll find a practical, step-by-step guide to starting a Regina taxi and ridesharing business under NAICS 485310. It lays out the nine essential requirements you'll need to meet, plus where to apply for permits and how costs add up. You'll see a realistic timeline from setup to the first passenger ride, so you can plan with confidence. We cover the big picture and the daily details that matter to Regina's market.
Key elements include the permits and licenses required by the City of Regina, vehicle inspections, and the insurance you must carry. You'll get clear notes on driver eligibility, background checks, training standards, and in-vehicle equipment such as meters or dispatch apps. We'll break down startup costs—vehicle, branding, insurance, licensing fees—and a practical timeline, from a few weeks for paperwork to a couple of months to be fully operational. You'll also learn how to navigate renewals and compliance so you stay on the road without surprises.
Regina's growing population and events create steady demand for safe, reliable transport, making it a strong fit for both taxis and rideshares. This city-and-service combo gives you room to scale, with clear regulations to help you build trust with riders.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a taxi and ridesharing service in Regina is the Business Licence. This is a legal permission you must have from the City of Regina to run a taxi or rideshare service, and you cannot operate without it. It’s non-negotiable, so your first priority is to obtain and keep this licence current before you start taking passengers.
Beyond the licence, you’ll face mandatory operational steps that keep you compliant and safe. If you have employees, you’ll need Saskatchewan WCB Employer Registration to provide workers’ compensation coverage. You may also need Payroll Deductions Registration for withholding and remitting employee taxes. Some items on the list, such as a Transport Canada Operating Certificate, are not typically required for standard ground taxi services, but it’s worth confirming with the regulator if you plan any non-standard operations.
For business registration and taxes, plan to formalize your company name and tax accounts. Saskatchewan Business Name Registration (ISC) is required to operate under a registered name. You’ll also need a Business Number (BN) from the Canada Revenue Agency to handle tax accounts, and you may need GST/HST Registration if your revenue hits the threshold. Depending on your chosen business structure, you might register as a partnership or Saskatchewan corporation. Payroll deductions and corporate or partnership registrations are part of setting up the right legal and tax framework.
If you’re ready to move forward, start with the municipal licence and then map out your structure and registrations. Consider consulting with Regina’s licensing office or a small-business advisor to confirm which registrations apply to your exact setup. Gather the necessary documents, set a realistic timeline, and you’ll move from planning to safely and legally serving Regina riders with confidence.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a taxi and ridesharing services in Regina:
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Business Licence RequiredGeneral business licence required to operate a business in City of Regina. Apply to City of Regina 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 Regina Business Licensing for specific requirements. Home-based businesses may have different requirements. Annual renewal required.
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Saskatchewan Business Name Registration (ISC) RequiredBusinesses in Saskatchewan operating under a name other than the owner's legal name must register with Corporate Registry. This applies to sole proprietorships, partnerships, and business names for corporations. Registration provides legal recognition and is required for business operations, banking, and licensing. Registration can be completed online through Corporate Registry. Business name registrations must be renewed every 5 years for sole proprietorships and partnerships. Register with ISC (Information Services Corporation) for business name. Required for sole proprietorships with trade name, partnerships. $65 registration fee, $60 renewal. Name reservation valid 90 days. Online registration also registers with Ministry of Finance and CRA.
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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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Partnership Registration ConditionalRequired for partnerships. Registration of partnerships in Saskatchewan. Register partnership with ISC: 1. Complete partnership registration form 2. Submit through ISC 3. Pay registration fees General and limited partnerships. Annual return may be required.
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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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Saskatchewan WCB Employer Registration ConditionalRequired if you have employees in Saskatchewan. Employers in Saskatchewan must register with the Workers' Compensation Board (WCB) and maintain coverage for workers. WCB provides insurance for workplace injuries and occupational diseases. Most employers are required to register, with some exceptions for specific industries and self-employed individuals. Registration should occur before hiring the first worker or commencing operations. Employers pay premiums based on their industry classification rate and assessable payroll. Register with Saskatchewan WCB for workers compensation coverage. Required for employers in mandatory industries. 2024 average premium rate $1.28 per $100 payroll. Maximum assessable earnings $104,531. Directors on T4 excluded from 2025.
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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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Saskatchewan Corporation Registration ConditionalRequired if incorporating in Saskatchewan. Incorporation of a company under Saskatchewan law. Incorporate through ISC Corporate Registry: 1. Conduct NUANS name search 2. Prepare articles of incorporation 3. Submit through ISC online or registry 4. Pay incorporation fees Annual return required. Federal incorporation is alternative option.
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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