Launch Your Surrey Taxi and Ridesharing Services Today
This page gives you a practical, step-by-step guide to starting a taxi and ridesharing service in Surrey under NAICS code 485310. It breaks down the seven key requirements you’ll need to meet, from city permits and taxi licenses to vehicle standards and insurance. You’ll also get a clear view of what permits are required, typical startup costs, and a realistic timeline to go from idea to launch. Use this quick overview to map out your plan and budget with confidence.
You’ll learn the seven core requirements in a simple order: register your business, secure the necessary city licenses, meet vehicle and safety standards, arrange commercial insurance, complete driver background checks and training, set up your driver-partner policies and a compliant tech platform, and align with taxes and reporting. We outline typical costs you can expect—from registration and inspections to insurance and vehicle upgrades—and share a realistic timeline for getting approved and ready to hit the road. A Surrey-based start also benefits from strong demand and proximity to transit hubs, making this a smart move.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a taxi and ridesharing service in Surrey is Business Number (BN) Registration. This BN is issued by the Canada Revenue Agency and you need it to open government tax accounts, collect GST/HST, and file regular reports. You cannot legally operate without a BN, and this is non-negotiable.
Mandatory Operational Requirements include health, safety, and permits. Make sure you have WorkSafeBC Coverage and Registration to protect your workers. Depending on your fleet and how you operate, you may also need a Transport Canada Operating Certificate. For ongoing compliance, register for GST/HST and set up Payroll Deductions Registration if you have employees. These items ensure you’re meeting safety standards and regulatory obligations.
Business Registration & Tax covers the formal business setup and tax numbers. You’ll typically complete BC Business Name Registration if you’re using a name other than your own for a sole proprietorship or partnership, and you’ll need a City of Surrey Business Licence to operate within the city limits. Your BN links to your federal tax accounts, and you’ll also handle GST/HST registration and payroll deductions with the CRA as your business grows.
Encouragement: take it step by step and start with the essentials—confirm your BN and then move through the others in logical order (city licensing, provincial name registration, safety coverage, and tax registrations). If you’re unsure about any requirement, reach out to Surrey’s business licensing team or a local small-business advisor. With a clear checklist and steady progress, you’ll be on solid, compliant footing and ready to serve customers safely.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a taxi and ridesharing services in Surrey:
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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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Business Licence RequiredGeneral business licence required to operate a business in City of Surrey. Apply to City of Surrey 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 Surrey Business Licensing for specific requirements. Home-based businesses may have different requirements. Annual renewal required.
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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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