Launch Your Burnaby Used Car Dealers Business Today
This page is your practical, friendly guide to starting a used car dealers business in Burnaby (NAICS 441120). Get a clear, actionable overview of the five requirements, the permits and licenses you’ll need, and a realistic view of startup costs and timelines. We’ll cover how to register your business, set up a lot or showroom, and meet local rules for consumer protection and safety.
You’ll learn exactly which five requirements you must meet to legally operate under NAICS 441120, plus the permits and licenses you’ll need from Burnaby and beyond. We break down typical startup costs—licenses, bonding or security, insurance, lot setup, inventory, signage and marketing—and map out a practical timeline from planning to opening.
Burnaby’s location in the Vancouver metro area gives you access to a large market of buyers, strong demand for reliable used cars, and convenient networks for wholesalers, lenders and service providers. The city’s business-friendly vibe and scalable options make it a solid place to start and grow a used car dealers business while you build a trusted local reputation.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a business in Burnaby is the Business Number (BN) Registration. This CRA-issued number is legally required and you cannot operate a business or access key government programs without it. It’s non-negotiable: without a BN, you cannot properly file taxes, issue invoices, or enroll in other essential registrations.
Next, for health, safety, and permits, there are practical steps to keep your shop safe and compliant. Ensure you have WorkSafeBC coverage for all employees, which is mandatory in British Columbia. You’ll also want to confirm any local permits or licenses required by the City of Burnaby to run a dealership. Having clear safety policies, employee training, and proper incident reporting helps protect both your staff and your business.
For Business Registration & Tax, you’ll need to handle BC-based registrations and CRA registrations that tie back to your BN. If you’re operating as a sole proprietor or partnership and you use a business name, you must register that BC Business Name. You’ll also consider GST/HST registration (with the Canada Revenue Agency) and Payroll Deductions registration if you hire staff. These steps connect your operations to the right tax accounts and ensure you can collect/remit taxes and withhold payroll amounts properly.
You’re off to a strong start by prioritizing these essentials. A practical next step is to secure your BN, then register your BC business name if needed, and set up GST/HST and payroll registrations. Finally, check WorkSafeBC requirements and any Burnaby licensing. If you take it one step at a time and invite a quick, 15-minute consult with a small-business advisor, you’ll move from planning to a compliant, confident launch. You’ve got this—you’re on the right track.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a used 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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