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Your business licence must be renewed yearly, or every two years if you have a two-year licence, to continue to operate your business. Renewal allows you to maintain a valid business licence without repeating many of the application requirements.
A valid business licence indicates to your customers that you run a responsible business that follows the rules and regulations - including zoning, health, fire and building code, and public safety requirements. Requiring all businesses to meet minimum regulatory standards also helps create a level playing field within the business community.
The current bylaw came into effect on January 17, 2022, and provides clearer, more consistent regulations that help reduce barriers for businesses. It also allows the City to respond more quickly and decisively to new and emerging business types.
The bylaw contains a tiered fee schedule
It is your responsibility to ensure you maintain a valid business licence. Please make sure that your mailing address is up to date, which will help us remind you of your required renewal.
A renewal notice will be sent to the mailing address on file approximately 45 days before your licence expires. If you do not renew your business licence before it expires, you could be fined if your business is found to be operating without a valid licence.
If you do not renew your business licence within 45 days before or 90 days after the expiry date, your licence cannot be renewed and you must apply for a new business licence. If your business licence doesn’t meet the eligibility requirements for renewal in section 19(1) of the Business Licence Bylaw , you must also apply for a new business licence. Please refer to the update your existing business licence page for additional information on what changes to your business require a new licence.
On Time Renewal Incentive
Your renewal fee will be discounted as long as you renew your business licence before it expires. After the expiry date, the regular licence fee will apply.
Renewal requirements are determined based on the business categories that apply to your licence. In most cases, your business licence can be renewed as soon as your payment is received. However, some business categories also require you to provide updated documentation or information - for example, police information checks or operational plans.
The specific renewal requirements for your business will be explained on your renewal notice. Be sure to allow enough time to meet all of the requirements so your licence can be renewed before it expires.
Questions about your renewal requirements? Contact us at 780-442-5054 or businesslicenceapplications@edmonton.ca.
Your new licensing fees will be displayed on your renewal notice that you receive by mail. Please note that the categories and fees displayed on your new renewal notice look different since January 17, 2022 when the new Business Licence Bylaw takes effect.
Two-Year Licence Option Fee Discount
When you renew your business licence, you can now select either a 1-year term or a 2-year term, calculated from the expiry date of your current licence. A 2-year term comes with a small discount and means you will not have to renew your licence as often. Regardless of the term you select, after your licence has been renewed, full or partial refunds cannot be provided.
How are the fees determined?
The
licence fee
is based on the business categories that apply to your licence. Each business category is assigned a tier numbered 1 through 5. Your total licence fee is determined by the category on your licence with the highest tier. You do not have to pay a separate fee for each category.
What are the fees used for?
The fees collected are used to pay for the resources needed to administer the business licensing program. This includes the work required to guide businesses through the permitting and licensing process and help ensure that all businesses continue to follow the rules and are well-operated once they open. If there are any remaining funds, they can be directed into the City’s corporate general revenues and put towards programs that help support businesses such as Business-Friendly Support and Business Support Grants.
Several renewal options are available to you. Please allow enough time to meet all of the renewal requirements so your licence can be renewed before it expires.
When you renew your business licence, you can select either a 1-year term or a 2-year term, calculated from the expiry date of your current licence. A 2-year term comes with a small discount and means you will not have to renew your licence as often. Regardless of the term you select, full or partial refunds cannot be provided after your licence has been renewed.
For any changes, inquiries, or requests related to your business licence renewal, please fill out the account update request form, and a staff member will follow up with you.
You can renew online using the 4-digit PIN found on your renewal notice.
Don’t have your renewal notice? You can request your 4-digit PIN by completing the Business Licence Account Update Request form.
Send your cheque or money order payable to “The City of Edmonton” to:
Urban Planning and Economy
City of Edmonton
PO Box 2670
Edmonton, Alberta
T5J 2G4
Include the top portion of your renewal notice, and write your account number on your cheque or money order. Please allow at least 10 business days for delivery and processing of your payment, and allow additional time if sending renewal documents by mail. Do not send cash or credit card numbers by mail.
Call 780-442-5054, Monday to Friday from 8am-4:30pm.
Note: Only credit card payments are accepted when renewing by phone.
If you have lost or damaged your licence certificate, please contact us at businesslicenceapplications@edmonton.ca or call 311 for help.
| Telephone | In Edmonton: 311 Outside Edmonton: 780-442-5311 |
|---|---|
| businesslicenceapplications@edmonton.ca |