Business Licence

Most businesses in Oakville require a business licence to operate in the town.

Licensing is required for most businesses

Holding a valid business licence makes sure businesses follow by-law regulations, providing supporting documentation and security clearances which ensure consumer protection.

Operating a business in the Town of Oakville without a valid licence is a chargeable offence.

The town requires licences for many businesses such as building renovators, contractors, taxis, arborists, short term accommodations, personal service establishments (which include hair salons, tattoo parlours, and spas), motor vehicle service-related facilities and food shops.

The Business Licensing By-law, regulates businesses in Oakville. Business licences are non-transferable, and licence fees are non-refundable and not pro-rated.

Application fees and requirements

Fees and application requirements vary depending on the type of business. Fees are non-refundable and not transferable.

Licensing Rates and Fees

Step One

What you need to know before applying for a business licence

Each business requiring a licence needs to complete an application through our online services and pay the required licencing fee.

Depending on the type of business you are licencing, you will be required to provide different supporting documents and approvals. For a high-level overview of what documents you need to include with your application submission, please review the new licence and renewal requirements (pdf).

For current fees, review the Business Licence Application Fees (pdf) document. You will find these forms on the next step.

Additional details are available on how to apply for the following types of business licences:

Businesses that require licences in Oakville:

Adult Entertainment Establishment - Attendant
Adult Entertainment Establishment - Operator
Adult Entertainment Establishment - Owner
Adult Entertainment Video Vendor
Animals for Entertainment
Arborist Licence
Auctioneer
Billiard Hall
Body Rub Establishment - Attendant
Body Rub Establishment - Operator
Body Rub Establishment - Owner
Bowling Alley
Building Renovator
Commercial Parking Lot - Operator
Donation Box Operator
Donation Box Additional Locations
Drain Laying Contractor
Driving School Operator
Driving School Vehicle
Dry Cleaner/Launderette
Exhibition
Fireworks Vendor
Food Shop - Ancillary Use
Food Shop - Restaurant
Food Shop - Special Event
Group Home
HVAC Contractor
Kennel
Landscaping/Property Maintenance Contractor and Lawn Care
Limousine Driver
Limousine Owner
Limousine Special Occasion
Lodging House
Mobile Sign Lessor
Motor Vehicle Facility
Night Club
Outdoor Market
Personal Services Establishment
Pet Shop
Plumbing Contractor
Pool Installation Contractor
Public Hall
Refreshment Vehicle Operator
Refreshment Vehicle Owner
Refreshment Vehicle - Special Event
Salvage Yard
Second Hand Goods Shop
Short Term Accommodation Company
Short Term Accommodation Operator
Special Sale
Taxi Driver
TNC Licence
Tobacconist/Vape/E-cigarette

Step Two

How to prepare your business licence application

Application supporting documents

To assist you with your application, review the following templates and reference material required for specific business license applications.

Submission standards

Help us process your application faster by submitting your documents in the following format:

Save files in a PDF format.
Organize documents as separate files. Document types can contain multiple pages, such as drawings or floor plans relating to the same file.
Name your files appropriately, i.e. AMCE Articles of Incorporation.pdf This saves significant time in processing your application.
All files should be easy to read. Double check to make sure scanned documents aren't dark, blurry or cut off.
Ensure all required documentation is added to your application submission or your application will be delayed.
Resubmissions: In the event you are asked to resubmit materials, please only submit those files that are requested. Do not resubmit the entire application package unless asked to do so.

Step Three

Submit your business licence or renewal application.

Submit your application online

You can now submit your business licence application online. Use Chrome or Safari for the best experience.

If this is your first time using the town’s online services, you will need to create an account by setting up a username and password. Select sign in and then select the option to sign up. If you already have a town account, you may be able to use your username and password which you previously created.

Application fees

For current fees, please review the Business Licence Application Fees (pdf).

Please note that fees are non-refundable and not transferable.

Please contact service@oakville.ca should you require assistance.

What you can expect after submission

Your application will be reviewed to ensure all required information has been provided. Should your application be incomplete, you will be notified via email. Your application will not proceed until all required documents and payment are received.

It may take up to 10 business days for you to receive your licence. Once your application is approved, you will be notified by email with instructions to log into your town account to obtain a copy of your business licence.

Licence renewal

Businesses will receive a courtesy renewal notice via email or mail at least one month before their licence expiry date. The renewal letter will outline the documentation required for licence renewal.

If your licence expires at the end of the month and you have not received your renewal letter, please email service@oakville.ca.

Business Licence