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Toronto · 2026

Toronto Street Performer Licence: Cost, Requirements & Timeline

Buskers and sidewalk artists perform for voluntary donations in the street and require a permit. Officially, the City calls this a “Buskers & Sidewalk Performers” licence.

Government licensing fees
$55.91
Paid to the City of Toronto
City processing target
0 business days
After a complete application
Last verified August 28, 2026·Official City of Toronto source
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What the City of Toronto charges for a street performer licence

These fees are paid to the City. They are separate from anything you pay us.

ChargeAmount
Busker / sidewalk performer permitAt permit issuance$55.91
Total government fees$55.91
After year one: the licence expires on the anniversary of its first issue. Renewal currently costs $55.91 a year.

How long a street performer licence takes in Toronto

Timeline not published as a single catalogue-level service standard; verify the source/subtype before publishing a customer estimate.

City contacts youAfter your application is submittedWithin 0 business days
Licence issuedOnce a complete application has been receivedWithin 0 business days

Processing time is a City service target, not a guarantee.

The part that catches people out: the City does not start your application until every required document is in. A missing or out-of-date document does not cost you a few days. Your file does not enter the queue at all.

Is this the right licence for you?

Yes, if this is you: Buskers and sidewalk artists perform for voluntary donations in the street and require a permit.

Documents you need for a street performer licence in Toronto

Which of these apply depends on how you are applying. Answer a few questions and we will send you the exact list for your situation, free.

City forms and approvals

Online / email / in person

Official City application forms, permits, inspections and approvals.

  • Official application and supporting documents
    The City catalogue entry links to the authoritative application page. Normalize the exact document list during second-person verification before status is changed to published.
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How to apply, step by step

If you would rather do it yourself, this is the whole process.

  1. Confirm the permit subtype, location and term.
  2. Prepare site/event/sign details and insurance if required.
  3. Submit the application within the required lead time.
  4. Pay applicable application and permit fees.
  5. Respond to Transportation Services/City conditions.
  6. Receive the permit before occupying the public right-of-way.

Common questions

How much does a street performer licence cost in Toronto?

The City of Toronto charges $55.91 in total: $55.91 for the busker / sidewalk performer permit. Those fees are paid to the City. Our fee for handling the application is separate and quoted on a call.

How long does it take to get a street performer licence in Toronto?

The City targets 0 business days after it receives a complete application, and aims to contact you within 0 business days of submission. The clock only starts once every required document is in.

What documents do I need for a street performer licence?

It depends on whether you apply as a sole proprietor, a corporation or a partnership, and on how many owners there are. The full list is above, and a free personalized roadmap will tell you exactly which ones apply to you.

Does a street performer licence need to be renewed?

Yes. It expires on the anniversary of its first issue and currently costs $55.91 a year to renew.

Or we handle all of it

We prepare the whole application for you

So that when it goes in, it is complete on day one and the City clock actually starts.

  • We tell you exactly which documents you need and help you obtain each one
  • We complete every City form for your structure
  • We check every document is current, correctly named and consistent
  • We assemble the package and handle the submission and City follow-up
  • One point of contact who answers the phone
Call for your quote

Our fee depends on your structure and how many owners are involved, so we quote it on the call. The $55.91 in City fees is separate either way, and paid to the City.

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