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Toronto · 2026

Toronto Car Rental Licence: Cost, Requirements & Timeline

Businesses that rent vehicles to the public for personal use. Officially, the City calls this a “Car Rental Business” licence.

Government licensing fees
$521.33
Paid to the City of Toronto
City processing target
20 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 car rental licence

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

ChargeAmount
Application feeAt submission$233.02
Licence feeUpon approval$288.31
Total government fees$521.33

How long a car rental licence takes in Toronto

General ML&S service target: contact an online applicant within 10 business days and issue a business licence within 20 business days after a complete application is received. Individual files can take longer.

City contacts youAfter your application is submittedWithin 10 business days
Licence issuedOnce a complete application has been receivedWithin 20 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 A missing or out-of-date document does not cost you a few days.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: Businesses that rent vehicles to the public for personal use.

Documents you need for a car rental 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.

Police record check

Online or in person

Start here. Apply online, or in person if you prefer. One per person named on the application.

  • Criminal Record and Judicial Matters Check one per person
    Criminal Record and Judicial Matters Check required on many ML&S licence applications; confirm person-level scope on the licence page before publishing.

From the Ontario Business Registry

Online

Business-name, corporation and profile documents.

  • Provincial Business Name Registration or signed Franchise Agreement
    Business registration or accepted franchise documentation, as applicable.
  • Articles of Incorporation or current Corporate Profile Report
    Corporate proof for corporation applicants.

Your identification

Already held

Government-issued identification and personal status records.

  • Government-issued photo identification one per person
    Valid government-issued photo identification. Health Cards are not accepted on standard ML&S licensing pages.
  • Proof of work status in Canada one per person
    Proof of citizenship, permanent residence, study/work authorization or another accepted status document, as applicable.

City forms and approvals

Online / email / in person

Official City application forms, permits, inspections and approvals.

  • Annual Return for Corporation declaration
    Current-director/officer declaration where required by the licence page.
  • Controlling Interest Declaration for Partnership
    Partnership ownership/control declaration where required.
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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 licence category and eligibility.
  2. Gather identification, business and licence-specific documents.
  3. Complete any required screening, examination or inspection.
  4. Submit a complete application and pay required application fees.
  5. Respond to City requests for additional information.
  6. Pay the licence/permit fee after approval where applicable.
  7. Track renewal requirements and expiry/anniversary dates.

Common questions

How much does a car rental licence cost in Toronto?

The City of Toronto charges $521.33 in total: $233.02 for the application fee, $288.31 for the licence fee. 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 car rental licence in Toronto?

The City targets 20 business days after it receives a complete application, and aims to contact you within 10 business days of submission. The clock only starts once every required document is in.

What documents do I need for a car rental 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.

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 $521.33 in City fees is separate either way, and paid to the City.

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