+1 (647) 764-2069 Get my free roadmap
Toronto · 2026

Toronto Cheque Cashing Licence: Cost, Requirements & Timeline

Premises operating as a payday lending business under the Payday Loans Act require a City licence. Officially, the City calls this a “Payday Loan Establishments” licence.

Government licensing fees
$788.33
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
Get my free personalized roadmap See the full breakdown

What the City of Toronto charges for a cheque cashing licence

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

ChargeAmount
Application fee (reference only)At application · New payday loan establishment applications are not accepted.$788.33
Total government fees$788.33
After year one: the licence expires on the anniversary of its first issue. Renewal currently costs $384.88 a year.

How long a cheque cashing 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 A missing or out-of-date document does not cost you a few days.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: Premises operating as a payday lending business under the Payday Loans Act require a City licence.
Not this licence if: New payday loan establishment applications are not being accepted; the City page is reference information for existing licensees. Tell us and we will point you the right way.

Documents you need for a cheque cashing 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

From the Ontario Business Registry

Online

Business-name, corporation and profile documents.

  • Provincial Business Name Registration or signed Franchise Agreement
  • Articles of Incorporation / Corporate Profile Report

Your identification

Already held

Government-issued identification and personal status records.

  • Two pieces of government-issued identification one per person
    One piece must be photo ID; Health Cards are not accepted.

City forms and approvals

Online / email / in person

Official City application forms, permits, inspections and approvals.

  • Annual Return for Corporation Form

Provincial approvals

Online / ministry process

Provincial licences, registrations and authorizations.

  • Ontario Payday Loans Act lender/loan broker licence
    Existing City licensees must hold the applicable provincial licence.
Build my free roadmap

No payment. No account. Takes about a minute.

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 cheque cashing licence cost in Toronto?

The City of Toronto charges $788.33 in total: $788.33 for the application fee (reference only). 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 cheque cashing 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 cheque cashing 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 cheque cashing licence need to be renewed?

Yes. It expires on the anniversary of its first issue and currently costs $384.88 a year to renew.

Is this the right licence for my business?

Premises operating as a payday lending business under the Payday Loans Act require a City licence. New payday loan establishment applications are not being accepted; the City page is reference information for existing licensees.

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 $788.33 in City fees is separate either way, and paid to the City.

Start with the free roadmapCall +1 (647) 764-2069

Other Toronto licences