Vancouver, British Columbia

How do I check a contractor's business licence in Vancouver?

Businesses operating in Vancouver need a City of Vancouver business licence, and the city publishes licence information. Checking it takes a few minutes.

The free steps

  1. 1. Start with the exact name on the quote

    Write down the business name exactly as the quote prints it, including Ltd., Inc. or a number. A trade name, a numbered company and a sole proprietorship can all be registered under other words, so if a search shows nothing, ask the contractor which name and number appear on their registration or licence before you read anything into it.

  2. 2. Open the City of Vancouver's business-licence pages

    The city's business-licences section explains who needs a licence and links its licence search. Search the exact name on the quote, then the trade name if the quote shows one.

    Official source: Business licences (City of Vancouver; checked 2026-10-20).

  3. 3. Read the licence type and the expiry

    A licence names the business, the licence type (the kind of work it covers) and the year it is valid for. A licence for a different kind of work, or an expired one, is a question to ask the contractor, not a conclusion.

  4. 4. Match it to the registry

    The licensed name should match the registered name or trade name on OrgBook BC and the name on your quote. Three names that do not line up are the first question to ask.

    Official source: OrgBook BC: search registered BC organizations (BC Registries, through OrgBook BC; checked 2026-10-20).

  5. 5. If nothing comes up

    Some businesses are licensed in another municipality and work across the region, and some licences are held under a different legal name. Ask the contractor for their licence number and which city issued it.

Every step for a contractor in Vancouver

Questions people ask

Does a Vancouver business licence mean the work is inspected?

No. A business licence is permission to operate a business in the city. Building and trade permits are separate, and electrical and gas work is licensed by Technical Safety BC.

What if the contractor is based in Burnaby or Surrey?

They may hold their licence there. Ask which city issued it and check that city's licence pages.

Or ask Jay

Jay does these steps for you and writes up what the records show, with the source and date for each finding. The $39 Full Check (no tax added) also reads your quote and insurance papers, and a person reviews every Full Check before it goes out. The $19 Quick Check is opening soon.

Order a Full CheckSee a sample Full Check

Three quotes. One Jay check. Then the deposit.

Information, not a verdict. A record that is not found is not evidence of wrongdoing, and nothing here is legal, insurance or safety advice.

Published 2026-10-20; sources last checked on the dates shown beside each step.