Toronto, Ontario

How do I check a renovator's licence in Toronto?

The City of Toronto licenses building renovators and several other home-service trades through Municipal Licensing and Standards. The city publishes licence information, so a check 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 Toronto's permits, licences and bylaws pages

    The section explains which trades the city licenses and links the licence lookup. Search the exact name on the quote.

    Official source: Permits, licences and bylaws (City of Toronto; checked 2026-10-20).

  3. 3. Read the category, the number and the expiry

    A licence names the business, the category (building renovator, drain contractor, and others), the licence number and the expiry. Compare the category with the work on the quote.

  4. 4. Add the provincial checks

    Electrical work needs an ESA-licensed contractor; new homes need an HCRA-licensed builder; the Ontario Business Registry shows the registration behind the name.

    Official source: Find a Licensed Electrical Contractor (Electrical Safety Authority; checked 2026-07-15).

  5. 5. If nothing comes up

    Ask whether the licence is held under another name, or by the subcontractor who will do the work, and search that name.

Every step for a contractor in Toronto

Questions people ask

Does a Toronto building-renovator licence mean the work is inspected?

No. Building permits and inspections are separate from the business licence. Ask who is pulling the permit.

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.