Apply for a Business Licence

In St. Albert, any person that carries on or operates a business must hold a valid business licence, as per Business Licence Bylaw 43/2000

A Business Licence Is Still Required Regardless Of The Following:

The business is or is not incorporated;
The business generates minimal income;
The business has a business licence from another municipality;
The business type is exempt through provincial legislation.

When NOT to apply for a new licence:

The business is moving to another location within St. Albert;
You are purchasing an existing business within St. Albert;
An existing business is changing its legal structure or name;
Your licensing account was previously closed, and you wish to reopen the account.

Please contact Business Licensing if any of the above-noted scenarios apply to you, where a licensing representative will assist you.

Application for a Licence

All Business Licence applications require:

A MyCity account.
A valid Visa or MasterCard credit card.
Adobe Acrobat Reader (or equivalent).
Proof of membership if your business is regulated by a professional association such as dentists, physiotherapists, lawyers, engineers, etc.
An operating and/or mailing address for the business (not a P.O. Box).
Contact information for the business and business owner(s).
A general description of the goods and/or services the business provides.

Operating as a Vendor/Exhibitor at a Special Event

Businesses operating at a special event as a vendor or exhibitor (e.g., at the St. Albert Farmers' Market or Rainmaker Festival), are not required to hold a valid business licence, as these events have their own application process.

Operating as a Mobile Cooking Operation

Businesses operating as a Mobile Cooking Operation (e.g., food truck) in St. Albert are required to obtain valid permits and approvals.

For specific requirements, please visit Mobile Cooking Operations.

Supplementary Documentation

Depending on the type of licence required by your business, you may need to provide the City with scans/copies of documents including:

Owner’s Authorization

If the business will be operating out of a location where the business owner is not the titled owner of the property.

Proof of Exemption

If the business is a provincially-regulated trade or profession that qualifies for a fee exemption

Vehicle-for-Hire documents

Any vehicle-for-hire services (taxi and limousine companies, ridesharing, etc.) must submit the following documents for all of their drivers and vehicles.

• Vulnerable Sector Checks
• Class 1, 2 or 4 driver's licences
• Valid commercial registration and insurance
• Mechanical inspection reports for all vehicles

Retail Tobacco Licence

Any business that offers the retail sale of tobacco products must apply for a retail tobacco licence in addition to a regular business licence.

Apply for a Business Licence through MyCity

The City offers online business licence applications and account management through its MyCity service. You can start the application process by following the appropriate licence type links below (In-Town Business or Out-of-Town Business). Note that you will be asked to create a MyCity account if you don't have one presently, and the application process takes approximately 15 minutes to complete.

If you require assistance during the application, contact Business Licensing at 780-459-1618 for assistance.

Important Notes

Prospective business owners are encouraged to contact Business Licensing for information regarding fees, permits, or bylaws before applying for a business licence. Furthermore, a person who carries on or operates a business in St. Albert must hold a valid business licence, as per Business Licence Bylaw 43/2000.
Applications will be reviewed by the Business Licensing Department within 2 business days.
Additional permits or approvals may be required from the City before a Business Licence can be issued due to business type or location. Applicants will be contacted by the Business Licensing Department if any further permits/approvals are required.
A Business Licence Fire Code Compliance Review & Inspection may be required through the City's Emergency Services Department. Applicants will be contacted if one is necessary.
All issued Business Licences expire on December 31st, and must be renewed for the following calendar year if the business continues operating in St. Albert as of January 1st.
Licensing fees are non-refundable once a Business Licence has been issued, as per Business Licence Bylaw 43/2000.

Submission of an Application

Submission of an application and payment of the licensing fee does not guarantee approval, nor does it mean the licence has been issued.

Additional approvals or permits may be required.

Business Licensing Payment Receipt

When your payment is processed while applying for a business licence, a receipt will auto-generate.

Please ensure the receipt is saved or printed.

St. Albert utilizes MyCity, the City's customer service portal for Business Licensing applications. Applications are only accepted online.

To apply for a business licence, please select either In Town Business or Out of Town Business below to begin: