Apply for a Business Licence

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 PO Box).
Contact information for the business and business owner(s).
A general description of the goods and/or services the business provides.

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.
Your licensing account was previously closed and you wish to re-open the account.

Please contact Business Licensing if any of the above-noted scenarios apply to you. A licensing representative will provide information and assist you in completing the request.

Incorporating a Business

Filing articles of incorporation with the Province of Alberta is not the same as holding a valid business licence from the City of St. Albert. A business owner may choose to incorporate their business; however, they will still be required to obtain a business licence from the City of St. Albert.

Income Thresholds

The Canada Revenue Agency provides information on the income thresholds for a business to register for a GST account. However, no income thresholds exist for a business licence in St. Albert.

Anyone who carries on or operates a business in St. Albert is required to hold a valid business licence.

Inter-Municipal Licensing

St. Albert currently does not have any inter-municipal agreements with neighbouring municipalities related to business licensing. Therefore, a business licence from another municipality (e.g., Edmonton) does not carry over to St. Albert.

Business owners must obtain a St. Albert business licence if operating in St. Albert.

Licence Exemptions

Certain professions may be exempt from paying the licensing fee by provincial legislation. However, regardless of being exempt from the licensing fee, a business owner is still required to obtain a business licence from the City of St. Albert. Please contact Business Licensing for more information.

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 cannot complete an online application, please contact the Business Licensing Department for available alternatives by calling 780-459-1618 or emailing licensing@stalbert.ca.

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.

Please note:
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.

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