Trade Licence

In Person Counter Hours for Business Licensing

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The Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities oversees the apprenticeship process, training and certification for many skilled trades in Ontario.

If you own or operate one of these companies or work in any of these fields as a tradesperson, Hamilton's Licensing By-law No. 07-170 requires you to hold a trade licence with the City of Hamilton:

There are two types of trade licences:

Both licences are required when the business owner is also the tradesperson.

Trades exempt: Hamilton's By-law 07-170 does not apply to contractors or masters of a trade working in the construction of a commercial, industrial, institutional or residential building which has been designed by, and is under the supervision and review of, a professional engineer or an architect licensed to practice in Ontario.

A trade licence application must be submitted by:

Complete Business/Trade Licence Application Form(PDF, 220.51 KB)

Complete Trade Licence Questionnaire(PDF, 69.58 KB)

You can submit your applications in person to:

Licensing and By-Law Services330 Wentworth Street NorthHamilton, ONL8L 5W3

Monday & Wednesday 8:30 am to 4:30 pm

One Stop - Business LicensingCity Hall, 1st Floor71 Main Street EastHamilton, ON

Open Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm

Email [email protected] or call 905-546-2782 Option 3

Documentation required varies depending on the type of trade licence you are applying for.

For new trade licences you may require:

For renewals you must submit:

Refer to the Business Licence Reference Guide(PDF, 1.21 MB) for more information on application requirements by licence type.

A mandatory trade exam is required for Building Repair and Drain Laying before we can issue a trade licence.

Contractors are required to apply for the trade licence prior to the date of the exam - same day applications are not accepted. Applications can be made at 330 Wentworth St N or City Hall, 71 Main Street West, 1st floor.

Trade exams are held the second Wednesday of each month at City Hall, 1st floor in Rooms 192 and 193. Contractors are encouraged to come at 5:45 pm to sign in with the proctor. You will begin writing the exam at 6 pm.

Pay Business Licence Fee Online

To make an online payment you must have:

All Trade Licences expire one year after they are issued. You must renew the licence every year. As a courtesy, the City may send out renewal notices by mail. However, it is the licence holder's responsibility to ensure the licence is current.

As part of their regular duties, building inspectors regularly check for proper licences on job sites. Building inspectors may carry out random spot checks to see if a tradesperson is operating with a proper trade licence. When applying for a Building Permit, Building staff require the licence number of the tradesperson carrying out the work at the site.

The City conducts investigations if we receive complaints regarding unlicensed contractors. If the City receives notification of anyone operating in the field without a proper licence, appropriate action is taken to ensure compliance with the by-law.

Licensing and By-law Services330 Wentworth Street NorthHamilton, ONL8L 5W3

Monday & Wednesdy 8:30 to 4:30 pm

One Stop - Business LicensingCity Hall, 1st Floor71 Main Street WestHamilton, ON

Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm

Call 905-546-2782 option 3Email [email protected]