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Trade and contractor licences in Hamilton, Ontario
Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
Hamilton requires municipal trade licences for specified plumbing, HVAC, drain-laying, building-repair and fire-protection work. A business owner who also does the trade needs both contractor and master categories.
Key information
Hamilton requires municipal trade licences for specified plumbing, HVAC, drain-laying, building-repair and fire-protection work. A business owner who also does the trade needs both contractor and master categories.
On this page
Who applies
The individual tradesperson applies for the master’s licence; the business owner applies for the contractor’s licence. The listed fields are plumbing, heating/ventilation/air conditioning, drain laying, building repair and sprinkler/fire protection.
The bylaw describes an exemption for work on buildings designed by and under supervision and review of an Ontario-licensed architect or engineer. Confirm whether the actual project meets it; a professional involved elsewhere does not automatically exempt all jobs.
Application evidence
Complete the Business/Trade application and Trade Licence Questionnaire. New applicants may need insurance, business registration or corporate profile and photo ID. Required documents depend on the trade category.
Renewals require insurance, photo identification and a declaration about criminal convictions since initial issue. Refer to the Business Licence Reference Guide for category-specific details rather than assuming one checklist fits every trade.
Exams and payment
Building Repair and Drain Laying require a trade exam before issue. Apply before the exam date; same-day applications are not accepted. Exams are listed for the second Wednesday monthly at City Hall Rooms 192 and 193, with sign-in encouraged at 5:45 pm and writing at 6 pm.
Online fee payment needs the application number for a new licence or licence number for renewal. The overview does not give a single fee for all trades.
Expiry, checks and help
Licences expire one year after issue and must be renewed annually even if a reminder does not arrive. Inspectors check job sites and Building requests the relevant trade number on permit applications.
Call Licensing at 905-546-2782 option 2. The page has inconsistent East/West City Hall address wording; confirm the correct visit details rather than following the erroneous direction. The main contact section gives 71 Main Street West.
Quick reference
| Topic | What to know |
|---|---|
| Master licence | Individual tradesperson |
| Contractor licence | Business owner |
| Both required | Owner also performs licensed trade |
| Mandatory City exams | Building Repair and Drain Laying |
| Expiry | 1 year after issue |
What to do next
- Classify
Check trade, applicant role and any project exemption.
- Apply before exam
Submit category documents and questionnaire.
- Pay and renew
Use file number and keep annual licence current.
10 useful questions
Which trades are listed?
Plumbing, HVAC, drain laying, building repair and sprinkler/fire protection.
Who applies for a master’s licence?
The individual tradesperson.
Who applies for a contractor’s licence?
The business owner.
What if the owner also performs the trade?
Both licence types are required under the stated rule.
Do all projects have the same exemption?
No. The architect/engineer-supervised construction exception must fit the actual work.
Which categories require the City exam?
Building Repair and Drain Laying.
Can I apply on the exam day?
No. Same-day applications are not accepted.
When is the stated monthly exam?
The second Wednesday, with writing starting at 6 pm.
How long does a licence last?
One year after issue.
Do inspectors check trade licences?
Yes. Site checks and building-permit requests can require the licence number.
Official information and forms
This guide covers the City of Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, including its named former municipalities. Check property-specific programme boundaries where stated. Fees and active service notices can change. Use the linked official page for the application or latest notice.