Licensing checklist

1. Clear the business and brand name

   Search the Ontario Business Registry for the entity name and search CIPO for trademarks (word + design). Consider “Haul 'Er Back Trailers”, “Haulerback”, and close variants.

   Cost: Registry search free; Nuans name search for a named corporation ~$20–$50+ via a Nuans provider Timeline: Same day online

   Sources: Ontario Business Registry search · CIPO Trademarks Database

2. Register the business (Ontario)

   Sole proprietorship / business name registration, or incorporate an Ontario business corporation. Match the exact legal name you will put on the NSM application.

   Cost: $60 online (sole prop / partnership name, 5-year term) · $300 online (Ontario corporation) Timeline: Immediate online; ~15 business days by mail

   Sources: Ontario Business Registry · fee summary via ServiceOntario fee tables (2026)

3. Get a CRA Business Number and HST account

   Required for the NSM package (GST/HST / BN proof). HST registration is mandatory once taxable sales exceed $30,000 in a quarter or over four consecutive quarters; voluntary registration is often wise so you can claim ITCs on materials.

   Cost: Free Timeline: Usually same day online via Business Registration Online

   Source: CRA — Register for a GST/HST account

4. Secure a shop address that zoning allows

   NSM needs a physical site address where the mark will be affixed. Confirm municipal zoning / home-occupation / industrial use before you sign a lease. Class C garage licences need a city compliance letter; Class A (trailers only) does not list that letter as mandatory, but zoning still matters.

   Cost: Municipal inquiries usually free; planning letters may have a fee Timeline: Days to a few weeks depending on the city

   Source: Ontario — Garage licence

5. Buy Ontario Garage Automobile Policy (OAP 4) insurance

   The Class A garage licence application requires you to certify you are insured under the standard garage automobile policy. Budget for garage / commercial liability appropriate to manufacturing and selling trailers; get quotes from brokers who write OAP 4.

   Cost: Quote-dependent (often low thousands CAD / year for a small shop — confirm with a broker) Timeline: 1–2 weeks typical for a first quote package

   Sources: Application for Garage Licence (insurance certification) · OAP 4 policy form

6. Obtain a Class A garage licence (trailers only)

   Required to deal in trailers in Ontario unless you hold an OMVIC motor vehicle dealer licence. Keep a garage register of trailers bought/sold for at least 2 years.

   Cost: $25 / calendar year ($12.50 if starting on/after Sept 1) Timeline: Same day in person (Ottawa City Hall ServiceOntario) · 4–6 weeks by mail

   Source: ontario.ca — Get, renew or replace a garage licence

7. Optional: Service plate for road testing / delivering trailers

   Service plates can be used for purposes related to manufacturing or sale of a trailer. First-time applicants present company letterhead explaining need, plus Class A licence if you are a trailer dealer.

   Cost: Manufacturer / dealer / service vehicle permit and plate $59 (see current fee table) Timeline: Same day at ServiceOntario once paperwork is ready

   Sources: Service / manufacturer / dealer plates · Driver and vehicle fees

8. Request and file the National Safety Mark (NSM) package

   Email Transport Canada for the trailer manufacturer package, then submit: NSM request form, WMI application, corporate registration, BN/HST proof, compliance process description, sample VIN composition, sample compliance label photo, and related docs. Electronic preferred: mvs-sa@tc.gc.ca.

   Cost: No Transport Canada application or authorization fee Timeline: 4–6 weeks once a complete package is received; incomplete filings are returned

   Sources: TC NSM FAQ · Trailer NSM guidelines (PDF) · NTEA note: Canada Regulatory Compliance Guide 2024

9. Receive WMI from CVMA and lock your VIN scheme

   After NSM authorization, Transport Canada authorizes the Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers' Association to issue your World Manufacturer Identifier. Build 17-character VINs to CMVSS 115 and stamp them on the frame and label.

   Cost: Included in the TC/CVMA process (confirm any CVMA admin fee when TC routes your file) Timeline: Follows NSM approval

   Sources: CVMA — World Manufacturer ID · VINready Canada trailer VIN guide

10. Stand up CMVSS compliance files before first sale

    Certify each unit to applicable standards (at least CMVSS 108 lighting/reflectors, 115 VIN, 120 tires/rims for trailers). Keep build records, ratings basis, and buyer/NVIS info so you can support audits and recalls.

    Cost: Internal labour; optional CTEA / consultant review (member pricing) Timeline: Build in parallel with the NSM application so you are ready when authorization lands

    Sources: TC manufacturer obligations · CTEA NSM review assistance

11. Issue NVIS + bill of sale; buyer plates the trailer

    Give the buyer a New Vehicle Information Statement and bill of sale. Buyer registers at ServiceOntario. Trailer plate, permit and validation is currently $72.

    Cost (buyer): $72 trailer plate / permit / validation Timeline: Same day at ServiceOntario for the plate step

    Source: Ontario driver and vehicle fees

12. Optional but recommended: file the trademark

    Protect “Haul 'Er Back” (and design mark) at CIPO. Online filing is cheaper than paper. Examination and opposition can take many months; filing date matters.

    Cost (2026 online): $491.06 first Nice class + $149.04 each additional class (gov fees only; agent fees extra) Timeline: Filing same day; registration often 1.5–3+ years depending on objections / opposition

    Source: CIPO trademark fees

Rough cash outlay (gov + filing fees only)

Critical path is usually: name → register business → BN/HST → shop + insurance → Class A licence → NSM package (4–6 weeks) → WMI → first labelled sale. Start the NSM documentation as soon as the legal entity and shop address exist.