Consumer Reporting Agency Permit
Apply for a Consumer Reporting Agency Permit. You need the permit if your business operates in Nova Scotia and provides consumer reports for gain or profit. Consumer reports include information on a consumer’s identity, personal data, credit history, income, assets, health and mode of living.
By law, you must have a Consumer Reporting Agency Permit if your business operates in Nova Scotia and provides consumer reports for gain or profit. This type of business is often called a credit bureau. This permit does not apply to commercial credit reporting.
Consumer reports include information on a consumer’s identity, personal data, credit history, income, assets, health and mode of living.
Eligibility
If applying as an individual, you need to be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident. You also need to be 19 or older.
If applying as a corporation, your company needs to be incorporated in Canada and registered with the Registry of Joint Stock Companies.
How to apply
- Complete the application form.
- Check the application for details on all required supporting documents.
- Include payment with your application.
- Send your completed application, supporting documents and payment by mail or fax.
How long it takes
It should take 2 weeks to get the permit. It can take longer if more information is needed or if your application hasn’t been filled in correctly.
Cost
| Activity | Fee |
|---|---|
| Permit | $133.35 |
| Renewal | $33.00 |
Payment options
Visa, MasterCard, American Express, cheque, money order. A cheque or money order should be made payable to the Minister of Finance. Payment options may vary depending on how you apply.
Before you start
Make sure you have:
- business operating name and address in Nova Scotia, where files are accessible for inspection
- Registry of Joint Stock Companies number
- 3-year employment history for you and any partners and officers
- address and manager’s name for all branches
You also need to provide details if you or any partner, officer or director has:
- been licensed under any federal or provincial statute
- had a licence refused, suspended or revoked
- been involved in a personal or corporate bankruptcy
- unpaid judgments outstanding
- been convicted of an offence and not been pardoned
You need to provide additional supporting documents including:
- resume for the manager showing 2 years of experience in all phases of consumer reporting
- samples of all forms used by the agency in dealing with consumers
Application form
Renewal
You need to renew your Consumer Reporting Agency Permit by March 31 each year. You should get a renewal package (including instructions) in the mail before the renewal date. It’s your responsibility to renew on time.