The HCRA strives to process applications in a timely manner while remaining objective, fair, and consistent. Please note that the timeframe to review an application may vary depending on its complexity. Additional processing time may be required if we need to request additional information. To reduce the waiting time, please ensure you submit all supporting documentation with your application.

Once all documentation and additional information has been received, on average, you should receive an answer about your licence application in:

• 8 weeks for a new application
• 4 weeks for a renewal application

Provided that the HCRA has received the completed renewal application and fees prior to the expiry date, builders and sellers will continue to be licensed during the application processing time.

Yes. Your licence expires 12 months from the date it was issued. The HCRA will send you a reminder notice 60 days before the Expiry Date, and your renewal application will be available on the Builder Portal. You will have 30 days to submit your application on the Builder Portal before the Renewal Due Date.

Please refer to our detailed New Application Form Instructions and this abbreviated checklist. The application form can be accessed through the Builder Portal, an online service for builders and sellers to manage and submit forms electronically and pay fees via the credit card option.

The HCRA is committed to making the application process fair and efficient. If you are unable to apply through the Builder Portal and require accommodation, please contact the HCRA Customer Service Department at info@hcraontario.ca.

You can pay by credit card and cheque only. Please note that once your application is submitted in the Builder Portal, you will no longer be able to pay by credit card. The HCRA accepts cheque payments through the regular mail system. However, please note that processing cheques may take longer, which could impact the processing time for your application. Courier mail will be accepted through pre-arrangement with HCRA finance staff. If sending a cheque payment, please include the name on the application and the application number (e.g., APP-XXXXXXX).

No – After obtaining a licence from the HCRA, you must first register with Tarion and receive their authorization before building or selling a new home. Visit Tarion’s website to learn more about the requirements for building and selling new homes.

Your renewal application will be available on the Builder Portal 60 days before your Expiry Date. You will be able to submit your renewal application, any new supporting documents, and credit card payment directly through the Builder Portal. For more information on how to submit your renewal application, please review this abbreviated checklist and the Renewal Form Instructions. Please note that once your application is submitted in the Builder Portal, you will no longer be able to pay by credit card.

If you have already received your licence renewal reminder notice and are still not able to access the renewal application on the Builder Portal, contact us at info@hcraontario.ca.

The HCRA is committed to making the application process fair and efficient. If you are unable to apply through the Builder Portal and require accommodation, please contact the HCRA Customer Service Department at info@hcraontario.ca.

If you do not renew your licence by the Renewal Due Date, you will still have 30 days to submit your application on the Builder Portal before the Expiry Date. However, a late penalty will apply.

If you miss the Expiry Date, your licence will expire, and you are no longer eligible for a licence renewal.

If you intend to continue to conduct business as a builder or seller, you must apply for a new licence using the new licence application form available on the HCRA’s Builder Portal. You will be required to demonstrate the fulfillment of all current licensing requirements. More details on these requirements are listed in the New Application Form Instructions.

If your licence has expired, it is important that you understand the following:

• You must immediately stop all construction and sales activities related to new homes that are being built under your licence. Under the New Home Construction and Licensing Act, 2017 your company is required to maintain a valid licence during all construction of all residential units until ownership has been transferred to a new home buyer
• Your licence number is now invalid and may not be used by you or any other person or company
• Your expired licence status was immediately updated on the Ontario Builder Directory on the date it expired
• Any remaining Tarion warranties continue to be your responsibility

You can pay by credit card directly through the Builder Portal, online banking (EFT), or cheque. Please note that once your application is submitted in the Builder Portal, you will no longer be able to pay by credit card.

The HCRA accepts online banking payments from the following financial institutions: Royal Bank of Canada, Bank of Nova Scotia, Toronto Dominion Bank, Bank of Montreal, Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce, National Bank and Central 1 Credit Union.

HCRA is registered as a payee under the name ‘HCRA Licence Renewal’ with the above financial institutions. If you use EFT for the first time, you will first need to add HCRA as a payee. Please include the five digits of your vendor/builder licence number. For example, if your licence number is B12345 enter 12345.

The HCRA accepts cheques through the regular mail system. Courier mail will be accepted through pre-arrangement with HCRA finance staff. If sending a cheque payment, please include the name on the application and the application number (e.g., APP-XXXXXXX).

Please note that, once an application is submitted in the Builder Portal, unpaid Renewal Fees can be made via Online Banking or Cheque.

After applying, you cannot make changes via the Builder Portal. Credit card payment will no longer be available, and any revisions must be emailed to info@hcraontario.ca.

If your renewal and payment are submitted before the Expiry Date, your licence remains active during processing, and the Ontario Builder Directory will show it as licensed. Your Licensing Analyst will email you if additional information is needed and will send a confirmation upon approval.

Licensees can contact Tarion for help with the Qualification for Enrolment (QFE) process during renewal.

All licensees must continue to meet the competency requirement to remain eligible for a licence. If a competency-holder leaves the company, another individual must demonstrate they meet that competency requirement, because competencies are linked to individuals and not to the licence. The competencies may be held by Principals, Directors, Officers or Senior Employees of the company whose role is directly responsible for the work associated with that competency.

Course completion or evaluation of individuals is not required for the renewal of active licences, provided no individuals have left the company, and no new people are introduced into the company for the purpose of holding competency

Detailed descriptions of courses and their requirements are outlined under the competency requirements. Courses and course providers have been approved by the HCRA to deliver programs specifically aimed at improving knowledge in the core competencies.

The HCRA has developed a Competency Course Equivalency Process (CCEP) for individuals who can provide satisfactory evidence of prior learning or experience related to competency in any of the seven core areas. Learn more about this process by visiting the Competency Requirements page.