Business License Information

Overview

Any person who engages in any business, occupation, pursuit, profession, calling, a vocation, or trade within the City Limits of St. Louis is required to have a business license. A business license is valid for the fiscal year starting June 1 and expires on May 31, the following year. The requirements to obtain a license change depending on the type of business.

Before getting started, review the St. Louis City Revised Code Chapter 8.02 on Licenses.

Requirements

• A separate license is required for each location of your business in the city.
• A separate license is required for each trade name under which you operate.
• A separate license is also required for each occupation or business at the same address.
• Licenses are not transferable.
• Several business types require additional steps or processes or a different type of license.
• A new license must be obtained when owners, locations, or trade names change.
• Structures inside St. Louis City need an occupancy permit.
• The License Collector cannot issue any business license or license renewal until all current and past taxes are paid. These include:
  • personal property taxes
  • earnings taxes
  • payroll taxes
  • license taxes
  • and permit and certificate fees due the city
• Registering for an LLC does not qualify as a business license in the City of St. Louis. Registering an LLC is with the Secretary of State. Applying for a business license through the License Collector’s Office is still required to conduct business in the City.

Exempt Businesses

Some business or professions are exempt from any business licenses. Check to see if your business is exempt. If your business is not on that list, it is not exempt.

Graduated Business License Process

Closing a Business

If you need to close your business, fill out this form and send it (via mail, fax, or email) to the License Collector’s Office.

Contact

Questions? Need help applying? Interested in applying? Please visit in person or reach out.

The Business Assistance Center simplifies and streamlines the process for the licensing and permitting of your new or expanding business.