Graduated Business License (GBL)

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.

The requirements to obtain a license change depending on the type of business.

If your business requires a Graduated Business License (GBL) follow the information on this page and download the related documents:

If your business requires a Graduate Business License (GBL), review and download:

• Graduated Business License Information and Fee Schedule
• Graduated Business License Application

If you are not sure if your business requires a Graduated Business License (GBL), read the Business License Information page that provides more information about licensing and a list of business types.

On the Business License Information page, find the business type that describes the type of business you plan to do in the City of St. Louis and review the information provided.

If you have additional questions about your business type, contact our office at 314-622-4528 to learn the appropriate steps needed to obtain a business license for the City of St. Louis.

Step 1: Obtain State Sales Tax Number

 If you are not selling a product, proceed to step 2.

Step 2: Register the Business

Online

You can begin the application process using the New Business License online form.

In Person

Visit the License Collector’s office in Room 104 of City Hall.

For your convenience, you may download and fill out the Graduated Business License application form in advance.

Step 3: Obtain Statement of Clearance

In addition to visiting the License Collector’s office, you will also need to obtain a clearance from the Collector of Revenue’s office at the location below:

City Hall Room 410
1200 Market St.
St. Louis, MO 63103
(314) 622-3291

St. Louis City Ordinance 63454
St. Louis City Revised Code Chapter 8.02.010 - Statement of Clearance requirement

Step 4: Obtain Occupancy Permit

If your business is located in the City of St. Louis, you must also obtain an Occupancy Permit from the Building Division at the location below:

Building Division
Department of Public Safety
City Hall Room 425
1200 Market St.
St. Louis, MO 63103
(314) 622-3313

Once all clearances and payments are received, you will be able to obtain your license to do business in the City of St. Louis.

If you pay by check, the license application may be held for several working days until the check clears.

A separate Graduated Business License is required for each business location or trade name.

St. Louis City Ordinance 52030
St. Louis City Revised Code Chapter 8.02.040

Please visit our general information page to get more important information that you will need to know before obtaining your business license.

For more information about the License Collector's Office other resources and services, please visit our office home page. Once you are there, you will find a list of links to the various other resources and services provided by our office.