General Information & Links

What is a business license and do I need one?

A business license is the means whereby Salt Lake City Corporation grants you permission to engage in the business your license is issued for. The definition of business includes all activities, trades, professions or callings engaged in within the corporate limits of Salt Lake City and carried on for the business of gain or economic benefit.

If you engage in any business - either permanently or temporarily - within the corporate limits of Salt Lake City, you are required to maintain a valid, unexpired business license.

Section 5.02.005 (C) states: Engaging in business means and includes, but is not limited to, the sale of tangible personal property at retail or wholesale, the manufacturing of goods or property, and the rendering of personal services for others for a consideration by persons engaged in any profession, trade, craft, business, occupation or other calling.

Why does the City license businesses?

Businesses are licensed to insure

• the location is properly zoned for the activity to be conducted

• the building the business will be operating in meets fire safety code standards

• all state and local codes are adhered to, insuring the safety and well-being of our citizens

• businesses are properly regulated

The revenue from license fee collections goes into the City's general fund to pay for the cost of licensing and regulation and to insure continuation and improvement of City facilities and services.

How long does it take to receive a business license?

Most business licenses in the city are general business licenses that can be issued within 30 days. A general business license is approved by:

How much does it cost?

There is a non-refundable $75 base fee for each new commercial license application plus $11 for each full or part-time employee.

The fee for a change of name or change of location (from a commercial to a commercial location) on an existing license is $15 or $35 for businesses with regulatory fees, such as sexually-oriented businesses, private clubs, establishments with beer/liquor consumption, etc..  To change from a Home Occupation to a commercial location is $25.

Business fees are billed annually. For a new business, license fees for the current billing period must be paid at the time you file the application. These fees vary depending on the license classification.

For approximate fees, call 801.535.6644 or go to the fee schedule page on the web.

Where do I go to get a business license?

You can pick up applications at the Business License Office on the second floor of the City & County Building, 451 South State Street, Room 225, Salt Lake City, UT 84111.

Hours are Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Wednesday 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The telephone number is 801.535.6644.

You can also download forms and information sheets.

If you are renewing a business license, you can visit us in person or renew online.

Some types of business licenses require a police background check. You can only apply for these types of licenses by coming into the office.

What do I need?

See our step by step directions.

Click here for the new business application checklist.

Can I operate a business from my home?

If you're considering operating a business from your home and your home is located within the corporate limits of Salt Lake City, you need a Home Occupation Permit.

Call 801.535.7752 for additional information about the types of businesses you can conduct from your home.

There is a fee of $50 for a Home Occupation License. When you come in to apply, the Home Occupation Permit will be approved or denied before you fill out the business license application.  There is a $100 fee for the Home Occupation Permit.

You can download these forms from our web site:

• Permitted Home Occupation application

• Routine & Uncontested Conditional Home Occupation form

Click here for the Home Occupation Ordinance and go to section 21A.36.030.