St. Louis, MO Business License Guide

Last updated: August 2025

Note: This guide focuses on the City of St. Louis (an independent city). If your business is in St. Louis County or any of its municipalities (Clayton, Florissant, University City, etc.), your licensing office is different. Use the official boundary map to confirm your location: City of St. Louis Boundary and Address Tools (official map) – Use this to verify your address is inside City limits.

Quick help box

Read this first: City vs. County and your address

Most important action: Confirm your business address is inside the City of St. Louis. Licensing is different if you’re in St. Louis County.

Reality check:

  • Many near‑city addresses share “St. Louis, MO” as a postal city but are not inside the City’s boundaries. Don’t assume—verify. Applying in the wrong jurisdiction delays opening by weeks.

What to do if this doesn’t work:

  • If the boundary tool is unclear, contact the SLDC Business Assistance Center (official) and ask them to verify your location and which licensing office you need. You can also email or call the contact listed on the department page linked above.

Missouri setup first: register your business and taxes before City licensing

Most important action: Create your legal business with the Missouri Secretary of State and register for state taxes before you apply for your City license.

Steps and costs (state-level)

Timeline:

  • Online LLC filing is typically approved the same day.
  • EIN is immediate online.
  • DOR registrations can be same day, but allow 3–10 business days for account numbers and logins.
  • Unemployment registration and insurance setup can take 1–2 weeks.

Required documents you’ll need later for City licensing:

  • SOS registration (Articles of Organization/Incorporation) or proof of DBA.
  • EIN letter (CP 575).
  • MyTax Missouri confirmation and tax IDs.
  • Photo ID of owner/officer.
  • Lease/deed or letter of authorization for your space.

What to do if this doesn’t work:

City of St. Louis business license: Graduated Business License (GBL)

Most important action: Apply for your City business license (GBL) with the License Collector after you have state registrations and occupancy clearance.

What it is:

  • The GBL is the City’s general business license required for anyone “engaging in business” within the City of St. Louis. The fee is based on gross receipts in tiers (“graduated”).
  • You must also register and file the City’s 1% earnings tax (details in the Taxes section below). Source: City of St. Louis Collector of Revenue – Earnings Tax (official).

Where to apply and how:

  • Start at the License Collector’s official page: City of St. Louis License Collector – Business Licenses (official).
  • You’ll create a business account, submit your application, and pay the annual GBL fee once all required clearances are met (zoning/occupancy, tax registrations, and any needed health/excise approvals).
  • Many businesses can complete most steps online, but in‑person follow‑up may be needed depending on your business type and inspections.

Required documents (typical):

  • Proof of legal entity or DBA (SOS filings).
  • EIN letter (or SSN for sole proprietors).
  • Non‑Residential Occupancy Permit (or Home Occupation approval).
  • Proof of Missouri tax registration (sales tax number if applicable).
  • “No Tax Due” Certificate from Missouri DOR when required for certain license types (valid 90 days from issuance). Source: Missouri DOR – No Tax Due Information (official).
  • Photo ID of owner/officer.

Fees:

  • The GBL fee is calculated on prior‑year gross receipts using the City’s official schedule. Because the schedule is updated and tiered, check the current schedule here: License Collector – Graduated Business License Fee Schedule (official). If you’re a new business with no prior receipts, the City provides a method to estimate/assign a tier for your first license year.
  • Some industries (e.g., amusements, vehicles for hire, certain professions) may pay additional flat or per‑unit fees. These are listed on the License Collector’s site and on special license pages.

Timing and renewals:

  • Plan for 1–3 weeks for full approval if you need occupancy and other inspections; much faster if you already have occupancy and no special permits are needed.
  • Licenses renew annually. Your license certificate will show the renewal window and anniversary. Renew on time to avoid penalties. Renewal late fees and deadlines are listed on the License Collector’s site linked above.

Reality checks:

  • The most common holdup is missing occupancy clearance or health approval (for food). You can’t get your GBL issued until those are in place.
  • Liquor, tobacco, and certain public‑facing uses require neighborhood notices or hearings. Build extra time.

What to do if this doesn’t work:

Zoning, occupancy, and inspections: get your space cleared first

Most important action: Secure zoning approval and an Occupancy Permit for your address before applying for your City business license.

What you need:

Documents typically needed:

  • Lease or deed.
  • Floor plan or layout.
  • Description of business activities and equipment.
  • Contact info for contractor(s) if doing build‑out.

Typical timeline:

  • Zoning review: 3–10 business days.
  • Inspections: 1–3 weeks depending on scheduling and corrections.
  • Build‑outs requiring permits add extra time: plan 4–12 weeks for plan review and construction depending on scope.

Fees:

  • Fees vary by size and type of occupancy and by permit type. See the Building Division’s fee references on the pages linked above for current amounts.

Reality checks:

  • Fire suppression (hoods, sprinklers) and ADA access are common surprises in build‑outs. Ask for a preliminary code consult before you sign a lease if possible.
  • Don’t order signage before you confirm sign permits. Signs need separate permits. Source: Building Division – Sign Permits (official).

What to do if this doesn’t work:

Health permits (food, beverage, body art, pools)

Most important action: If you serve food or drink, or operate in a health‑regulated industry, open a permit with the City Department of Health before you sign your opening date.

Who needs it:

  • Restaurants, bars, coffee shops, bakeries, caterers, mobile food vendors.
  • Grocery/convenience stores with open food, meat, or deli.
  • Food processors/manufacturers within City limits.
  • Body art, tattoo, piercing, and some personal services.
  • Pools/spas.

Apply and learn requirements:

Timing:

  • Plan 2–4 weeks for plan review and pre‑opening inspection (more if you are building a kitchen or installing hoods/coolers).

Fees:

  • Fees depend on establishment type, risk category, and equipment. Use the fee list on the DOH page or contact the department from the same page for current amounts.

Reality checks:

  • Health permits won’t be approved until your Occupancy Permit is approved and the space meets code. Missing equipment (thermometers, sinks, handwash stations) causes delays.
  • For mobile vendors, commissary and restrooms access documentation are common blockers.

What to do if this doesn’t work:

Liquor licensing (City + State)

Most important action: If you will sell or serve alcohol, start the City Excise process and the State ATC application at the same time. Liquor licensing takes longer than most other permits.

City process:

  • The City’s Excise Division handles applications, background checks, and public hearings for many license types. Start here: Excise Division – Liquor Control (official).
  • Some licenses require neighborhood notification, aldermanic input, or hearings. Build in 4–8 weeks for the process, sometimes longer.

State process:

Reality checks:

  • Don’t buy a business assuming you can “transfer” a liquor license without full review. Both the City and State vet owners and premises.
  • If your site is near a school or church, expect stricter review.

What to do if this doesn’t work:

Taxes you must plan for in the City

Most important action: Register for and calendar your Missouri sales/use tax returns and the City’s 1% earnings tax obligations.

Sales and use tax (State + local):

City earnings tax (1%):

  • Employers: Withhold 1% from employees’ City‑taxable wages and remit to the City. Individuals and businesses also file on net profits from City activities. Source: City of St. Louis – Earnings Tax (official).
  • Find forms and e‑filing guidance on the Collector of Revenue page above.

Withholding and unemployment:

Reality checks:

  • If you operate in multiple locations, sales tax rates differ by site and delivery address. Always use the official rate lookup.
  • Earnings tax applies based on where work is performed in the City or where the business is based. Read the City’s rules on allocation/apportionment on the page above.

What to do if this doesn’t work:

Industry triggers and special licenses you shouldn’t miss

Most important action: Check for special licenses by your industry before you file your general license.

Reality checks:

  • Special licenses often require neighborhood notices, hearings, or added inspections. Add 4–8 weeks when alcohol is involved, 2–4 weeks for many health‑regulated uses.

What to do if this doesn’t work:

Realistic costs and timelines: what to budget

Below are typical, verified costs where official statewide figures are fixed. City fees vary by type and change over time; use the linked schedules for exact amounts as of your application date.

Table: Typical business setup costs (Missouri + City)

Step Who/Where Cost (official) Source
Form an LLC online Missouri Secretary of State $50 (online) Missouri SOS – LLC Fees (official)
Form an LLC by mail Missouri Secretary of State $105 (paper) Missouri SOS – LLC Fees (official)
Fictitious name (DBA) Missouri Secretary of State $7 Missouri SOS – Fictitious Name (official)
EIN IRS $0 IRS – Apply for an EIN (official)
Missouri sales/use tax registration Missouri DOR Generally $0 Missouri DOR – Register a Business (official)
City business license (GBL) License Collector Varies by gross receipts (see schedule) License Collector – GBL (official)
Non‑Residential Occupancy Permit Building Division Varies by use/square footage Building Division – Occupancy (official)
Health permit (food) Department of Health Varies by risk/category DOH – Environmental Health (official)
Liquor license City Excise + Missouri ATC Varies by class Excise (official) • ATC (official)

Timeline expectations:

  • State filings: Same day–1 week.
  • City occupancy and inspections: 2–6 weeks depending on build‑out.
  • Health permits: 2–4 weeks (longer with kitchen construction).
  • Liquor licensing: 4–8+ weeks (City + State, plus hearings).

What to do if this doesn’t work:

Step‑by‑step checklist (with documents you’ll need)

Use this in order. Don’t skip occupancy or you’ll stall at the license counter.

  • Choose a structure; file with Missouri SOS. Keep a copy of approved Articles.
  • Get EIN; save the IRS CP 575 letter.
  • Register with Missouri DOR (sales tax, withholding, use tax if needed). Print confirmations.
  • Choose your location; verify it’s in the City. Get a signed lease contingent on permits.
  • Apply for Non‑Residential Occupancy Permit (or Home Occupation) and schedule inspections.
  • If you serve food/drink, submit plans to the Department of Health and schedule pre‑opening inspection.
  • If you sell alcohol, start City Excise and State ATC applications and neighborhood steps.
  • Once occupancy and special permits are cleared, apply for the GBL with the License Collector and pay the fee.
  • Register for the City earnings tax filings with the Collector of Revenue; set up withholding if you have employees.

What to do if this doesn’t work:

Common mistakes to avoid (and how to fix them)

  • Signing a long lease before a zoning check. Fix: Get a letter of zoning verification and occupancy requirements first.
  • Skipping the occupancy inspection until after build‑out. Fix: Do a preliminary inspection or plan review to avoid rework.
  • Forgetting the City 1% earnings tax. Fix: Set up payroll withholding and calendar business returns with the City immediately.
  • Assuming liquor license transfers quickly. Fix: Build 4–8+ weeks into your plan and start early.
  • Not having a “No Tax Due” certificate when required. Fix: Register with DOR, file all returns, and print a certificate (valid 90 days).
  • Buying equipment before health plan review. Fix: Submit menu and equipment layout to DOH first.

What to do if this doesn’t work:

Tables you can use right now

Table: Who does what (City vs. State)

Topic City of St. Louis State of Missouri Links
General business license License Collector N/A License Collector – Business Licenses (official)
Zoning/occupancy Building Division N/A Building Division – Occupancy (official)
Health permits Department of Health DHSS (some programs) DOH – Environmental Health (official)
Liquor license City Excise Missouri ATC Excise (official) • ATC (official)
Sales/use tax Rate applies locally Missouri DOR administers DOR – Sales Tax (official)
Earnings tax City Collector of Revenue (1%) N/A Collector – Earnings Tax (official)

Table: Typical timeline by business type

Business type Occupancy needed? Health permit? Liquor? Typical timeline
Office/consulting Yes No No 2–3 weeks (occupancy + GBL)
Retail (non‑food) Yes Maybe (if sampling/prep) No 3–5 weeks
Restaurant/cafe Yes Yes Maybe 4–8+ weeks
Bar/tavern Yes Yes Yes 6–10+ weeks
Home‑based e‑commerce Home Occupation No No 1–2 weeks

Note: Timelines vary based on build‑out and inspections. Start with occupancy.

Table: Required documents by step

Step Must‑have documents
SOS filing Approved Articles (LLC/corp) or DBA registration
EIN IRS EIN letter
DOR registration MyTax Missouri account, tax IDs
Occupancy Lease/deed, floor plan, business description
Health (food) Menu, equipment list/layout, Food Manager certificate (if required)
GBL application Above documents, “No Tax Due” (if required), photo ID

Table: Where to get help immediately

Need Best contact
One‑on‑one navigation SLDC Business Assistance Center (official)
Business license (GBL) License Collector – Business Licenses (official)
Occupancy and permits Building Division – Occupancy and Permits (official)
Food/health permits DOH – Environmental Health (official)
Liquor City Excise Division (official) and Missouri ATC (official)
Sales/use tax Missouri DOR – Business Tax (official)
Earnings tax City Collector – Earnings Tax (official)

Real‑world examples (how it plays out)

Example 1: A coffee shop on South Grand

  • Sequence: SOS filing → EIN → DOR sales tax → Lease → Occupancy application → Health plan review → Build‑out and inspections → City Excise (if beer/wine) alongside → GBL issuance → Open.
  • Timeline: Expect 6–10+ weeks if installing hoods or grease traps.
  • Costs to plan for: SOS $50, health permit fees (varies), occupancy permit fees (varies), GBL fee (based on receipts), potential liquor license fees (City + State).
  • Common snags: Hood/suppression specs, restroom counts, ADA clearance at counters, seating layout changes.

What to do if this doesn’t work:

  • Ask DOH for a pre‑submittal review via the Environmental Health page. Use the Business Assistance Center to coordinate building and health inspectors together.

Example 2: Home‑based online seller in Dutchtown

  • Sequence: SOS (optional if sole prop), DBA $7 if using a name, EIN $0, DOR sales tax registration (if selling taxable goods), Home Occupation approval, GBL.
  • Timeline: 1–2 weeks if paperwork is in order.
  • Snags: Storage of inventory, customer visits not allowed if the home‑occupation rules restrict retail traffic, signage limits.

What to do if this doesn’t work:

  • Consider leasing a small flex suite with existing occupancy for warehousing. Confirm zoning for “warehouse” and “internet retail” use before you sign.

Example 3: General contractor based in the City

  • Sequence: SOS/EIN/DOR → Home base or office occupancy → Trade licenses/registrations as required by Building Division → GBL → Earnings tax withholding for employees.
  • Snags: Pulling permits without proper trade licenses, missing insurance or workers’ comp for subs.

What to do if this doesn’t work:

  • Speak to the Building Division permitting staff via the department page to confirm which contractor/trade licenses are needed for your scope of work.

Inclusivity, diversity, and accessibility resources (St. Louis + Missouri)

Most important action: If you qualify for supplier diversity certifications, start early—certifications can help with City, state, and corporate contracting.

Reality checks:

  • Certifications take 30–120 days depending on the program. Start early and keep your documentation organized (tax returns, operating agreements, resumes, licenses).

What to do if this doesn’t work:

  • Attend an SLDC small business info session or request a one‑on‑one via the Business Assistance Center page. They can introduce you to local certification workshops and mentors.

FAQs: St. Louis, MO business licensing (10 fast answers)

What to do if something stalls (Plan B playbook)

  • Can’t reach the right City office?Use the City Departments Directory (official) to find the division and its contact page. If you still can’t connect, request help from the SLDC Business Assistance Center (official).
  • Inspection failed?Ask for a correction list in writing and request a courtesy re‑inspection timeline. If there’s a code interpretation question, request a meeting with the inspector’s supervisor using the contact method on the division’s page.
  • Liquor hearing concerns from neighbors?Schedule a meeting with neighborhood association leaders early. The Excise Division page has guidance on notices: Excise Division (official).
  • Sales tax rate confusion?Use the official DOR rate lookup by address: DOR – Sales/Use Tax Rate Lookup (official). Save a PDF for your records.

Key realities, warnings, and pro tips

  • Build a permitting calendar. Put every expected inspection and filing date on a shared calendar. Late filings can cost more than the license itself.
  • Read your lease for “permit contingency.” You want the right to cancel or delay rent if permits/inspections take longer.
  • Budget a contingency line. Plan 10–15% of your build‑out for surprises (utility upgrades, ADA adjustments, fire safety upgrades).
  • Keep receipts and approvals organized. You’ll be asked for the same documents by multiple offices—save PDFs and use consistent business names across all filings.

What to do if this doesn’t work:

Contact directory (save these)

Note: When a direct phone number isn’t listed here, the department page includes current phone/email and a contact form.

Table: Core agencies and links

Office What they handle Contact link
License Collector City business licenses (GBL) and many special licenses License Collector – Business Licenses (official)
Collector of Revenue City earnings tax (1%); business and individual returns Collector – Earnings Tax (official)
Building Division Zoning, occupancy, building/trade permits, sign permits Building Division – Permits & Occupancy (official)
Department of Health Food safety, body art, pools; inspections and permits DOH – Environmental Health (official)
Excise Division City liquor control and licensing Excise Division (official)
SLDC Business Assistance Center Startup navigation and permit coordination SLDC BAC (official)
Missouri Secretary of State Entity filings, DBA registration Missouri SOS – Start a Business (official)
Missouri DOR Sales/use tax, employer withholding, “No Tax Due” Missouri DOR – Business Tax (official)
Missouri DOLIR Unemployment insurance and workers’ comp rules Missouri DOLIR – Employers (official)
Missouri ATC State liquor licensing ATC – Licensing (official)

What to submit when (mini‑roadmap with deadlines)

  • State filings: Complete before lease if possible. You’ll need SOS and EIN for most accounts. No fixed deadline, but early filing avoids name conflicts.
  • Sales tax: Register before your first taxable sale. Monthly returns due by the 20th. Source: Missouri DOR – Filing Requirements (official).
  • City occupancy: Before you open or move into a commercial space. Schedule inspections as soon as you have a lease.
  • Health permits: Before food/beverage operations or construction of kitchens.
  • City GBL: Before commencing business in the City. Renewal dates are listed on your license; pay on time to avoid penalties.
  • City earnings tax: Employers must withhold 1% from the first payroll paid for work in the City; businesses and individuals must file annually based on City rules.

What to do if this doesn’t work:

  • If you missed a sales tax or earnings tax deadline, file and pay as soon as possible. Contact DOR/Collector to ask about penalty abatement for first‑time issues via the links above.

“What to bring” checklists by business type

Retail shop (non‑food):

  • SOS filings, EIN, DOR registrations.
  • Lease, floor plan.
  • Occupancy permit approval.
  • GBL application and fee.
  • Earnings tax registration.

What to do if this doesn’t work:

  • If zoning blocks retail at your address, ask the Building Division about conditional use or find a site with permitted retail use.

Restaurant or bar:

  • All above plus: DOH plan review and inspections, Food Manager certificate(s), Excise/ATC liquor steps if applicable.

What to do if this doesn’t work:

  • If kitchen requirements are unaffordable, consider a commissary or shared kitchen arrangement and a limited menu to start.

Home‑based service or e‑commerce:

  • SOS/DBA, EIN (if needed), DOR sales tax (if selling taxable goods).
  • Home Occupation approval.
  • GBL application.

What to do if this doesn’t work:

  • If home‑based rules limit your activity (e.g., customer visits), look for a co‑working or micro‑retail suite with existing occupancy approval.

In‑depth: Getting the Graduated Business License (GBL) right

Most important action: Confirm your gross receipts category and gather supporting documents.

How the GBL is calculated:

  • The City uses a tiered schedule based on your gross receipts from the prior year. New businesses without prior receipts have a method to determine initial fees. For the current, official schedule, use: License Collector – GBL Fee Schedule (official).

Supporting documentation:

  • Federal tax return page showing gross receipts (Schedule C, Form 1120/1120S, or partnership return), or internal P&L for new businesses.
  • For multi‑location businesses, be prepared to show City‑specific receipts or allocation details.

Renewals:

  • The License Collector sends renewal notices. Pay by the stated deadline on your notice to avoid penalties. If you did not receive a notice, contact the office via the page above.

What to do if this doesn’t work:

  • If your receipts changed significantly (e.g., you were closed part of the year), ask the License Collector about documentation for adjusted calculations.

Reality‑based timelines (expanded)

Table: End‑to‑end timeline by scenario

Scenario State filings Occupancy Health Liquor GBL Total time
Office/services 1–3 days 1–2 weeks N/A N/A 1–3 days 2–3 weeks
Retail (no food) 1–3 days 2–3 weeks N/A N/A 1–3 days 3–4 weeks
Cafe (no alcohol) 1–3 days 2–4 weeks 2–4 weeks N/A 1–3 days 4–8 weeks
Bar/restaurant 1–3 days 3–6 weeks 2–4 weeks 4–8+ weeks 1–3 days 6–12+ weeks

Notes:

  • Steps often overlap. Start health and liquor in parallel after occupancy plan review.
  • Construction and equipment lead times can extend schedules; order early after approvals.

What to do if this doesn’t work:

  • If supply chain delays threaten your opening, ask the Building Division and DOH whether partial occupancy or phased openings are possible for non‑kitchen areas (case‑by‑case).

Long‑tail topics you asked us about

  • “Do I need a merchant license or is the GBL enough in the City?” The City’s GBL covers most general business types. Some specific activities have added licenses/fees. Use the License Collector’s alphabetical list of license categories: License Collector – License Categories (official).
  • “How do I pay the City earnings tax?” Use the Collector’s portal and forms on the earnings tax page: City – Earnings Tax (official). Employers remit withheld 1%; businesses file based on net profits.
  • “What is the state sales tax at my storefront?” Base is 4.225% plus City/local. Use the official lookup: DOR – Sales/Use Tax Rate Lookup (official).

What to do if this doesn’t work:

  • For unusual business models (pop‑ups, shared kitchens, multi‑use spaces), email the Business Assistance Center with your floor plan and a one‑page business model. They’ll route it to zoning/health for a faster pre‑read.

Sources and citations (verified and linked)

Please rely on the live, official pages for the most current fee tables, forms, and deadlines.

About this guide

This guide is written for people who need direct, no‑nonsense steps to get licensed in the City of St. Louis. We cite official sources and give links so you can check details yourself. Where exact dollar amounts vary by business type or change over time (like GBL tiers, occupancy and health permit fees, and liquor classes), we link to the official schedule instead of guessing. Fees and rules can change; always verify on the official pages before you apply or pay.

If you spot an outdated link or policy, use the department directory to report it to the City and let us know so we can update this guide.

Disclaimer

This guide provides general information and links to official sources for the City of St. Louis and the State of Missouri. It is not legal, tax, or accounting advice. Program details, fees, and deadlines can change. Always verify current requirements directly with the relevant agency using the links provided above.