Missouri does not have a singular business license for companies who want to register here, but instead relies on individual business licenses that are issued from each relevant town or city in Missouri. Costs associated with Missouri business licenses can vary greatly, and depend on the area and type of business.
How much is a business license in Missouri? Business licenses for Missouri can cost between $15 and $30 for small business licenses, and between $55 to $205 for corporations. Missouri doesn’t carry a general state-wide business license for companies and corporations, but licenses have to be issued per specific location.
The law in Missouri requires every business and company to register for sales tax and a business license, but there are some minor differences for businesses who register here. There is no state-wide general license, and licenses must be registered with the cit or town in which the business intends to operate.
Business Licenses in Missouri
A business license is one of the most important legal documents required to operate in the state of Missouri. Business licenses cover a business to buy, sell, trade and pay their legal taxes to the state.
Unlike other states, there is no general business license for the whole of Missouri.
Licensees have to apply with the individual city or town for their business license. This can affect the final cost of a business application in Missouri.
Missouri business licenses cost between $15 and $30 for small business licenses, and between $55 to $205 for corporations. Nonprofit licenses are separate, and done at no charge in most Missouri cities and towns.
Licenses in Missouri are valid for one year from the date of approval. Renewals are not automatic, and should be done through the representative office or online portal for the relevant city.
The state requires some specific business types to carry further licenses or permits: food, beverages, liquor and entertainment are four suggested other business permits that could be necessary to do legal business in Missouri.
Business licenses can be applied for or renewed online, or at the relevant business office: online applications are recommended for faster registration.
A Missouri business license application can take approximately 2 to 4 weeks to process, though some take only a couple of days. It depends on how the application was made, the type of business and the individual processing time of each Missouri city office.
All license fees are payable immediately, and non-refundable in most cases. Applicants should make sure their information is correct before any forms are submitted.
Missouri laws are specific about business licenses: any business found to be without a license is considered illegal, and could be closed or heavily fined by the state. Late renewals are subject to separate late fees, but might also carry a fine In Missouri.
Forms and relevant license information can be found at the official web portal for Missouri, or the individual site for your Missouri city. www.sos.mo.gov
How long does a business license in Missouri take?
Missouri has different waiting times for business license registration. It depends on the city office, application method and type of business. Online applications are faster, and applications take up to 3 weeks.
When does a business license in Missouri expire?
Most business licenses in Missouri are valid for the period of one year after they have been approved. This can be individual to the type of license, and applicants are advised to check the expiration date of their individual license.
How do I register for a nonprofit license in Missouri?
Not-for-profit ventures and charities in Missouri can apply for a separate nonprofit license through their city office. The application process is much the same as the basic business license.
Are license fees refundable in Missouri?
Business license registration and renewal fees are non-refundable, even in the case of rejected or unsuccessful applications.
What if my business license is delayed?
Delays can happen depending on the application load, application time and application type. After more than 2 to 4 weeks, state resources recommend a follow up.
Types of Business Licenses
| An LLC or Company | Limited Liability Corporations are a special type of business license in the state of Missouri, which can be registered at a higher cost than a regular license. |
| A General Operating License | A general operating license is another name for the business license, necessary throughout most Missouri cities. |
| A Food License | Food licenses are an example of a separate permit that might be necessary in addition to a Missouri business license. |
Missouri Business Facts
• Small business makes up 99% of all registered businesses in Missouri.
• All businesses in Missouri will require a business license to trade, but it must be registered at city-level, not with the state.
• Without a business license, Missouri businesses could be fined or closed.
• All license and renewal fees are non-refundable.
Business License Applications in Missouri
Business license applications in Missouri have to be done with the individual city or town where the business intends to operate from: there is no entire state license for Missouri that covers tax and consumer sales.
License applications can be done online, and should take only a few minutes to complete. Fees depend on the type of license and type of business, though basic registration starts at $25 and up.
Missouri business licenses remain valid for one year, though there are some exceptions to the rule.
State law requires all businesses to register for a business license, but in Missouri it has to be at city-level to be valid.
Here are the business license costs in other states: