How to Apply for a Business License

If you are planning to open a business in Springfield, this information will give you a general overview of the process it takes to obtain a license. The Licensing Division of the Finance Department is responsible for assisting the public in obtaining the appropriate licenses for businesses which are operated in the City of Springfield.

Who Needs a Business License?
Any person or company that sells tangible goods or that provides services in the City of Springfield should obtain a City license at least two weeks prior to beginning business. You may obtain the necessary application forms by calling (417) 864-1617 or by visiting our office on the first floor of the Busch Municipal Building at 840 Boonville. Our office hours are from 8:00a.m. to 5:00p.m. Monday through Friday.

Application Process
When you apply for a business license in our office, requests for zoning/building regulations approval and fire premise reports will be completed along with the City license application. This applies to all businesses that will be located inside the city limits of Springfield. These forms will be routed to the appropriate departments for approval prior to licensing your business. If you have questions regarding the appropriate zoning for the type of business you wish to conduct, you may contact (417) 864-1055; questions concerning fire code requirements may be directed to (417) 864-1515.

Those businesses which sell tangible items, including those which use parts to provide services, must provide our office with a copy of their Missouri Sales Tax License or sales tax exemption letter for their location in Springfield before the City license can be issued. Information relating to the Missouri Sales Tax License may be obtained by calling (417) 895-6474.

If your business involves food preparation or handling, a health permit must be obtained from the Springfield-Greene County Health Department. You may contact them regarding specific health requirements by calling (417) 864-1424. License fees are due at the time of application. The license fee varies depending on the type of business you will be operating. Licenses are valid through the current calendar year and must be renewed by January 31 each year.

Rental Property Registration
Owners of rental property containing two or more units (duplexes, triplexes, apartment houses, rooming houses, fraternities and sororities) must register their property with our office. The registration and license fee for duplexes, triplexes and apartments is $10 plus $1 per unit; for rooming houses it is $12 plus $1 per room; for fraternities and sororities it is $12.

Special Requirements
Several business license categories require special approvals before a license can be issued. These categories include: liquor and beer sales, private detectives, massage technicians, escort services, liquidation sales, alarm sales and services, taxicabs, electrical contractors, plumbing contractors, gas fitters, mechanical/heating and air conditioning contractors, locksmiths, ambulances, house movers, refuse disposal areas, pawn brokers, salvage yards, trash haulers, day care facilities and not-for-profit solicitations. If your business falls within any of the above categories, please contact our office concerning the special requirements which will be involved.

Bond and Insurance Requirements
The following license categories require bonds and/or insurance before the license can be issued.

• Auction Houses
• Automobile auctions, dealers, reposession agents and brokers
• Electrical contractors
• Plumbing contractors
• Mechanical/heating and air conditioning contractors
• Coupon sales
• Private detectives
• Refuse disposal areas
• Gas fitters
• House movers
• Locksmiths
• Transient magazine and book solicitors
• Transient photographers
• Professional solicitors
• Tree surgeons
• Taxicab companies
• Pest control services
• Trash haulers

Proof of performance bond and/or liability insurance must be on file with our office prior to issuing the license. Please contact our office for bond and insurance limits for the particular type of business that you plan to operate.