Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why do I need a business license?

2. Are there any businesses exempt from a business or occupation license?

3. How many types of business licenses are there?

4. How much does a municipal business license cost?

5. Does the City honor St. Louis County Licenses?

6. What is a bond? Do I need one? How do I obtain one?

7. What is a Federal Identification Number? Why do I need one? How do I obtain a Federal Identification Number?

8. What is a State Sales Tax Number? Why do I need one? How do I obtain a State Sales Tax Number?

9. What is a fictitious name? Why do I need one? How do I obtain a fictitious name?

10. What if I do not find my type of business?

1. Why do I need a business license?

The City of St. Louis has a responsibility to maintain the health, safety, and welfare of its citizens. Therefore, the Board of Aldermen and the Mayor enact ordinances that govern operations of businesses that impact the citizens of St. Louis City. State statutes and City ordinances give the duty and responsibility to the License Collector of the City of St. Louis to enforce the business license ordinances and statutes. You will need a business license if you are working or doing business within the City of St. Louis or if your business is located in the City of St. Louis. This is true even if the business is located elsewhere. City code requires any person who engages in any business, occupation, pursuit, profession, calling, avocation, or trade within the City limits of St. Louis to have a business license, unless specifically exempt by law. You may wish review the St. Louis City Revised Code Chapter 8.02 and Chapter 8.06 for full information about business licenses.

2. Are there any businesses exempt from a business or occupation license?

Yes, there are some businesses exempt by law from municipal business or occupational licenses. For information regarding whether or not your business is exempt from a license, see the Exempt Businesses page.

3. How many types of business licenses are there?

The City of St. Louis requires and levies a variety of municipal business licenses and taxes. Depending on the type of business you operate, you may be required to pay one or more of the following business taxes:

4. How much does a municipal business license cost?

The cost of a business license varies by specific type. Please refer to the category of license types to find the one most appropriate for your business. If you cannot find your business type listed on the business license information page, please contact our office at 314-622-4528 to find the category your business is classified as.

5. Does St. Louis City honor St. Louis County Licenses?

State law allows each county and municipality to impose its own business or occupational licenses. In general, business licenses issued by one political subdivision are not recognized within another political subdivision.

Only an auctioneer’s license issued in one county is recognized by the other 113 counties in Missouri and the City of St. Louis.

St. Louis and St. Louis County have reciprocal agreements only for taxi cabs and tow trucks.

6. What is a bond? Why do I need one? How do I obtain one?

Some business licenses require the posting of a bond. A bond is an insurance policy providing protection for customers and the City of St. Louis in the event the license holder does not fulfill all legal obligations. 

You may obtain a bond through an insurance company.

7. What is a Federal Identification Number? Why do I need one? How do I obtain a Federal Identification Number?

An Employer Identification Number (EIN), also known as a Federal Tax Identification Number, is a nine-digit number that the IRS assigns to business entities. The IRS uses this number to identify taxpayers that are required to file various business tax returns. EINs are used by employers, sole proprietors, corporations, partnerships, non-profit organizations, trusts and estates, government agencies, certain individuals and other business entities.

You can obtain a Federal Identification number from:

Robert A. Young Building
122 Spruce Street
St. Louis, Missouri 63103
1-800-829-4933

Apply online: https://sa1.www4.irs.gov/modiein/individual/index.jsp

8. What is a State Sales Tax Number? Why do I need one? How do I obtain a State Sales Tax Number?

A State Sales Tax number is assigned by Missouri Department of Revenue to identify and collect state sales/use tax. You do not pay tax on the resale of any product. You may obtain a State Sales Tax Number from:

3256 Laclede Station Road.
St. Louis, MO 63143
314-877-0177

Apply online: https://dor.mo.gov/taxation/business/tax-types/sales-use/

9. What is a fictitious name? Why do I need one? How do I obtain a fictitious name?

If you conduct business in Missouri under an assumed name (a name other than your real name) or if you are a partnership or corporation, you are required to file with the Missouri Secretary of State the fictitious name or the name of your organization. Filing with the Secretary of State is not a license to conduct business in the City of St. Louis.

You may register a fictitious name with the:

Missouri Secretary of State
815 Olive Room 210
St. Louis, Mo 63101
(314) 340-7490

Apply online: https://www.sos.mo.gov/BusinessEntity/BusinessEntitiesOnline/Fictitious/

10. What if I do not find my type of business?

There are hundreds of different types of businesses. We have not tried to list all the different kinds of business occupations or activities that you may want to engage in. Basically, business activity falls into the following categories: manufacturing, wholesaling (distributors), retailing, and servicing. All of these activities require a business license unless specifically exempt by law. Businesses not covered under a specific license category are typically required to be licensed under the Graduated Business License.