How to Get a Business License in Phoenix

Business licensing in Phoenix is a quick process with the exception of liquor licensing.

There are three types of business licenses available in Phoenix: sales and use tax, regulatory and liquor. Not all businesses are required to obtain a business license in Phoenix. If your business is not listed on the Privilege (Sales) and/ or Use Tax or Liquor And Other Regulated Business Licensing Information pages of the City of Phoenix website, you are not required to obtain a license. You are also not required to obtain a business license if you operate a retail business outside of Phoenix and sell to Phoenix residents.

Things You'll Need

• Arizona driver's license
• Proof of alien residency (if applicable)
• Business food menu (if applicable)

Instructions

Use Tax and Regulatory Licenses

1. Visit the Privilege (Sales) and/or Use Tax or Liquor And Other Regulated Business Licensing Information pages of the City of Phoenix website to find out if your business type is required to obtain licensing. Businesses that provide advertising services, retail items, commercial property rentals, publishing and more are among those required to obtain a sales and use tax license. Businesses that require a liquor or regulatory license must also complete the Sales and/or Use Tax application. Call the Phoenix Tax Code office to determine your requirements if you are unsure.

2. Complete the Application For Transaction Privilege (Sales) Tax License if your business requires one. Provide the name of the previous owner as well as the business license number if you purchased the business from someone else. Complete the form in black ink. Return it with the appropriate fees to the Finance Department. Fees vary depending on your business type and are listed on the application itself. Continue to the next step if you require a regulatory license other then a liquor license. Businesses that require liquor licenses must submit the Application For Transaction Privilege (Sales) Tax License shortly after applying for a liquor license.

3. Visit the Liquor And Other Regulated Business Licensing Information page on the City of Phoenix website. A list of the regulated businesses is provided. Choose the business that best resembles yours, if any. The business links provide the business license amount, annual renewal fees, regulated business rules and application process. Read and follow the form you choose carefully. If your regulated business requires a liquor license, continue to the next section.

Phoenix Liquor License Application Process

1. Pick up an application for a liquor license from the Arizona Department of Liquor licenses and Control (DLLC). You can also print a copy of the application by visiting the DLLC eLicensing webpage.

2. Contact and visit the law enforcement agency closest to the DLLC to schedule and complete the fingerprinting portion of the application. Inform the agency that the fingerprint card will be submitted to the DLLC for liquor licensing.

3. Complete the application and return it to the DLLC. Application questions and fees vary depending upon what type of license you are applying for. A copy of your application will be sent to the Phoenix License Service and the Phoenix County Board of Supervisors. The Phoenix License Service will contact you shortly after to obtain fees for your City Privilege Tax License and payment of liquor application. Refer to the applications to determine your fee schedule.

4. Submit your Application For Transaction Privilege (Sales) Tax License within five days of sending in your liquor license application.

5. Allow the licensing clerk to post a legal notice at your proposed business location for at least 20 days. A city inspector will come back to remove the notice.

6. Wait while the departments that received your application review all of the information. Meetings will be held to complete a determination. You will be notified of the hearings. If there are no objections from DLLC and no protests have been received by the DLLC. the application will be approved.

Tips & Warnings

• The liquor license process can take up to 100 days.

• Liquor licenses are automatically denied if the applicant has been convicted of a felony or a crime in another state which would be considered a felony in Arizona with in the last five years. If the applicant has had a liquor license revoked with in the last year, that is also grounds for immediate denial.

References

• City of Phoenix: Privilege (Sales) and or Use Tax
• City of Phoenix: Liquor And Other Regulated Business Licensing Information
• State of Arizona Department of Liquor Licenses and Control: Licensing Process FAQs
• Arizona Department of Liquor License Control: eLicensing FAQs

Resources

• Application For Transaction Privelage (Sales) Tax License Application
• DLLC: Liquor License Application Kits
• DLLC: 800 W. Washington St., 5th Floor: Phoenix, AZ 85001: [phone]