Business Licenses
Below is information regarding business licenses and applications required by the City of Raleigh. See Starting a New Business Frequently Asked Questions for more information regarding business licensing and starting a new business. Or, contact the City of Raleigh Revenue Services as shown at the bottom of this page.
Business License: Anyone who conducts business in the City of Raleigh must obtain a Business License, except for businesses that are specifically exempted by state or federal statute.
Business License taxes must be paid before the business opens. Licenses must be renewed prior to July 1 of every year.
Businesses operated from the home must obtain approval from the Zoning Division of the Inspections Department by applying for a Home Occupation Use Permit. For more information regarding operating a home-based business, contact the Zoning Division at 919-516-2555.
Any business that sells Beer or Wine within the Raleigh City limits must obtain a Beer/Wine License (Schedule V in Business License application ) before selling any alcoholic beverages. Businesses must FIRST obtain Temporary Permits from the North Carolina Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission.
Beer/Wine Licenses must be renewed prior to April 30 each year.
Be sure to contact the Zoning Division of the Inspections Department at 919-516-2555 to assure that the sale of alcoholic beverages is allowed at your business location.
Amplified Entertainment Permit: All establishments located in Raleigh that provide amplified music or other amplified entertainment are required to obtain an Amplified Entertainment Permit.
A $250.00 non-refundable filing fee is due with your Amplified Entertainment Permit Application. Once your license is approved, there will be a $250.00 license fee. Once a license has been issued, there will be a $100.00 renewal fee due by June 30 each year.
You must have your Amplified Entertainment Permit before providing amplified entertainment. It is recommended that you apply at least 90 days prior to opening your business. Businesses wishing to provide outdoor amplified entertainment will be required to obtain City Council approval.
It is strongly recommended that you discuss the proposed business location with the Zoning Division of the Inspections Department at 919-516-2555 prior to submitting your application.
Massage Business License: Any individual, corporation, or partnership that operates an establishment or business where massage is performed must obtain a Massage Business License.
A $125.00 filing fee is due at the time of submitting the Massage Business License Application. The application, which includes a copy of the City Code Sections that pertain to Massage, must be made 60-90 days prior to the start of your business. Once the license is approved, there is a $50.00 annual license fee.
You Must Have A Massage Business License Before Operating.
Approval from the Police Department, Fire Department, and Inspections Department is required. Please see the application for more information and who to contact to obtain approvals.
Massagist License: Any person who practices in the business or profession of massage within the city limits must obtain a Massagist License.
Applicants must be licensed by the North Carolina Board of Massage and Bodywork Therapy before a City of Raleigh Massagist License can be issued.
There is a $25.00 annual license fee. Please include your payment with your Massagist License Application.
You should apply for your license at least 30 days before you plan to begin practicing massage.
Pawn Brokers License: Any person, firm, or corporation that is engaged in the business of lending money on the security of pledged goods and who may also purchase merchandise for resale from dealers and traders must obtain a Pawn Brokers License.
Upon approval the Pawn Brokers License requires a $275.00 annual license fee. In addition, a $5000.00 surety bond will be required upon approval.
Your Pawn Brokers License Application must be submitted at least 90 days BEFORE you want to open your business. To receive an application, contact the City of Raleigh Revenue Services as given below.
A copy of your application will be forwarded to the Police Department, the Fire Department, and the Inspections Department for initial approval. After initial approval, the license request will be placed on the City Council Agenda for final approval.
For More Information Contact:
Revenue Services
Finance Department
PO Box 590
Raleigh, NC 27602-0590
919-890-3200
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