Trade Licence New & Renewal
Get your municipal trade licence from your city corporation, municipality or panchayat without the running around. We find the right trade category, prepare the documents, file online, follow up with the local body, and remind you before every renewal so your premises never trade without a valid licence.
- Correct trade category and fee
- Filed online with your local body
- Fire, health and pollution permits checked
- Yearly renewal reminders
What is a trade licence?
A trade licence is permission from your municipal corporation, municipality or panchayat to carry on a particular trade or business at a particular address. It confirms the trade is allowed there and meets local rules on safety, health and nuisance.
Trade licences are issued under each state's municipal laws, so the name, fee and process change from city to city. Kolkata calls it a Certificate of Enlistment; many cities list "dangerous and offensive" trades separately; eating places often need a health trade licence.
The licence is tied to the trade and the premises, and is usually valid for one year. Change the trade or move, and you need a new or amended licence. Miss the renewal, and late fees, sealing or closure notices can follow.
Who needs a trade licence?
Any business trading from premises within a local body's limits, if its trade is on that body's licence list. That covers most shops and service businesses that customers visit.
Shops & retail
Grocery, garments, electronics, pharmacies, hardware, mobile shops, showrooms and wholesale stores.
Food & eating places
Restaurants, cafés, bakeries, sweet shops, cloud kitchens, caterers, meat and fish stalls.
Personal services
Salons, spas, gyms, clinics, labs, laundries, tailors and coaching centres.
Workshops & small units
Garages, printing presses, fabrication, carpentry, flour mills and other small production units.
Hazardous trades
Fuel, gas cylinders, chemicals, paints, firecrackers and other dangerous or offensive trades, with stricter checks.
Offices & warehouses
Required by some local bodies for offices, godowns and IT businesses; others exempt them. We check yours.
Trade licence checker and renewal planner
See which permits usually go with your trade, and when your next renewal is due.
Your result
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General guide only. Licence lists, fees, renewal dates and NOC rules differ by local body and state. We confirm for your address before filing.
Trade licence vs Shop Act vs FSSAI
Three different authorities, three different purposes. Many businesses need more than one.
| Point | Trade licence | Shop Act licence | FSSAI licence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Issued by | Municipal corporation, municipality or panchayat | State labour department | Food safety department |
| Covers | The trade carried on at the premises | Working hours, leave and conditions of employees | Food safety and hygiene |
| Who needs it | Trades on the local body's licence list | Most shops, offices and establishments | Every food business |
| Validity | Usually 1 year | Lifetime or a few years, by state | 1 to 5 years, as chosen |
| Use as proof | Trade at the address is permitted | Business exists; accepted by banks | Licensed to sell food |
Need the others too? See Shop & Establishment registration and FSSAI registration.
Trade licence plans
A fixed professional fee. The local body's licence fee is extra and charged at actuals.
Trade Licence Renewal
For an existing licence that's due or overdue.
₹999₹1,499+ GST + licence fee · one premises
- Renewal filed on the local body portal
- Fee and any late fee worked out first
- Licence fee paid online
- Renewed licence PDF
- Reminder for next year's renewal
- WhatsApp support
- Changes to trade, owner or area
New Trade Licence
For a new shop, outlet, workshop or business.
₹2,499₹3,999+ GST + licence fee · one premises
- Trade category and licence fee confirmed
- Fire, health and pollution permits checked
- Documents prepared and application filed
- Inspection guidance and follow-up
- Licence issued and display copy
- First renewal reminder
Trade Licence + Shop Act
Both licences most shops and outlets need, filed together.
₹3,999₹5,999+ GST + govt fees · one premises
- Everything in New Trade Licence, plus:
- Shop and Establishment registration or intimation
- Professional tax registration check
- One combined renewal calendar
- One change or amendment free for 1 year
- Priority support
GST at 18% applies to our fee. Licence fees are set by your local body by trade, size and location; we confirm the amount before filing. Extra premises: ₹999 each. Fire NOC, pollution consent, building approvals and inspections are decided by the respective authorities.
Documents required for a trade licence
Scans or clear phone photos are fine. Your local body may ask for a few extras.
Owner
- PAN and Aadhaar of the proprietor, partners or directors
- Passport-size photo
- Partnership deed or certificate of incorporation
- Authority letter or board resolution, if applicable
Premises
- Rent agreement or sale deed
- Latest property tax receipt
- Owner's NOC, if rented
- Site plan and photos of the premises
Trade permits, if needed
- Fire NOC for hazardous trades or larger premises
- Pollution board consent for workshops and units
- FSSAI licence for food businesses
- Previous licence, for renewals
How we get your trade licence
Most new licences take 7 to 20 working days; online renewals are often faster.
Tell us your trade and address10 minutes
Share the business, premises and size on WhatsApp or the form.
Category, fee and permitsSame day
We find your trade category, the licence fee, and any fire, health or pollution permits needed first.
File the application1–2 days
Documents are prepared and uploaded on the local body's portal, and the fee is paid online.
Inspection and follow-up7–20 days
If an inspector visits, we tell you what they'll check. We answer queries until approval.
Licence issuedDone
You get the licence to display at the premises, and we set a reminder for the next renewal.
How trade licence fees are worked out
There is no single national fee. Local bodies set it using some or all of these.
- 1Type of tradeEach trade has its own category and rate; hazardous and offensive trades usually cost more.
- 2Size of the premisesMany cities charge by area in square feet, sometimes in slabs.
- 3LocationFees can depend on the zone or the width of the road the premises faces.
- 4Machinery or powerWorkshops and units may pay by the horsepower of machines used.
- 5Late fee on renewalRenewing after the due date usually adds a penalty, often a percentage of the licence fee.
Trade licence renewal and penalties
Most trade licences run for a year, often in line with the financial year ending 31 March, though some local bodies use the calendar year.
- Before expiryRenew in the last monthMost local bodies open renewal around 30 days before expiry. We remind you before it opens.
- ChangesUpdate the licence firstA change in trade, owner, name or area usually needs an amendment, not just a renewal.
- LateLate fees and noticesLate renewal often attracts a penalty, commonly 10% to 50% of the licence fee in many cities, plus possible notices.
- No licenceFines, sealing or closureTrading without a valid licence can lead to fines, sealing of the premises and prosecution under the municipal Act.
Start, Build and Grow with one team
Licences done right, then help getting customers through the door.
Every licence, one team
Trade licence, Shop Act, FSSAI, GST and Udyam, with one renewal calendar.
Shop Act licenceGet found
A Google Business Profile and website so local customers find you.
Google Business ProfileTrade licence: frequently asked questions
What is a trade licence?+
A trade licence is permission from your municipal corporation, municipality or panchayat to carry on a specific trade or business at specific premises. It confirms the trade is allowed there and meets local safety, health and nuisance rules.
Who issues a trade licence?+
The local body for your area: the municipal corporation in cities, the municipality or town council in towns, and the gram panchayat in villages. In some industrial estates, the development authority issues it.
Who needs a trade licence?+
Businesses whose trade is on the local body's licence list, which usually includes shops, eating places, salons, gyms, clinics, workshops, warehouses and hazardous trades. Some local bodies also license offices.
How much does a trade licence cost?+
Our fee is ₹2,499 + GST for a new licence and ₹999 + GST for a renewal. The licence fee is extra and set by your local body, based on trade type, premises size and location.
How is the government fee calculated?+
Each local body sets its own rates, usually based on the trade category, area of the premises, location or road width, and for workshops, the machinery used. Hazardous trades usually cost more.
How long does it take to get a trade licence?+
New licences usually take 7 to 20 working days, depending on the city and whether an inspection is needed. Online renewals are often faster.
What is the validity of a trade licence?+
Usually one year. Many local bodies align it with the financial year ending 31 March, while some use the calendar year or the date of issue.
When should I renew my trade licence?+
Most local bodies accept renewals in the last month before expiry. Renewing on time avoids late fees and keeps your licence continuous.
What happens if I don't renew on time?+
Most local bodies add a late fee, often a percentage of the licence fee. Trading for long without a valid licence can lead to notices, fines, sealing of the premises or prosecution.
What documents are needed?+
Owner PAN and Aadhaar, a photo, entity documents if any, a rent agreement or ownership proof, the latest property tax receipt, an owner's NOC if rented, and permits such as a fire NOC or FSSAI licence where your trade needs them.
Is a trade licence the same as a Shop Act licence?+
No. The trade licence comes from the local body and covers the trade at the premises. The Shop Act licence comes from the state labour department and covers employment conditions. Most shops need both.
Do I need a trade licence for an online business?+
Usually not for a purely online business run from home with no stock, customers or trade at the premises. If you keep a warehouse, shop or production unit, that premises may need one.
Do I need a trade licence for a home-based business?+
It depends on the trade and the local body. Many home-based service businesses don't need one, but trades with stock, food, machines or customers visiting often do.
Do I need a separate licence for each branch?+
Yes. A trade licence is tied to one premises, so each shop, outlet or warehouse needs its own.
Is a fire NOC required for a trade licence?+
For hazardous trades, and often for larger premises, restaurants and buildings above certain heights or sizes. The thresholds vary by state, so we check before filing.
Can I transfer my trade licence to a new owner or address?+
A change of owner, trade or area usually needs an amendment or a fresh licence. A move to a new address generally needs a new licence for the new premises.
Is a trade licence needed for GST registration?+
No, it isn't mandatory for GST. But it can serve as supporting proof of your business at the premises.
Can IBACT handle trade licences anywhere in India?+
Yes, where the local body offers online applications we file remotely. Where a physical visit or inspection is needed, we guide you or arrange local help.
Trade with a valid licence, every year
New licence or renewal, tell us your city and trade and we'll handle the rest.
IBACT Digital (IBACT Innovations Pvt Ltd) is a private consultancy, not a government body. Trade licences are granted by your municipal corporation, municipality or panchayat, and you can apply to them directly; our fee is for professional assistance. Licence fees are extra and set by the local body. The licence checker is a general guide; approval and timelines depend on the authority.