Buildings & Safety Engineeering Department
Business License Center
Coleman A. Young Municipal Center
2 Woodward Avenue - Suite 105
Detroit, MI 48226
(313) 224-3178
THE ABCs OF LICENSING
Why do you need a Detroit business license?
To meet its responsibility to protect the safety, health and welfare of its citizens, the Detroit City Council and Mayor issue ordinances that govern the operations of businesses located within city limits. A Detroit business license is the City’s "stamp of approval" that your business meets the standards established by ordinance.
What business needs a Detroit business license?
The Detroit City Council decides by ordinance which business must be licensed. Basically, a license is required for any business that needs inspection or special monitoring to ensure safe operation within the community. To check your business’ requirements, contact the Business License and Information Center at (313) 224-3179. Click here for a list of businesses that need licenses included under Opening A New Business.
Who needs a Detroit business license?
Those persons who conduct, engage in, maintain, operate or manage a business or occupation that is required by ordinance to be licensed. A separate license is required for each location in Detroit where you do business.
Where can businesses be located?
Zoning ordinances govern the location of businesses within Detroit. The Detroit Buildings and Safety Engineering Department enforces these zoning ordinances to ensure that Detroit businesses are located in the appropriate business, commercial or manufacturing zone. For zoning information, visit Room 402 in the Coleman A. Young Municipal Center, 2 Woodward Avenue, Detroit, Michigan 48226.
When does a Detroit business license expire?
Detroit business licenses are valid for one year. You are responsible for the timely renewal of your business license(s) each year. Please consult the requirements for your specific license for more detailed information.
Can anyone else use my Detroit business license?
NO. A Detroit business license is NOT transferable to a person or entity other than the one to whom the license was first issued.
BEFORE YOU APPLY FOR YOUR LICENSE
STEP #1 - YOU MUST OBTAIN A SALES TAX NUMBER
If you have any type of business in Detroit, you must have a sales tax number. The sales tax number form is available on the Web site for the Michigan Department of Treasury, Collections Division. Click here.
STEP #2 - CHOOSE A NAME FOR YOUR BUSINESS
If you conduct business in Detroit under an assumed name (a name other than your real name), you must file an application for an Assumed Name Certificate with Wayne County. Assumed Name application forms are available at the Wayne County Clerk's Office, Coleman A. Young Municipal Center, 2 Woodward Avenue - Room 201, Detroit, MI 48226. Click here to obtain information on assumed names online.
STEP #3 - IF YOU INCORPORATE YOUR BUSINESS, YOU MUST REGISTER
If you incorporate or establish a limited partnership, you must register with the State of Michigan. Please get legal advice about operating as a sole proprietor, a partnership, a limited partnership or a corporation. Incorporation forms are available on the Web site for the Department of Labor and Economic Growth. Click here.
STEP #4 - APPLY FOR YOUR FEDERAL TAX ID NUMBER
Corporations and partnerships require a Federal tax ID number. Obtain the federal tax ID forms at the McNamara Building, 477 Michigan Avenue (at Cass), Detroit, MI 48226. Click here to obtain the forms online.
STEP #5 - APPLY FOR YOUR DETROIT BUSINESS LICENSE
You must have a Detroit business license to operate certain types of businesses in the city. Click here for a list of businesses that need licenses included under Opening A New Business.
Apply for the license at the Business License Center, Room 105, Coleman A. Young Municipal Center, 2 Woodward Avenue, Detroit, MI 48226. The phone number is (313) 224-3178. You must pay all license fees when you apply.