PermitDueRenewal Guide
How to Renew Your Business License
Step-by-step guide with costs, deadlines, and direct renewal links. Your city won't remind you. We will.
Typical Cost
$50-$500 depending on city and business type
Processing Time
1-4 weeks
Renewal Frequency
Annual (most cities)
Issuing Authority
City or County Business License Office
Renewal Steps
- 1
Check your current license expiration date. Most cities mail a renewal notice 30-60 days before expiry, but don't count on it.
- 2
Gather your business information: license number, EIN or SSN, current business address, and any changes since last renewal.
- 3
Log in to your city or county's business license portal. Most jurisdictions now accept online renewals.
- 4
Update any business details that changed (address, ownership, business activity).
- 5
Pay the renewal fee. Credit card, check, or money order depending on your jurisdiction.
- 6
Print or save your renewal confirmation. Your new license or receipt should arrive within 2-4 weeks.
What Happens If You Don't Renew
Late fees of 10-50% of the renewal cost. Operating without a valid license can result in fines of $100-$1,000 per day. Some cities will shut you down.
State-by-State Renewal Info
Click your state for specific costs, portals, and deadlines.
| State | Authority | Cost | Processing |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | City Business License Office (no state-level general busi... | $50-$500 depending on city and gross receipts | 1-2 weeks |
| Texas | City or County (no state-level general business license) | $25-$500 depending on city | 1-2 weeks |
| Florida | County Tax Collector or City Business Tax Office | $27-$500 depending on county and business type | 1-2 weeks |
| New York | NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection / County... | $50-$300 depending on license type | 2-4 weeks |
| Illinois | City or Village Clerk | $25-$250 depending on municipality | 1-3 weeks |
| Pennsylvania | City or Township (no state-level general business license) | $35-$300 depending on municipality | 1-3 weeks |
| Ohio | City or Village Income Tax Department | $25-$200 depending on city | 1-2 weeks |
| Georgia | City or County Business License Office | $50-$400 depending on jurisdiction and gross receipts | 1-2 weeks |
| North Carolina | City or County Tax Office | $25-$200 depending on city | 1-2 weeks |
| Michigan | City or Township Clerk | $25-$300 depending on municipality | 1-3 weeks |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my business license online?
Most cities now offer online renewal. Check your city's website or the portal listed on your current license. Some smaller jurisdictions still require in-person or mail-in renewals.
What happens if my business license expires?
You'll owe late fees (typically 10-50% of the renewal cost) and may face daily fines for operating without a license. In some jurisdictions, you'll need to apply for a brand new license instead of simply renewing.
How early can I renew my business license?
Most cities allow renewal 30-90 days before expiration. Renewing early doesn't change your expiration date -- it just prevents a lapse.
Do I need a state and city business license?
It depends on your state. Some states (like CA and TX) don't have a general state business license -- you just need local ones. Other states require both a state and local license.
Never miss a renewal deadline
PermitDue tracks every permit and license for your business and sends you reminders before they expire. No more late fees. No more surprises.