Trade License

Municipal trade licence for shops, offices, restaurants, and warehouses

Validity: Annual renewal (fee and process vary by municipality)Handled by verified compliance experts. 100% online process.

What is Trade License?

Obtain a Trade Licence from your local municipal body authorising you to carry on a specific trade or business from a fixed premises. Required in most Indian states within 30 days of commencing business.

Who Needs Trade License?

Any business intending to carry on a trade, business, or profession from a specific location — including retail shops, restaurants, offices, clinics, pharmacies, warehouses, and manufacturing units. GST registration and FSSAI licence applications often require a trade licence as a prerequisite document.

What's Included

Trade Licence Certificate from municipal authority
Assistance identifying the correct municipal body for your address
Application preparation with correct trade category
Coordination with municipal inspector for premises inspection
Display-ready certificate for your premises

⚠️ Penalty for Non-Compliance

Operating without a trade licence is punishable with fines by the municipal authority, and in some states, authorities can seal the premises or disconnect utility connections. Non-renewal of annual licences also attracts penalties.

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How It Works

1
Identify Applicable Municipality
Trade licences are issued by the local municipal body (e.g., BMC in Mumbai, BBMP in Bengaluru, NDMC in Delhi). We identify the right authority for your address.
2
Application Preparation
We prepare the application with the nature of trade, premises details, owner ID, and rental/ownership proof.
3
Online or Physical Filing
Application is filed online (where available) or physically at the municipal office with the prescribed fee.
4
Inspection
The municipal inspector may visit the premises to verify the business activity matches the applied licence category.
5
Licence Certificate
The Trade Licence Certificate is issued and must be displayed at the premises at all times.

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Documents Required

Items marked Required are mandatory; others are situational.

Business Identity Proof

PAN Card of the owner/businessRequired
Business PAN for companies; personal PAN for proprietors
Aadhaar Card or other ID proof of ownerRequired
For identity verification
Passport-size photograph of ownerRequired
For the licence record

Business & Premises Proof

Business registration proofRequired
GST certificate, MSME, or incorporation certificate
Premises ownership or rental proofRequired
Property tax receipt or rental agreement
Electricity or utility bill of premisesRequired
Not older than 2 months

Additional Documents

NOC from fire department (if applicable)
Required for certain trade types or large premises
Pollution control clearance
May be needed for manufacturing/industrial trades

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Fees & Pricing

Government Fees

Trade licence fee

Highly variable by city and trade type — Rs 100 to Rs 10,000+ per year

Varies

Late renewal penalty (if applicable)

Typically 25-100% of the licence fee

Varies

Professional Fees

Trade licence application assistance

Application prep, document compilation, portal submission, follow-up

Varies

* Government fees may vary. GST applicable on professional fees. Final pricing confirmed after review.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does every business need a trade licence?

Most businesses operating from a commercial or mixed-use premises need a trade licence. Home-based businesses in residential-only zones may need to check local zoning regulations.

Is a trade licence the same as a business registration?

No. Business registration (Pvt Ltd, LLP, etc.) is done with the MCA at the central level. A trade licence is issued by the local municipal body for the specific premises and type of business.

Does a trade licence need annual renewal?

Yes. Trade licences are typically valid for one financial year and must be renewed annually before 31 March.

Can I use a residential address for a trade licence?

Only if local municipal regulations permit commercial activity at that address. Most municipalities have separate zones for commercial and residential activities.