A license is required to operate a business within Atlanta city limits. A business license is a legal document that allows you to start a business, maintain your business, or close your business. Permits are a step beyond a business license, and they are required for some business types, but not all of them.

Business Licenses

Applying for a business license
Start here to apply for a business license in the City of Atlanta. 

Renewing your business license
All business licenses expire on December 31, regardless of when in the year you received it.

Make a Payment

Find a registered business
Use this wizard to find a business registered through the City.

Closing a business
Whether you're closing your business entirely or transferring ownership to another party, the process is the same. Click here to close your current business license and file your final tax return.

Professional licenses
Some professions and trades require a license from the city in addition to the Georgia state license. Some of those professions include medicine, cosmetology, and athletic training, among others.

Permits

Regulatory permits
A list of permits obtained through agencies such as the Atlanta Police Department, Parks & Recreation, Dept. of Agriculture, etc. Some examples include plumbing, taxi services, and selling tobacco, among others.

License & Permit Unit
Investigates the applicants for a wide variety of licenses, most notably, liquor licenses.

Applying for an alcohol license
Regulates the sale or consumption of alcoholic beverages on premises via the issuance of an alcohol license.

Renewing your alcohol license

Applying for a special events alcohol license
The License and Permit Unit issues special events alcohol permits to allow hosts to serve or sell alcohol at outdoor events. If your event has more than 75 people and is outdoors, you will also have to submit an Outdoor Festival application.

Applying for an adult entertainment permit
Regulates adult entertainment to ensure that applicants fulfill the age requirement and have not had any prior convictions, in addition to other aspects of the Atlanta Municipal Code.

Applying for a vending permit - private property
Regulates vending on private property and flea markets to ensure that everyone follows the city ordinance and codes.

Applying for a vending permit - public property
The City of Atlanta offers multiple ways for vendors to do business in the City

Taxes

Estimate your business tax
Different businesses fall under different tax classes. Click here to determine which tax class your business falls under.

Property taxes
Commercial property taxes are handled by the Fulton County Tax Commissioner, using the same process to handle residential and commercial property taxes.