Apply for a Second Hand License

Step 1.Check your eligibility

You are eligible if you have a valid driver's license and don't owe money to the City. We're unable to issue you a business license if you don't meet these requirements.

UNSURE IF YOU OWE?

• Check if you owe court fees, property taxes or parking tickets. Call the Treasurer's Office at 616-456-3020
• Check if you owe taxes to the City. Call the Income Tax Department at 616-456-3415

Step 2.Gather your information

Before getting started, make sure you have everything you need.

To apply for your license you will need to have the things listed below.

• Contact information for the manager or person in charge of operations
• Contact information for individual in charge of accounting
• Your business federal ID number and sales tax license number

Have questions? Give us a call at the number listed in the Contact Us section of this page. There are many things that you need to do to apply for the license. We recommend reviewing the Second Hand License Checklist(PDF, 179KB) for more details.

Step 3.Have your payment ready

There is a $580 application fee for new licenses. The fee for renewal applications is $206. Application fees are non-refundable.

Step 4.Complete the online application

We use a third party system called Citizen Access for business license applications. If this is your first time using this system, it's a good idea to learn How to Create a Citizen Access Account.

Your application might take some time. That's why we recommend that you gather all the required information first.

Apply in English

Step 5.We’ll review your application

It takes us 5-10 business days to process applications. Keep in mind that it may take longer to process your application if we find that you need to make changes. We’ll call or email you to let you know that your permit is ready. You can either pick it up from the office or we’ll mail it to you.

Make sure to keep a copy of your license displayed on the property where all customers can see.

Step 6.Renew your license

All licenses are good for one year from when they are issued. Make sure to note your expiration date so you renew your license on time next year.

Step 1.Check your eligibility

You are eligible if you have a valid driver's license and don't owe money to the City. We're unable to issue you a business license if you don't meet these requirements.

UNSURE IF YOU OWE?

• Check if you owe court fees, property taxes or parking tickets. Call the Treasurer's Office at 616-456-3020
• Check if you owe taxes to the City. Call the Income Tax Department at 616-456-3415

Step 2.Gather your information

Before getting started, make sure you have everything you need.

To apply for your license you will need to have the things listed below.

• Contact information for the manager or person in charge of operations
• Contact information for individual in charge of accounting
• Your business federal ID number and sales tax license number

Have questions? Give us a call at the number listed in the Contact Us section of this page. There are many things that you need to do to apply for the license. We recommend reviewing the Second Hand License Checklist(PDF, 179KB) for more details.

Step 3.Prepare payment

There is a $580 application fee for new licenses. The fee for renewal applications is $206. Application fees are non-refundable. 

MAILED PAYMENTS

• Check
• Money order

IN PERSON PAYMENTS

• Cash
• Check
• Money order
• Credit or debit cards (Visa, Discover, or MasterCard)

Step 4.Download the application

Fill out the PDF application and return it to us by mail or in person.

Download Application in English

Step 5.Mail or drop off your completed application

Make sure you have the appropriate payment ready. Refer to step 3 for accepted payment methods.

Step 6.We’ll review your application

It takes us 5-10 business days to process applications. Keep in mind that it may take longer to process your application if we find that you need to make changes. We’ll call or email you to let you know that your permit is ready. You can either pick it up from the office or we’ll mail it to you.

Make sure to keep a copy of your license displayed on the property where all customers can see.

Step 7.Renew your license

All licenses are good for one year from when they are issued. Make sure to note your expiration date so you renew your license on time next year.

Step 1.Make sure we're open

Our office hours are 8 AM - 5 PM, Monday through Friday. We are out of the office on public holidays.

Step 2.Call us for instructions

You can find our number in the Contact Us section of this page. We'll get you all the information you need to apply for your business license.

Step 1.Check your eligibility

You are eligible if you have a valid driver's license and don't owe money to the City. We're unable to issue you a business license if you don't meet these requirements.

UNSURE IF YOU OWE?

• Check if you owe court fees, property taxes or parking tickets. Call the Treasurer's Office at 616-456-3020
• Check if you owe taxes to the City. Call the Income Tax Department at 616-456-3415

Step 2.Gather your information

Before getting started, make sure you have everything you need.

To apply for your license you will need to have the things listed below.

• Contact information for the manager or person in charge of operations
• Contact information for individual in charge of accounting
• Your business federal ID number and sales tax license number

Have questions? Give us a call at the number listed in the Contact Us section of this page. There are many things that you need to do to apply for the license. We recommend reviewing the Second Hand License Checklist(PDF, 179KB) for more details.

Step 3.Prepare payment

There is a $580 application fee for new licenses. The fee for renewal applications is $206. Application fees are non-refundable.

IN PERSON PAYMENTS

• Cash
• Check
• Money order
• Credit or debit cards (Visa, Discover, or MasterCard)

Step 4.Visit our office to apply

Visit us on the 2nd floor of City Hall. Our address is in the Contact Us section of this page. We'll get you an application and answer all of your questions about the process. Make sure you have your payment ready. You can see our accepted payment methods in step 3 above.

Step 5.We’ll review your application

It takes us 5-10 business days to process applications. Keep in mind that it may take longer to process your application if we find that you need to make changes. We’ll call or email you to let you know that your permit is ready. You can either pick it up from the office or we’ll mail it to you.

Make sure to keep a copy of your license displayed on the property where all customers can see.

Step 6.Renew your license

All licenses are good for one year from when they are issued. Make sure to note your expiration date so you renew your license on time next year.