Business Licenses

About Business Licenses

The Business License Division is a division of the City of Columbia Finance department.  Authority for business licensing (Chapter 13), liquor licensing (Chapter 4), vehicles for hire (Chapter 28) and taxation (Chapter 26) is granted by the City of Columbia Code of Ordinances. Todd Guess, Business Services Manager, oversees the operations and functions of the City Business License Division.

The Business License Division is responsible for accepting, investigating, processing and determining approval or denial of all applications. Additionally, cigarette taxes and hotel/motel taxes are collected and managed by the Business License Division. In addition to annual Business Licenses, this Division also renews and/or issues temporary business licenses, liquor licenses, caterer’s permits, taxi/limousine company licenses, chauffeur’s (taxi driver) licenses, medical marijuana facility licenses, armed and unarmed guard licenses, solicitor’s permits, waste hauler permits, junk dealer permits, animal tags and special permits to nonprofit enterprises.

New Business Licenses

Citizen Self Service (CSS)  is a one-stop-shop for online business license needs. For information on how to apply for a new business license and how to register, see the CSS instructions page

  • Completion of the Home Occupation Forms is required if you are operating your business out of your residence if located inside the City Limits of Columbia.

Renewals

View step-by-step instructions on creating your account and renewing your business license.  If you have already registered and have an active account, go to (CSS) and log in.  After logging in, select the DASHBOARD tab on the Home Screen to view and renew your business license. 

Business license (as defined by Chapter 13, Columbia Code of Ordinances)

A business is defined as “all kinds of vocations, occupations, professions, enterprises, establishments, and all other kinds of activities and matters, together with all devices, machines, vehicles and appurtenances used therein, any of which are conducted for private profit or benefit, either directly or indirectly, on any premises in this city, or anywhere else within its jurisdiction, as permitted by the statutes of Missouri, and as provided for by the charter of the City“. (Section 13-18, Columbia Code of Ordinances)

Any person shall be deemed to be in business or engaged in nonprofit enterprise when he/she does one act of: (a) selling any goods or services; (b) soliciting business or offering goods or services for sale or hire; or acquiring or using any vehicle or any premises in the City for business purposes.

Business license terms

The License Year for business licenses begins on July 1 and ends on June 30.  For each month that such license fee remains unpaid, a fee of 15% of the business license fee is assessed.  

Workers compensation insurance

Proof of Workers’ Compensation Insurance, in the form of a Certificate of Insurance, must be provided by all construction industry businesses with one (1) or more employees. The City of Columbia must be included as the certificate holder.

All applications must be accompanied by a $45 application fee

The license fee is based on the annual gross receipts of the business. New businesses must project their first year’s earnings when computing the license fee. The schedule follows:

  • The license fee shall be $0.25/$1,000 of gross receipts, provided the minimum annual license fee shall be $75 and the maximum annual license fee shall be based on the schedule below:
    • Prior to January 1, 2024: $3,000
    • Effective January 1, 2024: $10,000
    • Effective October 1, 2024: $15,000
    • Effective October 1, 2025: $20,000
    • Effective October 1, 2026: $30,000
    • Effective October 1, 2027: $40,000
    • Effective October 1, 2028: $50,000

Businesses that also serve or sell food or drink shall pay an annual inspection fee based on annual gross receipts according to the following schedule:

  • Annual gross receipts less than $250,000: $220.00
  • Annual gross receipts between $250,000 – $750,000: $305.00
  • Annual gross receipts over $750,000: $570.00

If you have a change of business address, please complete the Business License Change of Address form and return to the Business License Division.

All businesses must abide by all laws and regulations, including zoning, fire codes and health directives. Failure to comply could result in suspension or revocation of the business license.

BUSINESS LICENSES & PERMITS  
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 6015, Columbia, MO 65205