Disclaimer
This guide is intended to serve as a reference and in no way attempts to provide all the information necessary to start a business. Please obtain qualified legal, financial and risk management expertise to help you succeed.
Business Licensing and Registration Overview
Businesses are required to be registered and licensed in order to do business in Kansas City, Missouri unless State Law provides an exemption from licensing.
The following cards are for
Step 1
Collect Documents and Meet Initial Requirements
New Businesses are required to meet the following requirements prior to the issuance of a business license. Proof of obtaining the following documents should accompany the initial request for a license. In addition to licensing businesses, this section also registers business for other taxes the city collects.
Additional Paperwork may be Required
Additional paperwork and/or requirements may be required depending on the type of business activity. To verify documents needed, email kcbizcare@kcmo.org or call (816) 513-2491.
For All Businesses
Missouri Secretary of State Filing
Required for sole proprietorships and partnerships operating under a business name as well as limited liability companies (LLC), corporations, limited partnerships, non-profit organizations
Federal Employer ID Number (FEIN or EIN)
Required of all incorporated businesses
Zoning Clearance
Required of all new businesses with a Kansas City, Missouri address and existing businesses with a change in a Kansas City, Missouri address
For Specific Industries
Missouri Sales Tax Number (Retail Sales/Resellers)
Required of all retail, food and businesses with employees in Missouri
Health Permit
Required for all food industries
Workers Compensation (Proof of Insurance or Exemption)
Required of construction companies
- Workers Compensation Certificate of Insurance
- Form MO-WC76 (Certificate of Insurer)
- Form MO-WC65B (Exemption)
The KC BizCare Office has helped countless entrepreneurs navigate the business registration and licensing process and reach their business goals.
Get Help NowStep 2
Apply for a Business License
All persons (sole proprietors, partnerships, and corporations) who conduct business in Kansas City, Mo., must obtain a business license for that activity. A license is valid for the calendar year in which it is issued. Business licenses expire on December 31 of each year. For more information about Kansas City, Missouri business licenses, please contact the Business License Section at (816) 513-1120.
Step 3
Meet Additional Requirements
Additional Requirements for Specific Industries
Healthy Homes Inspection Certificate
Required for all residential rental properties
KCMO Police Clearance
Required for all security guard services and private investigator businesses.
Regulated Industries Approval
Required for all establishments serving liquor and other types of businesses (i.e. tire sales, cigarette sales, etc.) that are regulated by the City of KCMO.
Contractor Licensing
Required of certain construction trades
Certain construction-related trades work in the city requires that contractors hold one or more contractor licenses. The Permits Division administers contractor licensing and registration. The division is located on the fifth floor of City Hall and accepts walk-in customers or call (816) 513-1500 or fax (816) 513-1456.
Medical Marijuana Dispensaries
Medical marijuana businesses seeking to operate within Kansas City must follow City Medical Marijuana Regulations defined by the City Ordinance.
Short-Term Rentals (AirBnB, VRBO, etc.)
Each “dwelling unit” (a single-family house, one half of a duplex, or an individual apartment or condominium unit) offered for short term rental requires its own application and approval.