Business Licensing
All businesses must have the proper registration, licenses or permits before they can be open for business. Businesses are subject to municipal, county, state and federal requirements. Regulations vary by industry, so it is very important to understand the licenses requirements for your type of business.
Please Note:
- This system works well with the following browsers Google Chrome or the latest version of Internet Explorer.
- If you need help doing the application online you can come to City Hall Room B11 for in-person assistance.
The Division of Licensing a division of the Department Finance issues business licenses in the City of Newark and regulates industries as diverse as retail, food establishment, day care centers, manufacturing facilities and auto repair shops.
Each type of business licenses can be applied for through this site or in-person. You can use this site to determine which license you will need and the requirements to file a complete application but if you still need additional help our dedicated staff at our counter in room 8101 will be happy to assist you.
To avoid delays with your application please review the information on this page prior to begining the application.
If you own multiple businesses, you will need a seperate business license for each business
THE REVIEW PROCESS
After submitting a complete application package, your application will be reviewed by Zoning to ensure that the type of business is allowed at your chosen location. To learn more about the City's Zoning Regulation or find out the Zoning of your location. To learn more about the City's Zoning Regulation or find out the Zoning of your location click here
Once Zoning approval has been recieved your application will be reviewed by other departments based on the type of business. Your business will be issued after satisfactory review by the numerous departments involved in the process. If you required additional permits or certificates as described below those permits and or certificates will also be issued.
- Permits and Certificates may have varying expiration date
- No license or certificate is transferable. Any new owner or operated must apply for a new license even if the establishment they purchasing has an existing license.
Renew existing license
If you have an existing business license, health certificate, fire certificate or trade waste permit you can renew it here.
WHAT YOU WILL NEED
An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is also known as a Federal Tax Identification Number, and is used to identify a business entity. Generally, businesses need an EIN.
An EIN is required to get a City of Newark business license, so if you do not have an EIN, you must file Form SS-4, Application for Employer Identification Number with the Internal Revenue Service. You can file the application online by going to the IRS website.
To do business in the State of New Jersey, you must have Business Registration Certificate from the State of New Jersey. This requirement applies to profit and non-profit corporations, limited partnerships, limited liability partnerships and limited liability companies.
Your application for a City of Newark Business License cannot be reviewed without a NJ Business Registration Certificate. If you do not yet have this Certificate, you can do so online by going to the State’s website.
Per State law some licenses require that the owners and operators for certain businesses to complete a criminal background check. Law changes found in NJSA 48:16-22-3.a were enacted on January 18, 2010 and become effective on April 19, 2010.
Your application for a City of Newark Business License cannot be reviewed without having file a background check request. If you do not yet have obtained a background check, you can do so online by going to the State’s website.
Our ORINumber is NJNPD0000
To obtain a driver’s license or valid State identification card in New Jersey, you can apply online HERE or in person at the nearest local MVC Agency.
Most employers within the City of Newark are required by law (Pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40:48C-14 et seq. and Revised City Ordinance 10:21-1 et seq.) to pay a payroll tax. The payroll tax is equal to 1% a percentage of the total payroll and must be paid quarterly.
To register for the City of Newark Payroll Taxes Click here
A certificate of occupancy is a document issued by the Building Department certifying a building's compliance with applicable building codes and other laws, and indicating it to be in a condition suitable for occupancy.
You can obtain a copy of the COO from your landlord or your leasing agent. Alternatively you can submit an OPRA (Open Public Records Act) request at the Office of the City Clerk, Room 415A, City Hall, 920 Broad Street.
The Department of Health and Community Wellness issues a Health Certificate for any business that offer food products to the public, including non-retail and temporary food service establishments. The certificate is awarded upon successful completion of a health safety inspection of the premises.
During the business license application process you will be able to request a Health Certificate.
All business entities operating in the City of Newark must obtain a Fire Certificate issued by the Newark Fire Department. The fire inspection ensures that the business premises is safe for occupancy by the general public. The Fire Certificate has the following fee schedule.
The certificate is awarded upon successful completion of a fire safety inspection of the premises.
During the business license application process you will be able to request a Fire Certificate.
All business entities operating within the City of Newark is required to have a Trade Waste Permit. A trade waste permits tells the City who is responsible for a business entity’s waste as the City does not pick up commercial waste. If you do not yet have a Trade Waste Permit, you will be able to request one during the business license application. The cost of a Trade Waste Permit is $25 and it must be renewed annually.
You will need to have and provide the following information:
- A signed and dated copy of the current contract with a private Garbage Hauler – the contract must be current (not expired), show your business location and be on a letterhead of the Garbage Hauler.
- The 3 most recent invoices (unless the business is a brand new business).
If your landlord pays for garbage removal you must provide a letter from the landlord on company letter head stating that the landlord is responsible for the garbage disposal along with items 1 and 2 listed above.
If you handle oil (as in a restaurant or car repair) you will need to provide items 1 and 2 from the Oil Hauler as well. You will need to provide these documents for both the oil waste hauler and solid waste hauler –if the same company provides both you will need to provide the contract for each separately.
If you handle tires (as in a tire shop) you will need to provide items 1 and 2 from the Tire Hauler as well.
You can be fined for not having a current Trade Waste Permit. The fines can be seen here.
Types of Licenses
Special Permits
Documents you will need to upload
In order to submit an application ensure that you have and able to upload following documents/information
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Business Registration Certificate | |
| Certificate of Occupancy | |
| Valid government issued Identification | |
| Trade Waste Permit or the contract with your waste hauler | |
| Fire Certificate (if you have one) | |
| Health Certificate (if you have one) | |
| Certificate of Insurance (if your business is for parking garage/lot) | |
| Bond |
Back Ground Check
Before you begin the business license process you will need to submit a Request for a Criminal History Record Information (Noncriminal Justice Purposes) from the State of New Jersey.
You can begin the business license process after submitting the request -you do not have to wait for the results. During the license application, you will be asked to enter the confirmation number
Our ORINumber is NJNPD0000
Please Note:
- This system works well with the following browsers Google Chrome or the latest version of Internet Explorer.
- If you need help doing the application online you can come to City Hall Room B11 for in-person assistance.