Comprehensive Guide to Obtaining an Arizona Business License

A businessman opening the office door for his employees

Obtaining an Arizona business license is a crucial step for any entrepreneur looking to operate legally within the state. While Arizona doesn’t mandate a statewide business license, individual cities and counties have their own licensing requirements that vary based on location and business type. If you're planning to start a business in the state, it's important to understand and follow these local guidelines to ensure proper registration.

This guide will explain the process of getting a business license in Arizona, including the specific steps you need to follow. You'll also learn how Harbor Compliance can help you manage these tasks efficiently, helping you stay on top of obligations during every phase of your business journey.

Arizona General Business Licenses

Arizona Business License

Not required



General Business License licensure is not required on the State level in Arizona.

Arizona does not have a general business license at the state level, but local licenses are often required.

Local General Business Licenses

Apache Junction Business License

Agency:Apache Junction City Clerk's Office (AZ)
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:No
Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?No

Initial Registration

Form:

Business License & Zoning Review Application

Agency Fee:

$50

Registration Renewal

Agency Fee:

$50

Due:

Annually by the end of the month prior to the initial registration month. If you initially registered in August, your license would need to be renewed each year by the end of July.

Notes:

Renewal reminders are sent in the mail approximately 45 days prior to expiration. Simply send in the renewal fee with the reminder notice to renew.

City of Avondale Business License

Agency:City of Avondale Finance & Budget Department (AZ)
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:No
Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?No

Initial Registration

Form:

Business License Application 

Instructions:
  • If you do not have a fiixed business location within city limits, you do not need a business license.
Filing Method:

Mail

Agency Fee:

$25 application fe + prorated monthly fee

Turnaround:

 10-15 business days

Registration Renewal

Form:

Renewals are mailed out during last week of November every year.

Filing Method:

Mail 

Agency Fee:

$40

Due:

Annually by January 1. 

Buckeye Business License - Mercantile Business – Wholesale & Retail

Agency:City of Buckeye Finance Department (AZ)
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:No
Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?No

Initial Registration

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$25 application fee + $40 license fee

Registration Renewal

Agency Fee:

$40

Due:

Annually

Notes:

The city will send you a renewal form about 45 days prior to the license expiration date.

Buckeye Business License - Professional & Personal Services

Agency:City of Buckeye Finance Department (AZ)
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:No
Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?No

Initial Registration

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$25 application fee + $40 license fee

Registration Renewal

Agency Fee:

$40

Due:

Annually by the end of the registration anniversary month.

Notes:

The city will send you a renewal form about 45 days prior to the license expiration date.

Town of Camp Verde Business License

Agency:Town of Camp Verde (AZ)
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:No
Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?No

Initial Registration

Form:

Business License Application 

Filing Method:

Mail 

Agency Fee:

$50

Registration Renewal

Form:

Business License Application (Renewal) 

Filing Method:

Mail 

Agency Fee:

$25

Due:

Annually by the last day of the month in which the license was issued

City of Casa Grande Business License

Agency:City of Casa Grande Finance Department (AZ)
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:No
Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?No

Initial Registration

Form:

Business License Registration Application

Filing Method:

Email cgbl@casagrandeaz.gov

Agency Fee:

Fee determined by business type. See application for fee schedule. 

Required Attachments:
  • Licensing Eligibility Requirement Form
  • Copy of business owner(s) or Corporate Agent’s current Arizona Driver’s License
  • Certificate of Occupancy Permit - Copy of business owner(s) or Corporate Agent’s current Arizona Driver’s License
  • Sign Permit - Copy of business owner(s) or Corporate Agent’s current Arizona Driver’s License
  • Alarm Permit - Copy of business owner(s) or Corporate Agent’s current Arizona Driver’s License
  • ARizona Transaction Privilege Tax License - Copy of business owner(s) or Corporate Agent’s current Arizona Driver’s License
  • Arizona State Contractor's License - Copy of business owner(s) or Corporate Agent’s current Arizona Driver’s License
  • Temporary Merchants: 
    • Copy of business owner(s) or Corporate Agent’s current Arizona Driver’s License
    • Copy of business owner(s) or Corporate Agent’s current Arizona Driver’s License
    • Surety bond, cash bond or certified check made payable to the City of Casa Grande. Reference the “Peddler” section in the
      Business Transaction License Fee Schedule for current fee rate(s).
  • Transient Merchants, Itinerant Vendor/Merchants:
    • A completed Temporary Use Permit application, site plan and written permission from the property owner may be required if you
      are not the property owner. Temporary Use Permit not to exceed 72 hours.
    • A refundable clean-up deposit may be required.
  • Peddlers, Canvassers and Solicitors:
    • Two photographs of each applicant or agent, taken within sixty days immediately prior to the date of filing the application.
      Photographs shall be approximately two inches by two inches, showing the head and shoulders of the applicants or agents in a
      clear and distinguishing manner. These will be used for picture ID’s issued by the Police Department.
    • Fingerprints of each applicant or agent is required.
    • A written, detailed sales pitch is required.
  • Pawn Shops:
    • Regulation one – report to PD
    • Regulation two

Registration Renewal

Form:

Business License Registration Application (Renewal)

Filing Method:

Email cgbl@casagrandeaz.gov

Agency Fee:

Fee determined by business type. See application for fee schedule. 

Due:

Annually by date of issuance. 

Chandler Business Registration

Agency:City of Chandler Tax and License Division (AZ)

Initial Registration

Form:

Business Registration Application

Agency Fee:

$45

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$45

Due:

Annually by January 1.

City of Cottonwood Business License

Agency:City of Cottonwood (AZ)
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:No
Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?No

Initial Registration

Form:

Business Registration Application

Filing Method:

Mail 

Agency Fee:

Fee determined by business type

Registration Renewal

Form:

Business License Registration Application (Renewal)

Filing Method:

Mail 

Agency Fee:

Fee determined by business type

Due:

Annually by December 31.

City of Eloy Business License

Agency:City of Eloy Utility & Finance Department (AZ)
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:No
Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?No

Initial Registration

Form:
Filing Method:

Mail 

Agency Fee:

$75, prorated fee available July-December 

Required Attachments:
  • If your business is incorporated, provide a certificate of good standing.
  • Proof of ID 

Registration Renewal

Form:
Filing Method:

Mail 

Agency Fee:

$75

Due:

Annually by December 31.

City of Flagstaff Business License

Agency:City of Flagstaff Management Services Division (AZ)
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:No
Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?No

Initial Registration

Form:

Business License Application

Filing Method:

Mail

Agency Fee:

$8

Required Attachments:
  • License Eligibility Form
  • Transient Merchant Photo ID, if applicable
  • Home Occupation Permit, if applicable
  • Proof of Lawful Residence in the United States

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online Renewal Payment

Agency Fee:

$8

Due:

Annually by date of issuance

Notes:

There is no application to renew a business license in the City of Flagstaff. Pay the annual license fee by the due date to keep a license current.

City of Fountain Hills Business License

Agency:City of Fountain Hills Financial Services Technician (AZ)
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:No
Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?No

Initial Registration

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:
  • Fee determined by business location.
  • Within town $35
  • Outside town $50

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:
  • Fee determined by business location.
  • Within town $35
  • Outside town $50
Due:

Annually by date of issuance.

Town of Gilbert Standard Business License

Agency:Town of Gilbert Development Services (AZ)
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:No
Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?No

Initial Registration

Filing Method:

Online 

Agency Fee:

$35

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online 

Agency Fee:

$15

Due:

Annually by date of issuance.

Glendale Business License

Agency:City of Glendale Licensing Office (AZ)

Initial Registration

Form:

City of Glendale Business License Application

Agency Fee:

$25

Registration Renewal

Agency Fee:

$25

Due:

Annually by January 1.

City of Goodyear Business License

Agency:City of Goodyear Finance Department - Business Registration Services (AZ)
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:No
Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?No

Initial Registration

Form:

Business License Registration Application

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$75

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$75

Due:

Annually by December 31. 

Lake Havasu City Business License

Agency:Lake Havasu City Administrative Services Department (AZ)
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:No
Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?No

Initial Registration

Form:

Business License Application 

Filing Method:

Mail 

Agency Fee:

$131

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$131

Due:

Annually by date of issuance.

City of Marana Business License

Agency:City of Marana Finance Department (AZ)
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:No
Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?No

Initial Registration

Form:

Business License Application 

Filing Method:

Mail or email licensing@maranaaz.gov

Agency Fee:

$50

Required Attachments:
  • Transaction Privilege Tax License number (if selling any item)
  • Government Issued ID

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Mail

Agency Fee:

$40

Due:

Annually by date of issuance.

City of Mesa Business License

Agency:City of Mesa Licensing Division (AZ)
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:No
Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?No

Initial Registration

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$10

Required Attachments:
  • Government ID
  • Licensing Eligibility Form (sole proprietor, partnerships only)
  • Organizational Chart (businesses with 3+ owners)

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$25

Due:

Annually by date of issuance. 

City of Nogales Business License

Agency:City of Nogales - Finance Department (AZ)
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:No
Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?No

Initial Registration

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$35 application fee + $35 annual fee

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$35

Due:

Annually by January 1

Town of Oro Valley General Business License

Agency:Town of Oro Valley (AZ)
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:No
Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?No

Initial Registration

Form:

Business License Registration Application

Filing Method:

Over the phone, In Person or Online

Agency Fee:

$80.00 and is based on a calendar year. Fees are prorated monthly. (Click HERE and go to Business License Fees section to see prorated amount. )

Registration Renewal

Form:

Business License Registration Application (Renewal)

Filing Method:

Over the phone, In Person or Online

Agency Fee:

$80

Due:

Annually by January 31.

Town of Payson Business License

Agency:Town of Payson (AZ)
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:No
Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?No

Initial Registration

Form:

Business License Registration Application

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

Depends on the License Occupancy type you have.

Registration Renewal

Form:

Renewal will be mailed prior to due date.

Filing Method:

Mail, Phone or Online

Agency Fee:

Depends on the License Occupancy type you have.

Due:

Business license is good for one year and a renewal postcard is mailed prior to due date.

City of Peoria Business License

Agency:City of Peoria Finance and Budget Department (AZ)
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:No
Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?No

Initial Registration

Form:

Business License Registration Application

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$20 one time application fee + $25 business licese fee = $45

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$25

Due:

Annually by December 31. 

City of Phoenix Business License

Not required



General Business License licensure is not required on the City level in Phoenix.

The city of Phoenix does not have or issue a general business license. Only certain activities are regulated and require a license or require a recommendation/approval from the city.

City of Prescott Valley Business License

Agency:City of Prescott Valley City Clerk's Office (AZ)
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:No
Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?No

Initial Registration

Form:

Commericial Occupancy Application 

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$65

Required Attachments:
  • Copy of professional licenses, if applicable 
  • Application Affidavit 

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$45

Due:

Annually by date of issuance.

Required Attachments:
  • Copy of proffesional licenses, if applicable 
  • Application Affidavit 

City of Queen Creek Business License

Agency:Town of Queen Creek (AZ)
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:No
Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?No

Initial Registration

Form:

Online Business License Application 

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$60

Turnaround:

10-14 business days 

Required Attachments:
  • Proof of ID 

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:
  • Town limits = $40 
  • Outside of the Town limits = $60
Due:

Annually during the month of issuance.

Gila River Indian Community Business License Non-Member

Agency:Gila River Indian Community Office of the Treasurer (AZ)
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:No
Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?No

Initial Registration

Form:

Business License Registration Application 

Filing Method:

Mail

Agency Fee:

$150

Registration Renewal

Form:

Business License Registration Application (Renewal)

Filing Method:

Mail 

Agency Fee:

$150

Due:

Annually by date of approval 

City of Safford Business License

Agency:City of Safford City Clerk (AZ)
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:No
Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?No

Initial Registration

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$50

Required Attachments:
  • State of Arizona Liquor License, if applicable
  • State of Arizona TPT License, if applicable
  • Home Occupation License, if applicable
  • Temporary Use Permit, if applicable
  • Handbill Permit, if applicable

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Mail

Agency Fee:

$50

Due:

Annually by date of issuance

Penalties:

Late fees will be assessed for licenses not renewed by the 15th of the month following their expiration

Notes:

Renewal notices and instructions will be mailed out on the 1st day of the month of their expiration

Required Attachments:
  • State of Arizona Liquor License, if applicable
  • State of Arizona TPT License, if applicable
  • Home Occupation License, if applicable
  • Temporary Use Permit, if applicable
  • Handbill Permit, if applicable

Town of Sahuarita Business License

Agency:Town of Sahuarita (AZ)
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:No
Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?No

Initial Registration

Form:

Business License Registraiton Application

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

No Fee

Registration Renewal

Form:

Business License Registraiton Application (Renewal)

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

No fee unless filing is late

Due:

Annually by June 30.

Penalties:

$100 Renewal Late Fee

Scottsdale Business Registration License

Agency:City of Scottsdale Business Services Office (AZ)

Initial Registration

Form:

Business Registration License Application

Agency Fee:

$12 application fee + $50 annual license fee.

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$12 application fee + $50 annual license fee.

Due:

Annually by January 1.

City of Sierra Vista Business License

Agency:City of Sierra Vista City Clerk's Office (AZ)
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:No
Notes:

A completed Business License Application is required for the following types of businesses: restaurant, medical office, general office, entertainment, auto service, consumer service, contractor, manufacturing, service, distributor, and retail sales. Solicitors and peddlers must apply for a Peddler and Solicitor License

Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?No

Initial Registration

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$100

Required Attachments:
  • Proof of valid ID
  • Zoning Compliance Certificate
  • A  separate permit is required for any business sign
  • Arizona State Sales Tax number for the location described within five (5) working days of the approval of this application

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$100

Due:

Annually by the date of issuance.

City of Surprise Business License

Agency:City of Surprise Finance Department (AZ)
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:No
Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?No

Initial Registration

Form:

Business License Registration Application

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$168 intial business fee

Prorated fees available.  See this page

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$84

Due:

Annually by specified due date. 

City of Tolleson Business License

Agency:City of Tolleson (AZ)
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:No
Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?No

Initial Registration

Form:

Business License Registration Application

Filing Method:

Mail or In Person

Agency Fee:

Fee based on business type.

Registration Renewal

Form:

Business license renewal notices are mailed out in November.

Filing Method:

Mail or In Person

Agency Fee:

Fee based on business type.

Due:

Annually by December 31.

Tucson Business License

Agency:City of Tucson License Section (AZ)

Initial Registration

Form:

Business License Application

Agency Fee:

$25 application fee + a prorated annual license fee ($50 if applying on March 31 or earlier, $37.50 if applying between April 1 and June 30, $25 if applying between July 1 and September 30, or $12.50 if applying between October 1 and December 31.)

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$50

Due:

Annually by January 1.

Town of Wickenburg Business License

Agency:Town of Wickenburg - City Clerk (AZ)
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:No
Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?No

Initial Registration

Form:

Business License Application

Filing Method:

Email to pblack@wickenburgaz.gov

Agency Fee:

Fees vary based on the location and nature of the business

Required Attachments:
  • Arizona TPT License, if applicable
  • County Health Certificate(s), if applicable
  • Liquor License, if applicable

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

Fees vary based on the location and nature of the business

Due:

Annually by December 31

City of Willcox Business Permit

Agency:City of Willcox - Finance Department (AZ)
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:No
Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?No

Initial Registration

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$25

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$12

Due:

Annually by December 31

Town of Youngtown Business License

Agency:Youngtown Town Clerk's Office (AZ)
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:No
Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?No

Initial Registration

Form:

Business License Application

Filing Method:

Mail

Agency Fee:

The standard fee of $25 applies unless a different fee is specified for your business type on the application.

Registration Renewal

Agency Fee:

The standard fee of $25 applies unless a different fee is specified for your business type on the application.

Due:

Licenses expire on December 31 of each year and must be renewed by January 31.

Notes:

Renewal forms are mailed to license holders in November.

Yuma Business License

Agency:City of Yuma Business License and Sales Tax Office (AZ)

Initial Registration

Form:

Regular Business License Application

Agency Fee:

Fees range from $40-$120

Registration Renewal

Agency Fee:

Fees range from $40-$120

Maricopa County Business License

Not required



General Business License licensure is not required on the County level in Maricopa County.

Maricopa County does not issue a General Business license.

Pima County Business License

Not required



General Business License licensure is not required on the County level in Pima County.

Pima County does not require or issue business licenses.

Do You Need a Business License in Arizona?

There is no general statewide business license in Arizona that entities are required to obtain. However, businesses operating in Arizona must possess local business licenses or specific permits, depending on the nature of the business and its location.

Licensing is managed by local authorities at the city or county level. Whether you need a license depends on where your business is located and what activities it conducts.

For example, Phoenix requires most businesses to have a city-issued license, while Pima County does not issue general business licenses, but you must ensure your chosen location meets local zoning codes. Additional permits may be required for certain activities, such as food service or industrial operations.

Types of Business Licenses in Arizona

Arizona businesses need different types of licenses based on their activities and industry. Below are the two most common types:

  1. Transaction privilege (sales) tax (TPT) license—This tax is imposed on businesses for the privilege of operating within the state. It is similar to a sales tax but applies to the business itself. All businesses must register with both the Arizona Department of Revenue (ADOR) and the Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES) by completing the Joint Tax Application (Form JT-1/UC-001). Note that individuals under the age of 19 who operate a business making less than $10,000 annually are exempt from the TPT requirement (effective September 14, 2024).
  2. Local business licenses—Most cities and counties in Arizona require businesses to obtain local licenses. These licenses typically cover permits related to public safety or zoning.

How To Get a Business License in Arizona

The process of obtaining a business license in Arizona differs based on the license type and jurisdiction, but it typically involves the following steps:

  1. Form your business
  2. Register your business name
  3. Obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN)
  4. Apply for the Joint Tax Application
  5. Apply for local, state, and federal licenses and permits

Form Your Business

Choosing the appropriate business structure is the first critical step in obtaining your Arizona business license. The structure you select will affect your taxes, legal liability, and operational responsibilities. Common business structures include:

  • Corporations
  • Sole proprietorships
  • Limited liability companies (LLCs)

Register Your Business Name

After choosing an appropriate structure, ensure your business name is properly registered, especially if you're operating under a name different from your legal one. Sole proprietors and partnerships can register their trade name with the Arizona secretary of state, while LLCs and corporations complete the registration process through the Arizona Corporation Commission.

To register your business name, follow these steps:

  1. Search for name availability using the Arizona secretary of state's or Arizona Corporation Commission's online tool.
  2. Complete the registration online or by mail, providing the required documentation and fees.
  3. Consider trademarking your business name for additional protection, especially if you plan to expand outside of Arizona. Note that you can do this through the secretary of state, regardless of your entity’s type.

If your business name is already registered in another state, you may need to file for a Certificate of Authority to ensure it is legally recognized within the state.

Obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN)

Most businesses are required to obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN), especially LLCs, corporations, and those hiring employees. The number is issued by the IRS and functions as a federal tax ID for your business.

To apply for an EIN, follow these steps:

  1. Visit the IRS EIN application page online at the IRS website.
  2. Complete the online application using the EIN Assistant, available Monday to Friday from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. EST.
  3. Submit your application after providing the necessary information, including your business structure, legal name, and address.
  4. Download your EIN after completing the online application.

If you prefer, you can apply via mail or fax by downloading and submitting Form SS-4, although processing may take up to four weeks.

Apply for the Arizona Joint Tax Application (for a TPT License)

To apply for a TPT license, follow these steps:

  1. Start your application on the Arizona Department of Revenue website—Create an account or log in if you already have one.
  2. Fill out the Arizona Joint Tax Application (JT-1)—The form is available online or for download and covers the TPT, use tax, and unemployment insurance registration.
  3. Select licensing options—Choose between one license for all business locations or individual licenses for each location, based on your needs.
  4. Complete the application—Submit the form online, by mail, or in person at one of the Arizona Department of Revenue offices located in Phoenix, Mesa, or Tucson.

For online applications, the TPT license number is issued immediately. If you apply in person, you can receive it on the same day.

Once registered, you will need to file periodic TPT returns based on your business activities through the Arizona Department of Revenue website.

Apply for Local, State, and Federal Licenses and Permits

After registering your business and obtaining the necessary identification and tax documents, you may need to secure additional local, state, or federal licenses based on your business type and location:

  • Local licenses—Many municipalities in Arizona have specific licensing requirements for businesses operating within their jurisdiction. Check with your local city or county office to find out if a local business license or permit is necessary.
  • State permits—Depending on the industry, some businesses require additional permits issued by the state agencies in Arizona. These can include industry-specific requirements, such as occupational licenses or environmental permits.
  • Federal permits—Certain federal licenses or permits may be required for businesses engaged in regulated activities at the federal level. These could include regulations for industries like telecommunications, transportation, or food production.

Given the varying local requirements across Arizona's cities and counties, managing the licensing process yourself can be complex and time-consuming, especially when coordinating between multiple agencies and deadlines. To simplify the process, consider partnering with Harbor Compliance. Our team of experts can help with each step, ensuring all documents are submitted accurately and efficiently, allowing you to focus on growing your business without the burden of paperwork.

Comprehensive Business Licensing Service by Harbor Compliance

Harbor Compliance’s Managed Annual License Service is designed to simplify the process of securing and maintaining business licenses for companies operating in Arizona. We ensure that your business is properly licensed and remains in good standing with all state and local authorities, so you can focus on growing your business without worrying about administrative filings.

Here’s what you get with Harbor Compliance:

  • Tailored guidance—Our specialists provide personalized assistance to determine the specific licenses and permits required for your business, ensuring that you meet all Arizona regulations based on your industry and location.
  • Filing and renewal management—From the initial application to ongoing renewals, we handle the preparation and submission of all necessary documents. We track every deadline to ensure your licenses are renewed on time, helping your business avoid unnecessary interruptions.
  • Real-time access with License Manager—Our License Manager (included in our Software Suite) centralizes your business’s licensing information, including renewal dates, registration statuses, and related documents, offering a streamlined way to stay informed without manual tracking.

We also offer related services to support your business, such as EIN registration and payroll tax setup, to ensure all tax requirements are handled seamlessly alongside your licensing needs.

How To Partner With Harbor Compliance for Business License Services

To order our Managed Annual License Service, all you need to do is complete four easy steps:

  1. Visit the Business License Service page.
  2. Click on the Order Online tab.
  3. Fill out the required form with your business details.
  4. Click Check Out to complete your order.

Once your order is confirmed, we will begin processing your filings and provide updates on the progress, ensuring everything is handled seamlessly.

Additional Services Offered by Harbor Compliance

Beyond assisting with securing your Arizona business license, Harbor Compliance offers additional services designed to help you meet various statutory requirements and support your business throughout its lifecycle. Refer to the table below for more of our popular solutions:

Category Services
Industry-specific licenses Construction, Engineering and Architecture
Nonprofit formation 501(c) tax exemption, Charitable registration, Incorporation
Lifecycle support Amendments, DBA registration, Initial and annual reports, Name reservation, Withdrawal
Document filing and retrieval Drop-off Filing, Certified copies, Certificate of Authority, Articles of reinstatement, Certificate of Good Standing
Beneficial ownership information reporting BOI reporting, Records Manager

Arizona Business Licenses FAQs

Below, you'll find frequently asked questions about the Arizona business license. If you can't find what you're looking for, visit our extensive Information Center.

While there is no general statewide business license in Arizona, businesses must obtain local business licenses and specific permits to operate in the state. This will depend on the location and nature of the business.

The time it takes to obtain a business license in Arizona depends on the application method and location. For instance, here’s what you can expect in Phoenix:

  • Applying online—You will receive your TPT license number the same day, and the mailed certificate takes 7–10 business days.
  • Paper JT-1 applications—Mailed licenses typically take around two weeks to process.
  • In-person JT-1 applications—The TPT license is issued the same day.

Other cities and counties may have different processing times.

Yes. If you’re conducting business in multiple cities within Arizona, you may need to register for a separate local business license or pay local taxes in each city. This depends on the city’s regulations.

Engage With Harbor Compliance for Efficient Business Licensing Support

Managing an Arizona business license involves coordinating between multiple local authorities, staying on top of application processes, and tracking renewal dates, which can become overwhelming for any business owner. Order our Comprehensive Managed Annual License Service, and we’ll take on these responsibilities, ensuring your business is fully licensed and in good standing.

If you'd like to assess your business standing in the state, check out your Harbor Compliance Score™. Should you identify any gaps in licensing, you have several options:

For more information on our licensing service across different U.S. states and territories, refer to the table below: