Comprehensive Guide to Obtaining an Arizona Business License

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: | |
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: | |
Instructions: |
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Filing Method: | |
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: | |
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: | |
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: | |
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: | |
Filing Method: | |
Agency Fee: | $50 |
Registration Renewal
Form: | |
Filing Method: | |
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: | |
Filing Method: | Email cgbl@casagrandeaz.gov |
Agency Fee: | Fee determined by business type. See application for fee schedule. |
Required Attachments: |
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Registration Renewal
Form: | |
Filing Method: | Email cgbl@casagrandeaz.gov |
Agency Fee: | Fee determined by business type. See application for fee schedule. |
Due: | Annually by date of issuance. |
City of Cottonwood Business License
Agency: | City of Cottonwood (AZ) |
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite: | No |
Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required? | No |
Initial Registration
Form: | |
Filing Method: | |
Agency Fee: | Fee determined by business type |
Registration Renewal
Form: | |
Filing Method: | |
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: | |
Agency Fee: | $75, prorated fee available July-December |
Required Attachments: |
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Registration Renewal
Form: | |
Filing Method: | |
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: | |
Filing Method: | |
Agency Fee: | $8 |
Required Attachments: |
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Registration Renewal
Filing Method: | |
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: | |
Agency Fee: |
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Registration Renewal
Filing Method: | |
Agency Fee: |
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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: | |
Agency Fee: | $35 |
Registration Renewal
Filing Method: | |
Agency Fee: | $15 |
Due: | Annually by date of issuance. |
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: | |
Filing Method: | |
Agency Fee: | $75 |
Registration Renewal
Filing Method: | |
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: | |
Filing Method: | |
Agency Fee: | $131 |
Registration Renewal
Filing Method: | |
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: | |
Filing Method: | Mail or email licensing@maranaaz.gov |
Agency Fee: | $50 |
Required Attachments: |
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Registration Renewal
Filing Method: | |
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: | |
Agency Fee: | $10 |
Required Attachments: |
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Registration Renewal
Filing Method: | |
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: | |
Agency Fee: | $35 application fee + $35 annual fee |
Registration Renewal
Filing Method: | |
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: | |
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: | |
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: | |
Filing Method: | |
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: | |
Filing Method: | |
Agency Fee: | $20 one time application fee + $25 business licese fee = $45 |
Registration Renewal
Filing Method: | |
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: | |
Filing Method: | |
Agency Fee: | $65 |
Required Attachments: |
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Registration Renewal
Filing Method: | |
Agency Fee: | $45 |
Due: | Annually by date of issuance. |
Required Attachments: |
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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: | |
Filing Method: | |
Agency Fee: | $60 |
Turnaround: | 10-14 business days |
Required Attachments: |
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Registration Renewal
Filing Method: | |
Agency Fee: |
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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: | |
Filing Method: | |
Agency Fee: | $150 |
Registration Renewal
Form: | |
Filing Method: | |
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: | |
Agency Fee: | $50 |
Required Attachments: |
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Registration Renewal
Filing Method: | |
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: |
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Town of Sahuarita Business License
Agency: | Town of Sahuarita (AZ) |
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite: | No |
Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required? | No |
Initial Registration
Form: | |
Filing Method: | |
Agency Fee: | No Fee |
Registration Renewal
Form: | |
Filing Method: | |
Agency Fee: | No fee unless filing is late |
Due: | Annually by June 30. |
Penalties: | $100 Renewal Late Fee |
City of Sierra Vista Business License
Initial Registration
Filing Method: | |
Agency Fee: | $100 |
Required Attachments: |
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Registration Renewal
Filing Method: | |
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: | |
Filing Method: | |
Agency Fee: | $168 intial business fee Prorated fees available. See this page. |
Registration Renewal
Filing Method: | |
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: | |
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: | |
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: | |
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: | |
Filing Method: | Email to pblack@wickenburgaz.gov |
Agency Fee: | Fees vary based on the location and nature of the business |
Required Attachments: |
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Registration Renewal
Filing Method: | |
Agency Fee: | Fees vary based on the location and nature of the business |
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: | |
Filing Method: | |
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. |
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:
- 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).
- 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:
- Form your business
- Register your business name
- Obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN)
- Apply for the Joint Tax Application
- 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:
- Search for name availability using the Arizona secretary of state's or Arizona Corporation Commission's online tool.
- Complete the registration online or by mail, providing the required documentation and fees.
- 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:
- Visit the IRS EIN application page online at the IRS website.
- Complete the online application using the EIN Assistant, available Monday to Friday from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. EST.
- Submit your application after providing the necessary information, including your business structure, legal name, and address.
- 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:
- Start your application on the Arizona Department of Revenue website—Create an account or log in if you already have one.
- 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.
- Select licensing options—Choose between one license for all business locations or individual licenses for each location, based on your needs.
- 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:
- Visit the Business License Service page.
- Click on the Order Online tab.
- Fill out the required form with your business details.
- 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:
- Contact our team to discuss tailored services that can address your specific needs
- Request a demo of our software to see how it simplifies business licensing management
For more information on our licensing service across different U.S. states and territories, refer to the table below:
