Business Licenses

1. Overview

Licenses are the City's way of making sure certain types of businesses meet requirements to protect the public’s safety, health, and welfare. They establish a legal connection between businesses and their owners. Use the table of contents above to determine if a license is required for your business and to access the applications. Additional information can be found below and in the resources section.

Self-Services

Online Application Portal

Learn how to use our online application portal to request permission for different types of projects in the city. Applicants can track their application status online, upload required documents, connect with City staff, and conveniently pay fees with a credit or debit card.

Certificate of Use License

Learn how to apply for a Certificate of Use is required for any bar, restaurant, neighborhood market (under 10,000 square feet), drugstore, or smoking establishment in the city of Syracuse.

Tobacco Retail License

Learn how to apply for a license required for any person or entity selling tobacco products out of a building.

2. How to Get Started

Review the categories linked above or refer to the Business License Guide to determine if a license in required for your business. The guide also includes information such as who needs to apply, the fees associated with the license, and other requirements.
Applications for most business licenses are on the City's Online Application Portal. If this is your first time using the Online Application Portal, you will need to create an account. Instructions for the portal can be found here.
Click on each license type to access the application. Follow the steps to provide the required information.
Pay by credit card by inputting your credit card information. Credit card fees apply. To pay by check or money order, please visit the Central Permit Office. You can submit your application upon completing an in-person payment.
A confirmation message will be sent to the email address associated with your account. Please contact us with any questions.

3. Certificate of Use

Certificate of Use

This is required to operate any bar, restaurant, drugstore, food store (under 20,000 sq. Ft. or with a pharmacy), or smoking establishment.

4. Entertainment / Event Licenses

License applications for Charitable Gaming (Bell Jar, Bingo, Casino Nights and Raffles) are through New York State but must be submitted with appropriate fees by mail or in person to the Central Permit Office.

5. Food / Vending / Retail

6. Junk / Secondhand Goods

7. Distribution / Solicitation

8. Transportation

Business Licenses for Ground Transportation and Taxi Drivers are paper only. Click on the license above to download and print the application. Applications must be submitted by mail or in person to the Central Permit Office.

9. FAQ's

Does every business need a license?

No. There are different licenses depending on the type of business. Review the applications linked above or refer to the Business Licensing Guide to determine if a license is required for your business.

Who needs to apply for a license?

Depending on the type of license, the business owner, operator, or property owner must apply. The Business Licensing Guide provides guidance on who needs to apply for each type of business license.

Are there any penalties for not obtaining a license?

Yes. If a business doesn't follow licensing requirements, they may be penalized with extra fees and/or operating restrictions.

Is there a review process for my license application?

Yes. Before your license is issued, the Central Permit Office will check to make sure the applicant doesn’t have unpaid parking tickets, delinquent water bills, delinquent taxes, civil penalties, or other monies due to the City. Some licenses require a background check or inspection of the business location before the license is issued.

How long does it take to get a license?

The time it takes depends on the complexity of your business. Some types of business licenses can be issued over the counter, while others could take weeks or months. You can check the status of your online application under the "My Dashboard" page on the City's Online Application Portal. For paper applications, please contact 315-448-8474 or licensing@syr.gov.

How long is my license valid for?

All licenses once issued will include an expiration date on the certificate. If a license needs to be renewed, it is the responsibility of the applicant to renew the license before its expiration date.

Will I be notified when my license needs to renewed?

The City is required to send renewal notices for the Certificate of Use and Tobacco Retail Business Licenses.The notice will be sent by certified mail to the license address 60 and 30 days before the due date for renewal. The City is not required to send a notice for all other business licenses, however you may receive an automated email message. You are still responsible for payment even if you do not receive notice. If business information has changed, you must submit a new application to renew. Failure to renew before the expiration date could result in late fees or other consequences.

Is the information on my application available to the public?

Information on most applications becomes public record. Exceptions include information such as social security number, federal tax ID number, and New York State driver's license number. These would not be provided in a public records act request. A subpoena would be needed to get that information.

Can I make changes to my application once it is submitted?

Yes. Please contact 315-448-8474 or licensing@syr.gov and a staff member will help you. The following are examples of when a change should be made to your application:

If you change your mailing address
If you change your location
If you close your business or are no longer operating your business in Syracuse.
If the wrong information was provided on your application.

Do I need to display my license certificate once I receive it?

Yes. You must clearly display your license certificate on the premises where business is being conducted. For businesses operated from a vehicle, an identifying decal issued by the City must be attached to the vehicle. If business is conducted outside a specific location, the licensee must carry a copy of the license with them.