Licenses & Permits

 

Use the charts below to determine which license(s) you need:

Licenses that do not also need a general business license:

Business activities License type Fee
Reselling items? Pawnbroker $300
Selling without a structure? Peddler $200
Providing transportation services? Taxicab and Limousine

- per vehicle

- per driver

 $240

$120

$20
Selling from a temporary structure? Transient Merchant $200
Collecting material? Scavenger license $150
Business of an adult nature? Sexually oriented business license

- Employee license

 $500

$120

$60
Providing lodging? Hotels and Motels $50-$500
Stand at a flea market? Flea market operator

- per booth

 $300

$50

If you have a valid 2021 business license, you can register online now,
which will make renewing in January more convenient (click here to register).

If your business includes: Then you will need the following supplementary license:
  • Work as a Contractor
  • Run a dry cleaning business
  • Operate a fireworks stand
  • Work as a junk dealer
  • Operate a kennel
  • Run a hotel/motel
  • Sell beverages and/or food
  • Sell automotive vehicles

If you cannot download the license application you need, contact the Zoning Department at zoning@gary.gov. 

For all fees, see the business license summary of fees

GBL renewal process 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

New GBL application process

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    • General Business License – New Business or Change in Address/Ownership: The General Business License certifies you are a legally operating business within the City of Gary. This form is for new businesses, previously unlicensed businesses, and for changes in address or ownership of existing licensed businesses. New General Business Licenses are granted year-round; completed license forms and associated documents should be submitted to the Zoning Office in City Hall for approval.
    • General Business License – Annual Renewal: The General Business License Renewal certifies you are a continuing, legally operating business within the City of Gary. Renewals are done once a year in January, and license fees can be paid in person at City Hall in the Finance Department.
    • Second Hand Auto Dealers License: The Second Hand Auto Dealer License is required, along with a General Business License, for businesses to sell used cars within the City of Gary. Completed license forms and associated documents should be submitted to the Zoning Office in City Hall for approval.
    • Peddler’s License: The Peddler’s License is required for businesses to carry goods from one place to another within the City of Gary (such as flea market vendors). Completed license forms and associated documents should be submitted to the Zoning Office in City Hall for approval.
    • Transient Merchant License: The Transient Merchant License is for sellers who move from place to place within the City of Gary (such as food trucks). Completed license forms and associated documents should be submitted to the Zoning Office in City Hall for approval.
    • Special Event Vendor License: The Special Event Vendor License is for one time use.  Completed license forms and associated documents should be submitted to the Zoning Office in City Hall for approval.
    • Junk Dealer License:  Completed license forms and associated documents should be submitted to the Zoning Office in City Hall for approval.
  • Fireworks Permit:  The Fireworks Permit is a Consumer Fireworks Stand License Application for temporary seasonal use within the City of Gary. Completed license forms and associated documents should be submitted to the Zoning Office in City Hall for approval.

NOTICES

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