How to Get a Business License in Centennial: What You Need to Know (2026)
The Quick Version
Starting a business in Centennial, CO requires permits and registrations across multiple government layers — federal, state, Arapahoe County (county), and city. The primary city-level requirement is the Business License, issued by the Finance Department. Most businesses need 5 to 10 separate registrations, and the order you complete them matters because each step has dependencies on the ones before it.
Contact the Finance Department at 303-325-8000 for current requirements. More information is available at centennialco.gov.
PermitBoard generates a complete, ordered roadmap for your specific business type in Centennial — with fees, timelines, and direct links to every form. Get My Roadmap →
What Makes Centennial Different
Centennial has several characteristics that affect the licensing process:
- Denver south suburb
- Arapahoe County
- DTC (Denver Tech Center) area
- Relatively new city (incorporated 2001)
- Colorado uses a destination-based sales tax system — verify the combined rate for your specific address
The Permit Stack: What You Need
Most businesses in Centennial need permits from four levels of government:
Federal: An EIN (Employer Identification Number) from the IRS — free and available instantly online at irs.gov/ein.
State (CO): LLC or Corporation filing through the Colorado Secretary of State. Filing fee: $50 LLC, processing time: 1-3 business days.
County (Arapahoe County): Health permits (for food businesses), building inspections, and any county-specific requirements.
City (Centennial): Business License from the Finance Department. Phone: 303-325-8000.
How Long Does It Take?
Most businesses in Centennial can be fully licensed and operational within 4 to 12 weeks, depending on the business type. Simple home-based businesses can often complete the process in 2 to 4 weeks, while restaurants, bars, and businesses requiring inspections typically take 8 to 12 weeks.
The dependency chain matters — some permits can't be applied for until others are in place. Getting the order wrong means delays and wasted time.
Don't Guess — Get Your Roadmap
Every business type has different requirements, and Centennial has its own quirks that generic state guides miss. PermitBoard analyzes your specific business type against Centennial's actual requirements and gives you a step-by-step plan with fees, timelines, and direct links to every form.