How to Get a Business License in Lakewood: What You Need to Know (2026)
The Quick Version
Starting a business in Lakewood, CO requires permits and registrations across multiple government layers — federal, state, Jefferson 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 303-987-7500 for current requirements. More information is available at lakewood.org.
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What Makes Lakewood Different
Lakewood has several characteristics that affect the licensing process:
- Denver metro suburb
- Home-rule city — may collect own sales tax
- Jefferson County Public Health for food permits
- Belmar district has specific retail overlay
- 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 Lakewood 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 (Jefferson County): Health permits (for food businesses), building inspections, and any county-specific requirements.
City (Lakewood): Business License from the Finance Department. Phone: 303-987-7500.
How Long Does It Take?
Most businesses in Lakewood 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 Lakewood has its own quirks that generic state guides miss. PermitBoard analyzes your specific business type against Lakewood's actual requirements and gives you a step-by-step plan with fees, timelines, and direct links to every form.