Start a Business in St Louis

Permits, costs, timeline, and step-by-step requirements.

✔ 4 permits⏱ 2-6 weeks💰 $25–$200

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Overview

Starting a business in St Louis requires a Business License through the License Collector's Office. Base fee: $25–$200. No general state business license. KC spans MO/KS border.

Required Permits

✓Federal: EIN from IRS (free, instant online)

✓State: LLC/Corp filing + seller's permit/sales tax registration

✓County: health department permit + fire inspection

✓City: business licence/tax certificate

Step-by-Step Process

Federal: EIN from IRS (free, instant online)

State: LLC/Corp filing + seller's permit/sales tax registration

County: health department permit + fire inspection

City: business licence/tax certificate

Costs

Estimated total: $25–$200 depending on permits and inspections.

General Business$25–$200

Restaurant$100–$500

Contact

License Collector's Office

Phone: 314-622-4528

Apply Online →

Common Mistakes

⚠ St. Louis is an independent city — NOT in St. Louis County

⚠ Earnings tax on individuals and businesses

⚠ License Collector is separate elected official

⚠ East side is Illinois — cross-state considerations

Choose Your Business Type

Restaurant Food Truck Barber Shop Retail Store Coffee Shop Bar / Nightclub Gym / Fitness Studio Nail Salon Cannabis Dispensary Dog Grooming Bakery Cleaning Service Daycare Center Auto Repair Shop

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