Colorado Business License

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General Business Licensing Guide
Overview
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General Business License Requirements for Colorado.

Business licenses are often required of business entities, regardless of their products and services. This page provides an overview of business license requirements in Colorado.

Colorado General Business Licenses

Colorado Business License

Not required



General Business License licensure is not required on the State level in Colorado.

Colorado does not have a general business license at the state level, but local licenses are often required.

Local General Business Licenses

Aurora Business License

Agency:City of Aurora Licensing Section (CO)

Initial Registration

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$18 application fee + $27 license fee

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$27

Due:

Biennially by the date of issuance.

Boulder Business License

Agency:City of Boulder Finance Department - Revenue and Licensing Division (CO)
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:No
Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?No

Initial Registration

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$25

Turnaround:

4-6 weeks

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$0 unless there is a change in location, for which there is a $25 fee

Due:

By December 31 of odd-numbered years.

Notes:

Once you have logged in to Boulder Online Tax, under Action Center, click Renew License.

Breckenridge Business License

Agency:Town of Breckenridge Finance Department (CO)
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:No
Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?No

Initial Registration

Form:

Business License Application

Filing Method:

Mail or online.

Agency Fee:

Varies by business type:

  • In-Town Business - $200 + $10 per employee
  • In-Home Occupation - $50
  • Lodge/Bed & Breakfast - $200 + $10 per employee + $50 per bedroom
  • Regular Vendor - $100
  • Seasonal Vendor - $50

Registration Renewal

Form:

Business License Application (Renewal)

Filing Method:

Mail or online.

Agency Fee:

Varies by business type:

  • In-Town Business - $200 + $10 per employee
  • In-Home Occupation - $50
  • Lodge/Bed & Breakfast - $200 + $10 per employee + $50 per bedroom
  • Regular Vendor - $100
  • Seasonal Vendor - $50
Due:

Annually

Town of Castle Rock Business License

Agency:Town of Castle Rock Finance Department (CO)
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:No
Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?No

Initial Registration

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$10 application fee

Turnaround:

2 weeks

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$15

Due:

Annually by December 31.

City of Centennial Business Registration

Agency:City of Centennial - Tax & Licensing (CO)
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:No
Notes:

Vendors with a Retail Sales Tax License are not required to also have a Business Registration.

Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?No

Initial Registration

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$25

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$25

Due:
  • Biennially by December 31 
  • The first renewal will be due the calendar year succeeding the initial year of registration

City of Centennial Retail Sales Tax License

Agency:City of Centennial - Tax & Licensing (CO)
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:No
Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?No

Initial Registration

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$25

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$25

Due:
  • Biennially by December 31 
  • The first renewal will be due the calendar year succeeding the initial year of registration

Commerce City Business License

Agency:Commerce City Clerk's Office (CO)
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:No
Notes:

If your business has more than one location within the city, a separate license is needed for each location. In some instances you may also be required to obtain additional specialty licenses due to the nature of your business.

Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?No

Initial Registration

Filing Method:
  • Business located within city limits: Online
  • Business located outside city limits: Online
Agency Fee:

$30

Renewal Not Required

Not required



General Business Licenses do not need to be renewed as long as the information is up to date and the tax payments are current. 

City of Dacono General Business License

Agency:City of Dacono - City Clerk - Licenses (CO)
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:No
Insurance Requirements:

Contractors must provide: 

  • General Liability Insurance in amounts not less than $50,000 for injury and death to 1 person, $100,000 for injury and death of more than 1 person in any single accident, and $25,000 property damage insurance
  • The City of Dacono must be listed as the certificate holder
Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?No

Initial Registration

Form:

Business License Application

Filing Method:

Mail or email to ataylor@cityofdacono.com

Agency Fee:
  • Fees vary based on the size of the business premise. Square footage is based upon exterior measurements. 
    • 1,000 square feet or less: $25
    • 1,001 square feet or more: $50
    • Industrial: $150
  • Licenses issued after July 1 will be prorated to 50% of the license fee
Required Attachments:
  • Any licenses or certifications required from other government agencies
  • Certificate of Insurance, if applicable
  • Business's Event Schedule
  • Certificate of Good Standing
  • Colorado State Sales Tax License
  • Diagram showing property boundaries, area location of all structures on the property, and the areas of each structure that will be used in connection with the business
  • Business Material Safety Data Sheet, if applicable

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

Fees vary based on the size of the business premise. Square footage is based upon exterior measurements. 

  • 1,000 square feet or less: $25
  • 1,001 square feet or more: $50
  • Industrial: $150
Due:

Licenses expire annually on December 31 and must be renewed by January 31

City of Durango Business License

Agency:City of Durango City Clerk's Office (CO)
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:No
Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?No

Initial Registration

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

Fee based on the estimated monthly average number of employees for the next 12 months. 

Required Attachments:

Depending upon the nature of the business, applicants for a business license may be required to submit additional documentation, such as: 1. Proof of insurance in specific limits or occupational bonds. 

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

Fee determined by number of employees hired, whether full time or part time. 

Due:

Annually by January 31. 

Englewood Sales/Use Tax License

Agency:City of Englewood Finance Department (CO)

Initial Registration

Filing Method:

Online

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online

Due:

Biennially by the date of issuance.

Erie Business License

Agency:Town of Erie Finance Department (CO)
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:No
Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?No

Initial Registration

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$50

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$50

Due:

Annually

City of Firestone Business License

Agency:City of Firestone Economic Development Department (CO)
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:No
Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?No

Initial Registration

Form:

Business/Home Occupation/Refuse Operator/Mobile Food Vendor License Application

Filing Method:

Mail or Online

Agency Fee:

$50

Notes:

Contractors are required to obtain a business license in addition to a contractors license if they maintain a permanent, fixed business location in the City of Firestone

Required Attachments:

Firestone Police Business Emergency Information Form

Registration Renewal

Form:

Business/Home Occupation/Refuse Operator/Mobile Food Vendor License Application

Filing Method:

Mail or online

Agency Fee:

$50

Due:

Annually by December 31

Required Attachments:

Firestone Police Business Emergency Information Form

City of Fort Collins Sales and Use Tax License

Agency:City of Fort Collins (CO)
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:No
Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?No

Initial Registration

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$0

Due:

There is no expiration date. 

Law:

( Ord. No. 060, 2011 , § 1, 5-17-11; Ord. No. 154, 2012 , § 3, 1-15-13)

Renewal Not Required

Not required



City of Fort Lupton Business License

Agency:City of Fort Lupton City Clerk (CO)
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:No
Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?No

Initial Registration

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:
  • Fees vary based on the nature and size of the business. Contact the City Clerk's office to determine your business license fee
  • The minimum license fee for any business is $50
Notes:

When registering for Community Core to apply for a general business license, click community member.

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:
  • Fees vary based on the nature and size of the business. Contact the City Clerk's office to determine your business license fee
  • The minimum license fee for any business is $50
Due:

Annually by December 31.

Town of Frederick Business License

Agency:Town of Frederick Town Clerk (CO)
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:No
Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?No

Initial Registration

Form:

Business License Application

Filing Method:

Mail

Agency Fee:

Contact the Town of Frederick Town Clerk for the appropriate license fee

Required Attachments:
  • Colorado of Certificate of Good Standing
  • Lawful Presence Affidavit (sole proprietor's only)

Registration Renewal

Form:

Business License Application (Renewal)

Filing Method:

Mail

Agency Fee:

Contact the Town of Frederick Town Clerk for the appropriate license fee

Due:

Annually by December 31.

Required Attachments:
  • Colorado of Certificate of Good Standing

City of Grand Junction Sales Tax License

Agency:City of Grand Junction - Sales Tax Division (CO)
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:No
Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?No

Initial Registration

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:
  • Fees vary based on tax receipts
  • Each application shall be accompanied by the prepayment of anticipated tax receipts or $50, whichever is greater

Renewal Not Required

Not required



The City of Grand Junction Sales and Use Tax License no longer has an expiration date. The license is valid until it is canceled and is issued with the requirement that all City laws will be followed. If a business is not in compliance with those laws, the license can be suspended or revoked.

City of Greeley Business License

Agency:City of Greeley Finance Department - Sales Tax Division (CO)
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:No
Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?No

Initial Registration

Form:

Business License Application 

Instructions:
  • Application packets with missing information/documentation will not be processed.
  • Be sure to include the address of the physical location of the business, the mailing address where business licenses/renewals should be sent, and the mailing address where sales tax information should be sent.
  • Email addresses are required.
  • NAICS Codes may be obtained at www.naics.com.
  • The number of full time and part time employees is required for locations inside the City of Greeley.
  • Reporting frequency and estimated sales/use tax liability is required
Filing Method:

Mail 

Agency Fee:

Fee determined by business type

Required Attachments:
  • Sewer Questionnaire – This form is required if you have a commercial location inside the City of Greeley. This includes retail, office, and industrial locations. NOTE: Not required for home based businesses or businesses located outside the City of Greeley.
  • Affidavit of Lawful Presence – This form is required for individual and sole proprietorships. One identification from the list at the bottom of this form should be provided. NOTE: No license will be issued without proof of identification.
  • S.A.V.E. Verification Form – This form is required if you did not select “I am a United States Citizen” on the Affidavit of Lawful Presence. NOTE: We do not verify citizenship through the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS).
  • Home Occupation Permit Application – This form is required to obtain a permit for home based  businesses. NOTE: Businesses with commercial locations should not complete this form.
  • Description of Vehicles – This form is required for all refuse haulers doing business in the City of Greeley.

Registration Renewal

Form:

Business License Application 

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

Fee determined by business type. 

Due:

Biennially by date of issuance 

City of Greenwood Village Occupational Privilege Tax License

Agency:City of Greenwood Village (CO)
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:No
Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?No

Initial Registration

Form:

Occupational Privilege Tax License Registration Application 

Filing Method:

Mail

Agency Fee:

$10 application fee + two portions : the employee portion and the employer portion. Both portions are $2 per month ($4 combined) and both apply when an employee earns $250 or more in a calendar month. The employer is responsible for reporting and remitting both portions of the tax. Owners, partners, and officers who are not paid a salary or commission are subject to only the employer portion of the tax.

Registration Renewal

Form:

Occupational Privilege Tax License Registration Application (Renewal)

Filing Method:

Mail

Agency Fee:

$10 application fee + two portions : the employee portion and the employer portion. Both portions are $2 per month ($4 combined) and both apply when an employee earns $250 or more in a calendar month. The employer is responsible for reporting and remitting both portions of the tax. Owners, partners, and officers who are not paid a salary or commission are subject to only the employer portion of the tax.

Due:

Annually by date of issuance. 

Town of Keenesburg Business License

Agency:Town of Keenesburg - Town Administration (CO)
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:No
Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?No

Initial Registration

Form:

Business License Application

Filing Method:

Mail or in-person

Agency Fee:

$15

Registration Renewal

Form:

Business License Application

Filing Method:

Mail or in-person

Agency Fee:

$15

Due:

Annually by January 1

City of Lakewood Business License

Agency:City of Lakewood City Clerk's Office (CO)

Initial Registration

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$15

Renewal Not Required

Not required



Renewal is not required for this license.

Lone Tree Business License

Agency:Lone Tree Finance Department (CO)

Initial Registration

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$10

Renewal Not Required

Not required



Business Licenses do not expire and have no renewal fee. They are valid until the business is discontinued, sold or revoked.

Lone Tree Combined Business/Retail Sales Tax License

Agency:Lone Tree Finance Department (CO)

Initial Registration

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$15

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$15

Due:

By December 31 of even-numbered years.

Notes:

To renew, log into Xpress Bill Pay select add new account (even if you already pay your taxes online, you will need to add account to find the license renewal option). Find City of Lone Tree as your billing organization. You will be able to choose to renew your account online. Then enter the name of the business with no punctuation (remember to use the official business name and not the DBA).

City of Longmont Sales and Use Tax License

Agency:City of Longmont - Sales Tax Office (CO)
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:No
Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?No

Initial Registration

Form:

Sales and Use Tax License Application

Filing Method:

Mail or online

Agency Fee:

$25

Renewal Not Required

Not required



The sales and use tax license shall remain active as long as the business is in good standing with the City of Longmont or will terminate upon the abandonment of the business for which the license was issued.

City of Loveland Sales Tax License

Agency:City of Loveland Finance Department (CO)
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:No
Notes:

A sales tax license shall be required for any person who is engaged in the business of selling retail in the City, tangible personal property or services that are taxable. Any business that has two (2) or more separate locations are required to license at each entity. Service only businesses are not required to obtain a license.

Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?No

Initial Registration

Form:

Sales Tax Application

Filing Method:

Mail or online.

Agency Fee:

$20; there is no fee for businesses with no physical presence or incidental presence

Notes:

Physical Presence means, performing or providing services or selling, leasing, renting, delivering, or installing tangible personal property for storage, use, or consumption within the local taxing jurisdiction. Physical presence includes any of the following activities:

  • Directly or indirectly by a subsidiary maintaining a building, store, office, salesroom, warehouse, or other place
    of business within the local jurisdiction;
  • Sending one or more employees, agents, or commissioned salespersons into the local jurisdiction to solicit
    business, to install, assemble, repair, service, or assist in the use of its products, or for demonstration or other
    reasons;
  • Maintaining one or more employees, agents, or commissioned salespersons on duty at a location within the
    local taxing jurisdiction;
  • Owning, leasing, renting or otherwise exerting control over real or personal property sales within the local taxing
    jurisdiction;
  • Engaging in activities within the taxing jurisdiction that are subject to other business, fire, zoning, or other
    regulations of the local jurisdiction; or
  • Being subject to taxable privileges other than the requirements to collect sales tax imposed by the local taxing
    jurisdiction.

Registration Renewal

Form:

Sales Tax License Renewal Form

Filing Method:

Mail or online.

Agency Fee:

$20; there is no fee for businesses with no physical presence or incidental presence

Due:

Annually by December 31.

Town of Mead Business License

Agency:Town of Mead (CO)
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:No
Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?No

Initial Registration

Form:

Business License Registration Application

Filing Method:

Mail or In Person

Agency Fee:

$30

Registration Renewal

Form:

Business License Registration Application (Renewal)

Filing Method:

Mail or In Person

Agency Fee:

$30

Due:

Annually by January 1.

Monument Business License

Agency:Monument Town Clerk's Office (CO)

Initial Registration

Form:

Business License Application

Agency Fee:

$75

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$75

Due:

Annually by the date of issuance.

City of Northglenn Business Sales and Use Tax License

Agency:City of Northglenn - Sales Tax Division (CO)
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:No
Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?No

Initial Registration

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$0

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$0

Due:

Annually by December 31

Parker Business and Tax License

Agency:Parker Sales Tax Division (CO)
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:No
Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?No

Initial Registration

Form:

Business and Tax License Application

Filing Method:

Mail or email to salestax@parkeronline.org

Agency Fee:

$0

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$0

Due:

By December 31 of even-numbered years.

Pueblo Sales and Use Tax License

Agency:Pueblo Finance Department - Sales Tax Division (CO)

Initial Registration

Form:

Sales and Use Tax License Application

Filing Method:

Mail

Agency Fee:

$50

Registration Renewal

Form:

Sales and Use Tax License Application (Renewal)

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$50

Due:

Annually by December 31.

Town of Silverthorne Business License

Agency:Town of Silverthorne (CO)
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:No
Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?No

Initial Registration

Form:

New Business License Application

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$75

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$75

Due:

Annually by January 31.

City of Westminster Business/Sales Tax License

Agency:Westminster City Clerk's Office (CO)
Notes:

All businesses operating within the city of Westminster are required to have a valid business license (including those that do not collect sales tax).

Initial Registration

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$0

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$0

Due:

Annually by the registration anniversary date.

City of Westminster Business/Sales Tax License - Out of City

Agency:Westminster City Clerk's Office (CO)

Initial Registration

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$0

Renewal Not Required

Not required



Out-of-city business licenses do not expire.

City of Wheat Ridge Business License

Agency:City of Wheat Ridge Tax Division (CO)
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:No
Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?No
Requirement Notes:


  • All individuals or entities engaged in business in the City or collecting City sales tax must obtain a City business license, or a temporary tax license. Other licenses may also be required, depending on the type of business activity.

Initial Registration

Form:

Business License & Tax  Application 

Filing Method:

Mail

Agency Fee:

$20

Turnaround:

License applications are reviewed by a variety of City departments to ensure compliance with building, land use, taxation, and other laws and regulations. This review process may take three to four weeks.

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:
  • Online - physical nexus
  • Mail - economic nexus 
Agency Fee:

$20 renewal fee + city taxes

Due:
  • Taxes are due on the 20th of each month 
  • Licenses expire annually by December 31. 
Law:

The City follows the new administrative rule for local business licenses promulgated by the State in Senate Bill 22-032. Senate Bill 22-032 became effective July 1, 2022 and simply put, prohibits the City from collecting a license fee from the business depending on the nexus of the business. A business has either physical or economic nexus. 

Notes:
  • Physical Nexus – If you are renewing your business license for 2023 and meet the definition of a business with physical nexus, you should renew your business license for 2023 as you normally do. If you renew by filing online, please use e-tax. If you are mailing your business license renewal form to the City of Wheat Ridge, please include a payment of $20 with your account number made payable to The City of Wheat Ridge.
  • Economic Nexus - If you are renewing your business license for 2023 and meet the definition of a business with economic nexus, you should renew your business license for 2023 as you normally do. Please renew by filling out the Business License Renewal form, and please complete the remote seller form.

Windsor General Business License

Agency:Town of Windsor Economic Development (CO)
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:No
Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?No

Initial Registration

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$25

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$25

Due:

Annually by the last day of the month of the initial registration

Notes:

A renewal notice will be sent one month before the expiration month of this license.

Denver County/City Business License

Agency:City and County of Denver - Department of Excise and Licenses (CO)
Law:

Denver, Colo., Municipal Code § 32-1. — § 32.129.

Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:No
Notes:

The City and County of Denver have various requirements for initial and renewal applications depending on the type of business seeking a license. See their license directory for more information about the specific license type being sought. 

Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?No

Initial Registration

Filing Method:

Online. Select an application based on the type of license being sought.

Agency Fee:

Fees vary based on the nature of the business

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Mail, e-mail, or online. Some license types require renewals to be submitted via mail or e-mail. Make sure to check the License Directory for more information about the renewal process for a specific license type. 

Agency Fee:

Fees vary based on the nature of the business

Due:

Annually by date of issuance

Learn about general business licensing requirements in other states:

Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware District of Columbia Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho
Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri
Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania
Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming
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