Business Licenses

Do I Need a Business License?

Commercial Business
Yes, you need a license. Failure to operate without a business license is a Class B misdemeanor. This license operates on the calendar year, expiring on Dec. 31 each year.

Home Business
You MAY need a license. If you will be operating a business from the same physical address as your home and that business qualifies as a Conditional Use, you will need to apply for a license. Conditional uses are those where the combined offsite impact of the home-based business and the primary residential use materially exceeds the offsite impact of the primary residential use alone (e.g. daycares, preschools, home salons). Many home business owners do still choose to apply for a license for tax and other legal purposes. This license operates on the calendar year, expiring on Dec. 31 each year.

Solicitor/Peddler, Transient and Itinerant Businesses
These types of businesses require a separate application. Please fill out the Solicitor Packet (for individuals engaging in non-exempt door-to-door solicitation within Providence City limits) or Peddler, Transient or Itinerant Business License Application (for temporary mobile or immobile sales of goods—food trucks, snowcone stands, etc.). Both types of applications can be filled out ahead of time but must be signed in the presence of and by the City Recorder. Please either email your unsigned application to meganmccuistion [at] providence.utah.gov (meganmccuistion[at]providence[dot]utah[dot]gov) or print a copy to bring with you to be signed in the city office. These licenses are $75 and are valid for 365 days from the date of issuance. 

A license is not required for a business that is operated only occasionally AND by an individual who is under 18 years of age.

Steps to Apply

1. Check the Providence City Use Chart to ensure your type of business is permitted in the space you plan to use. You will need to know which zoning district your home or building is in. You can look that up on the Zoning Map. If your type of business and zoning district is indicated with a C, your business requires a Conditional Use Permit that is a separate application.
2. Register your business with the State of Utah. This is done online here. During that process, you will apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) and a Utah Sales Tax Number if they are applicable to your business. If you are a sole proprietor with no employees, your Social Security Number can serve as your EIN. If you have questions or problems on this step, please contact the Division of Corporations at (877) 526-3994.
3. If your occupation or business requires professional licensing, please have that number on hand when you fill out your application. Some businesses also require approval from the Bear River Health Department. Visit their website or call them at (435) 792-6570 if you think that will be applicable to you.
4. Fill out your Providence City Business License application through the Citizen Portal, selecting the appropriate Business Type on the application. Upload any required documentation.
5. Your submitted application will go through a zoning approval. Commercial businesses and Conditional Use home businesses will also be contacted by the Fire Marshal for the proper inspections.
6. After all approvals have been made by Providence City, an invoice will be emailed to the applicant. This can be paid online, in the city office or over the phone.
7. Once payment is received, the license will be printed, signed by the Mayor and City Recorder, then mailed to the applicant.