The Complete Guide to Missouri Business Licenses
Missouri does not issue a general state business license. Most businesses register with the Department of Revenue for taxes — sellers need a Retail Sales License — and get a city or county license where they operate.
Step 1: Form the LLC
File Articles of Organization with the Missouri Secretary of State for $50 online ($105 on paper). Missouri LLCs file no annual report. See the Missouri LLC guide for every formation step.
Step 2: Missouri Retail Sales License
You must hold a Missouri Retail Sales License from the Department of Revenue before making retail sales — selling without one carries a penalty of $500 for the first day and up to $10,000. Register through the Department's Online Business Registration and file through MyTax Missouri. The state rate is 4.225%, plus local taxes. Since August 2018, a bond is generally no longer required to register (the Department can still require one from a delinquent business).
Step 3: City and county business licenses
- Kansas City: any revenue-generating operation within city limits needs a business license, issued for the calendar year and renewed by the end of February; the fee depends on gross receipts.
- St. Louis: anyone doing business in the city needs a Graduated Business License from the License Collector.
Many other cities and counties have their own licenses, zoning and occupancy rules.
Step 4: Professional and contractor licenses
The Division of Professional Registration licenses many professions. Contractors are mostly licensed locally by the city or county; the statewide electrical contractor license is optional.
Hiring staff and fictitious names
Employers register with the Department of Revenue for withholding and with the Division of Employment Security for unemployment insurance. A fictitious name (DBA) is registered with the Secretary of State and is valid for five years.
Checklist
| Registration | Agency | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Articles of Organization | Secretary of State | $50 online; no annual report |
| Retail Sales License | Department of Revenue | Before your first sale |
| City business license | Kansas City, St. Louis and others | Set by each city |
| Professional license | Division of Professional Registration | Varies |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Missouri require a business license?
Missouri has no general state business license. Sellers need a Retail Sales License from the Department of Revenue, and most cities and counties require a local business license.
Do I need a sales tax license in Missouri?
Yes, if you make retail sales. You must have the Missouri Retail Sales License before your first sale; selling without one carries a penalty starting at $500.
Do I need a bond for a Missouri sales tax license?
Generally no. Since August 2018 Missouri no longer requires a bond to register for sales tax, although the Department of Revenue can require one from a delinquent business.
How much does it cost to form an LLC in Missouri?
The Articles of Organization cost $50 online ($105 on paper), and Missouri LLCs do not file an annual report.
Do I need a business license in Kansas City or St. Louis?
Yes. Kansas City requires a business license for any revenue-generating operation in the city, and St. Louis requires a Graduated Business License from the License Collector.