General Business License
Required for operating most types of businesses within a Wisconsin municipality. The general business license (sometimes called a business registration or business tax certificate) ensures that the business complies with local zoning, building, fire, and health codes. Requirements and fees vary by municipality — not all Wisconsin cities require a general business license.
When Is a General Business License Required?
- Opening a new business in a municipality that requires licensing
- Changing business ownership or location
- Annual renewal of existing business license
When Is a General Business License NOT Required?
- Businesses in municipalities that don't require a general license
- Home-based businesses that fall under a home occupation permit instead
Related Permits You May Also Need
General Business License Fees by Municipality
Fee and processing time data for general business license permits across Wisconsin municipalities. Click any jurisdiction for complete details including application links and requirements.
| Jurisdiction | Fee | Processing Time | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| City of Milwaukee | $50 | 1-2 weeks | Current |
| City of Madison | $40 | 1-2 weeks | Current |
| City of Green Bay | $35 | 5-10 days | Current |
| City of Kenosha | $40 | 5-10 days | Current |
| City of Racine | $30 | 5-10 days | Current |
| City of Appleton | $30 | 5-10 days | Current |
| City of Waukesha | $45 | 5-10 days | Current |
| City of Oshkosh | $25 | 5-10 days | Current |
| City of Eau Claire | $25 | 5-10 days | Current |
| City of Janesville | $25 | 5-10 days | Current |
| City of West Allis | $32 | 5-10 days | Current |
| City of La Crosse | $26 | 5-10 days | Current |
| City of Sheboygan | $24 | 5-10 days | Current |
| City of Wauwatosa | $33 | 5-10 days | Current |
| City of Fond du Lac | $23 | 5-10 days | Current |
| City of Brookfield | $36 | 5-10 days | Current |
| City of New Berlin | $33 | 5-10 days | Current |
| City of Beloit | $21 | 5-10 days | Current |
| City of Greenfield | $32 | 5-10 days | Current |
| City of Franklin | $32 | 5-10 days | Current |
| City of Oak Creek | $32 | 5-10 days | Current |
| City of Manitowoc | $22 | 5-10 days | Current |
| City of West Bend | $26 | 5-10 days | Current |
| City of Sun Prairie | $29 | 5-10 days | Current |
| City of Fitchburg | $29 | 5-10 days | Current |
| City of Stevens Point | $22 | 5-10 days | Current |
| City of Neenah | $24 | 5-10 days | Current |
| City of Muskego | $32 | 5-10 days | Current |
| Village of Menomonee Falls | $33 | 5-10 days | Current |
| City of Mequon | $38 | 5-10 days | Current |
| Village of Pleasant Prairie | $30 | 5-10 days | Current |
| City of Marshfield | $21 | 5-10 days | Current |
| City of Wisconsin Rapids | $20 | 5-10 days | Current |
| City of Superior | $20 | 5-10 days | Current |
| City of De Pere | $26 | 5-10 days | Current |
| City of Menasha | $23 | 5-10 days | Current |
| City of Beaver Dam | $20 | 5-10 days | Current |
| City of Watertown | $22 | 5-10 days | Current |
| City of Two Rivers | $20 | 5-10 days | Current |
| Village of Grafton | $27 | 5-10 days | Current |
| City of Hartford | $23 | 5-10 days | Current |
| City of Baraboo | $20 | 5-10 days | Current |
| City of Platteville | $17 | 5-10 days | Current |
| City of River Falls | $22 | 5-10 days | Current |
Data note: Fees are sourced from official municipal fee schedules and verified periodically. Actual fees may vary based on project valuation and scope. Click any jurisdiction for the most current data and direct application links.
Frequently Asked Questions — General Business License
Do I need a business license in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin does not have a statewide general business license. However, many municipalities require one. Whether you need a license depends on your business type and location. You may also need state-level licenses for specific industries (e.g., food service, childcare, real estate). Check with both your municipality and the DSPS licensing database.
How much does a business license cost in Wisconsin?
Municipal business license fees in Wisconsin typically range from $25 to $300 per year. Fees vary by municipality and sometimes by business type. Some cities base fees on number of employees or gross receipts. The license must be renewed annually in most municipalities.
Managing permits across multiple jurisdictions?
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