What Is a Trade Licence?

• Health and safety: regulations

• Environmental: norms

• Zoning and land use: rules

• Fire safety: standards (for certain trades)

Who Needs a Trade Licence?

• Shops and retail stores: (grocery, clothing, electronics, etc.)

• Restaurants, cafés, and food stalls

• Manufacturing and factory units: (small and large)

• Warehouses and godowns

Step 1: Visit Your Municipal Corporation Portal

• Mumbai (BMC/MCGM):: mcgm.gov.in

• Bangalore (BBMP):: bbmponline.karnataka.gov.in

• Kolkata (KMC):: kolkatamc.gov.in

• Hyderabad (GHMC):: ghmc.gov.in

Step 2: Register or Log In

• Create a citizen account using your mobile number, email, and Aadhaar/PAN details

• Some portals support DigiLocker or Aadhaar-based OTP verification

• Log in to access the trade licence application section

Step 3: Select Application Type

• New trade licence: — for starting a new business

• Renewal: — for existing licences expiring or expired

• Amendment: — for changes in trade type, address, or ownership

• Transfer: — for ownership transfer of an existing licenced business

Step 4: Fill the Application Form

• Applicant details: — name, address, Aadhaar, PAN, contact information

• Business details: — trade name, type of activity, category

• Premises details: — address, area in sq. ft., ownership status (owned/rented)

• Number of employees: (some municipalities charge fees based on this)

Read the Full Guide

Complete guide to applying for a trade licence online in India. Learn the municipal corporation process, documents requi

Read on CitizenNest →