Register with the City of Philadelphia
Many professionals and their employers are responsible for registering with the City of Philadelphia by obtaining licenses to conduct business operations and perform construction operations.
Click here for a catalog of licenses issued by Licenses + Inspections (L+I). Here you can search for the license or permit you need, or access helpful guides applicable to all businesses as well as your specific business type. You can also find information on State and Federal regulations, incentives, and city taxes.
Obtaining and Renewing Licenses Online
Licenses can be obtained or renewed online using eCLIPSE, Licenses + Inspections Electronic Commercial Licensing, Inspection and Permit Services Enterprise System (eCLIPSE).
For license fees, see What are the current L+I fees for licenses and permits and zoning?
You will need to be prepared to perform the following steps in order to obtain or renew licenses online using eCLIPSE:
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Associate an Activity License with your eCLIPSE account to manage all new and existing business license activity and make new trade license application
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Associate an existing trade license to manage license activity, including renewal. You will need the online identifier provided on your next trade license renewal invoice.
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Make a payment
Ready to go?
Click here to register for an eCLIPSE account and renew your license online.
Permits & Certificates
Permits or certificates may also be required for certain activities, especially for construction. See our section on Permits and Certificates for more detail or browse our catalog of permits and certificates.
All Businesses
Commercial Activity License
Residential Property-Based Businesses
Rental
Vacant Property
High Rise
Private Dumpster
Trades:
Contractor License
Curb Setter License
Demolition Contractor License
Electrical Contractor License
Electrical Inspector License
Electrical Inspection Agency License
Engineer License
Expediter License
Fire Alarm Systems Inspector License
Fire Suppression Systems Apprentice
Fire Suppression System Worker
Fire Suppression System Contractor License
Home Inspection License
Plumber (Apprentice) License
Plumber (Journeyman) License
Plumber (Master) License
Sheet Metal (Apprentice) License
Sheet Metal (Technician) License
Special Inspector License
Special Inspection Agency License
Commercial Property-Based Businesses
Parking Lot/Garage
Motor Vehicle Repair
Special Assembly Occupancy
Vacant Commercial
Auto Wrecking/Junk Yard
High Rise
Private Dumpster
Food Businesses
Food Preparing and Serving, Caterer
Food Establishment (Retail, Non-Perm.)
Food Establishment (Retail, Perm Loc, up to 5,000 Sq. Ft.)
Food Establishment (Retail, Perm Loc, over 5,000 Sq. Ft.)
Food Manufacturer, Wholesale Processed
Food Preparing and Serving (up to 29 seats)
Food Preparing and Serving (more than 29 seats)
Vending Businesses
Neighborhood Vending District
Center City Vendor
Pushcart Vendor
Sidewalk Sales
Special Vending
Motor Vehicle
Foot Vendor
Additional Right-of-Way-Based Businesses
Curb Market
Sidewalk Café
Hand Bill 
