City of detroit license renewal

Below are the expiration dates for business licenses applicable to specific business types:

CYCLE 1: Expires 12-31

CYCLE 2: Expires 1-30

CYCLE 4: Expires 3-31

CYCLE 7: Expires 6-30

CYCLE 10: Expires 9-30

CYCLE 11: Expires 10-31

Business License – Required Approvals Checklist

Thank you for your interest in operating a business within the City of Detroit. This is a checklist to help you identify the necessary inspections, clearances, approvals required for obtaining your business license. Before attempting to use this checklist, you need to either have an existing or apply for a new business license. If you are applying for a business license the first time you should refer to the “Business License Initial Application Guide.”

  1. Customers can initiate the renewal process by contacting the Licensing & Permits office via phone a 313-224-3179, by email at [email protected], or in person at C.A.Y.M.C., 2 Woodward Ave, Suite 402. You will be provided an invoice for your business license fee and a link to remit payment. The invoice must be paid to begin the renewal process.
  2. Licensing & Permits will provide you with a checklist of required approvals based on your business type. Schedule all required inspections and apply for all required clearances.
  3. Keep record of all inspections and clearances. Licensing & Permits will receive and review all clearances and inspections. You will receive a business license from Licensing & Permits once all approvals are secured.


Sec. 28-1-14. – Issuance of license; payment of assessments, fees, and taxes prerequisite to issuance of license.
(a) Subject to any requirements of state law and the provisions of this Code concerning the issuance and renewal of licenses to operate within the City, upon receipt of the requisite departmental approvals and proof of any issuance cover or surety bond that may be required by this Code for the particular businesses, a license shall be issued to the applicant.
(b) A license issued under this article shall not be issued to, or renewed for, any applicant owing any assessments, fees, or taxes to the City.

Required Approvals