APPLY FOR A Business License
Fort Wayne, Indiana

Looking to start a business in Fort Wayne, Indiana and need a business license?

The City of Fort Wayne does not have a general business license. If you are looking to begin a business now, or soon in the future you should know that the City of Fort Wayne demands business licenses and business permits from only certain types of business activities. At this point in time, the following are permits and licenses are issued by the City of Fort Wayne:
State of Indiana:

Alarm Business License	(call the City of Fort Wayne at 260-427-1234)
Special Parade Permit	(call the Right of Way Permit Office 260-427-1144)
Barricade Permit	( call the Right of Way Permit Office 260-427-1144)
Special Event Permit	Begins at $25, Right of Way Office determines remainder of fee
Food Service Permit	(call the Allen County Health Department 260-449-7562 or visit Allen County Health Dept.)
Transient Vendor’s Permit	(call the City of Fort Wayne at 260-427-1234)
Massage Permit	(call the City of Fort Wayne at 260-427-1234)
Transient Merchant Alcohol Carnival Permit	(call the City of Fort Wayne at 260-427-1234)
Tattoo and Body Piercing Permit	(call the Allen County Health Department 260-449-7562 or visit Allen County Health Dept.)
Transient Accommodation	(call the Allen County Health Department 260-449-7562 or visit Allen County Health Dept.)
Truck Permit, Local	(call the City of Fort Wayne at 260-427-1234)
Valuable Metals Permit	(call the City of Fort Wayne at 260-427-1234)

                                            

You may visit http://www.cityoffortwayne.org/residents/193-eservices-.htm for the current list.

Right of Way Permit Office
Business Development and Permit Center
200 East Berry Street
Suite 320
Fort Wayne, IN 46802
Fax: (260) 427-1132
 (260) 427-1144
Fax: (260) 427-1356

What should I do for an Alcohol License in Indiana?

First, you will need to contact the State of Indiana and find out whether or not you will be able to open a liquor store. Licensing at the local level is not a requirement in order to run an alcoholic serving establishment.  You will need to discover whether or not you will be able to open a liquor store. Per state law, one liquor license can be issued per a specific population density that does change after voting on occasion. You may call the State of Indiana Department of Taxation for information regarding whether or not you will be permitted to own or operate a liquor store or establishment, call (317) 232-2430. 

Visit the state’s website for details http://www.in.gov/atc/2458.htm. Next, you will need call and request that the application be mailed or faxed to you at: (817) 652-5912. Some cities require their own permitting for alcoholic beverages along with the state, the City of Fort Wayne does not have an alcohol license unless it is for a special event. You can find the application for Fort Wayne as well visit their webpage that contains the application:

http://www.cityoffortwayne.org/residents/193-eservices-.htm.

Indiana Alcohol & Tobacco Commission
Indiana Government Center South, Room E-114
302 West Washington Street
Indianapolis, IN 46204
(317) 232-2430
Fax: (317) 234-1520

 

What should be done to operate a Fort Wayne special event?

You will need to completely fill out the City of Fort Wayne Special Event Application, it is important to note that this application must be completed and filed with the city at least two full weeks prior to the event itself.

The application can be found at: Fort Wayne Permit. The cost of the event itself will be determined by the City of Fort Wayne, for they will have to supply officers, barricades, etc., they may be reached at (260) 427-1144.

Right of Way Permit Office
Business Development and Permit Center
200 East Berry Street
Suite 320
Fort Wayne, IN 46802
Fax: (260) 427-1132

 

What costs will those who apply for any business permits in Fort Wayne, Indiana need to pay?

The fees associated with obtaining necessary permits range from $20-$4,000 approximately, please call the City of Fort Wayne for further details:

Alarm Business License	Call Business Development and Permit Center
Special Parade Permit	Begins at $25, Right of Way Office determines of fee
Barricade Permit	Begins at $25, Right of Way Office determines remainder of fee
Special Event Permit	Begins at $25, Right of Way Office determines remainder of fee
Food Service Permit	Call Allen County Health Department
Transient Vendor’s Permit	$25
Massage Permit	Call Business Development and Permit Center
Transient Merchant Alcohol Carnival Permit	Call Business Development and Permit Center
Tattoo and Body Piercing Permit	$25
Transient Accommodation	Begins at $300 Health Department
Truck Permit, Local	Call Business Development and Permit Center
Valuable Metals Permit	Call Business Development and Permit Center

Are there any programs to assist business owners in Fort Wayne, Indiana?

Yes. The City of Fort Wayne Business Development and Permit Center offers programs in the form of guidance and financial assistance through both grants and loans. Please contact for (206) 427-1127 further details. You may also visit the city’s webpage at Fort Wayne Business. For the ease of prospective business owners who desire to begin a business in Fort Wayne, the city has created a step-by-step guide, “Steps to Starting a Business.” This guide can be found directly on the city’s webpage at http://www.cityoffortwayne.org/steps-to-starting-a-business.html. In even greater detail, the city has created a pamphlet entitled Permits, Licenses and Taxes: Starting a Business.

What information will be needed for the City of Fort Wayne permits and licenses?

If you are one of the specified businesses in which a permit is required, you will need these details:

1. Applicant Name
2. Business Name
3. Applicant’s Phone Number and Address
4. Business Owner’s Name
5. Business Owner’s Number and Address
6. Name of Person in Charge of Solicitation, if applicable
7. If Solicitor’s Permit, whether or not the FDA has declared any of the proposed products to be harmful
8. Business Service Specifics, ex: What Type of Food Will be Served? Etc.
9. Driver’s License Numbers for both Applicant and Business Owner
10. Business Type: Individual or Sole Proprietor, Corporation, Partnership or Other
11. Business Website Address
12. Date Business Will Commence
13. Number of Excepted Employees
14. Expected Employees’ Information such as Numbers and Driver’s License Numbers
15. Certification from the Planning and Zoning Commission
16. Signatures of both the Applicant and Business Owner

Will those who apply need other licenses or permits or verification of any kind in Fort Wayne?

Yes. It is a requirement to have your business property inspected by the Planning and Community Development Department. They verify that your chosen property conforms to all of the City Ordinances for your business type and for safety. To contact the Planning and Community Development Department you may call (260)427-1140. Please have all of your specifics with you regarding the location of your building, age, dimensions, and the like. Additionally, you may visit their website at http://www.cityoffortwayne.org/community-development-planning-a-policy-dept.html. A Certificate of Occupancy must be issued prior to the commencement of your business.

       Department of Planning and Community Development
       Planning and Policy Office
       Citizens Square, Suite 150
       200 East Berry Street
       (260)-427-1129 or (260)-449-7607

 

Any further questions?

You may contact the City of Fort Wayne at (206) 427-1127. The City of Fort Wayne hours of operation are Monday through Friday, between the hours of 7:30am to 4:00pm. The first question contains other essential phone numbers you may need. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday 8:00am to 5:00pm.

City of Fort Wayne
Business Development and Permit Center
200 East Berry Street
Suite 320
Fort Wayne, IN 46802
Fax: (260) 427-1132

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Disclaimer: This site is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial or tax advise. The information on this site should not be relied upon as an official source of information and should be independently verified.