APPLY FOR A Business License
Camden, New Jersey

Will I need a business license to operate my business in Camden, New Jersey?

Yes, if your business activity is not one of the noted business-specific licenses, then chances are that you will not have to gain any business licenses, although it is still wise to verify with the City of Camden as they may change their requirements. The licenses are:

All of these licenses can be found at Camden Licenses, please understand that this list is subject to change at any time. To verify, please contact the City of Camden City Clerk’s Office at (410) 260-7980.

What has to be done to have a business in Camden?

Anyone who wishes to open a business in Camden, New Jersey will need to find out if they will be required by the City of Camden obtain a business license, and in addition, you will be obligated to obtain several other permits or licenses that will need to be in place in order to commence business.  Each and every business will need to speak to a representative of the City of Camden about their business license, which can either be requested in person from the City Hall of Camden at:

 City of Camden
Bureau of Licenses and Inspections
City Hall
520 Market Street
Camden, NJ  08101

You can also print off the business license applications from the website New Jersey Camden Business License.  Once you have completed your applications and questionnaires, they should be brought in person to City Hall to receive planning approval.  You should check with the Municipal Clerk’s Office about what areas are zoned for your type of business, they are located at City Hall in Room 105. If your chosen location is not approved, you will need to complete an application from the Division of Planning, be prepared to wait as this approval of a previously unzoned area can take up to 3 months. After you obtain building and planning approval, you will bring your applications and proper identification to City Hall where you will pay applicable fees and or receive more information for additional licenses, permits, approvals that may be a requirement for your type of business.

What information is needed for a Camden business license application?

Yes, the business license applications are unique; one to another, however, the general information that will be needed remains the similar:

1. Your name
2. Your business name
3. Your full name
4. Date of birth
5. Sex, whether male or female, social security number, weight, eye color
6. Whether you are a United States citizen
7. Whether you have previously applied with the City of Camden or in New Jersey for a business license
8. Your mailing address
9. The physical address of your business
10. Business mailing address (if different from physical address) and contact  numbers, fax and email
11. Ownership information: a partnership, sole proprietor, a LLC or part of a larger corporation
12. Current contact information for all owners
13. Federal tax ID number, state seller’s permit, state tax number and contractor’s license number (as well as the State Sales Tax Certificate via photocopy)
14. If you are not the owner of the business location, their information and signature
15. There is a full page in which you will need to describe your business venture in detail
16. Signature and date

Note: It is important to ensure that every space is completed, if the application is incomplete, the business license will be rejected until you can remit an accurate, complete, copy. Furthermore, 3 passport size photographs of you (the applicant) must be submitted with the business license application. A copy of your social security card, fingerprints (obtained from the Camden Police Department, zoning approval and Certificate of Occupancy are all required to be included with the business license application. Additionally, your business license application must be sworn and subscribed by a notary public.

Must I pay for my Camden business license?

Yes, for an evaluation of what your projected fees will be, please contact the City of Camden Bureau of Licenses and Inspections at (856) 757-7131. So many factors are assessed for the total fee you will need to pay, as such, the City of Camden requests that you call them directly so that you will have accurate information, this is why most of the fees are not all published online. Camden business license fees range from $25 to $1,206.12, but there may be other fees in addition to this.

How long will my Camden business license be valid?

Business licenses are typically valid between 6 months and 1 year.

Do you need a business license if your business is home-based in Camden?


Everyone who wishes to have a home business must find out if they will be required to obtain a Camden business license the business license list is found at Camden Business License. In addition to applying for the business license you need to remit your home property location information to the Division of Planning.   The required application can be obtained at Division of Planning Camden Business License:

City of Camden
Division of Planning
City Hall
520 Market Street
Camden, NJ  08101

 

This will be completed by anyone wishing to host their business from home. You will also be required to complete information for the Fire Department and get fingerprinted at the Police Department. You should be aware that a background check is also a possibility.

If I need more information, whom shall I contact?

Contact the Bureau of Licenses and Inspections for more information or to discuss any questions regarding business licenses.  They can be reached via telephone at (856) 757-7131. Alternately, you may want to visit them in person at:

City of Camden
Bureau of Licenses and Inspections
City Hall
520 Market Street, Room 220
P.O. Box 95120
Camden, NJ  08101

 Also, you may explore the How to Open a Camden Business website for more information. This website location contains a step-by-step guide for new business owners, the City of Camden recommends that you read this information thoroughly. The hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 8:00am to 5:00pm.

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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.