APPLY FOR A Business License
Souix Falls, South Dakota

Important Information

Most businesses will not need a business license to transact business in the City of Sioux Falls. However, here are a few businesses or services that require compliance with city ordinances, a South Dakota Tax Number, payment of fees, and an approved application before they can operate in Sioux Falls:

CLICK HERE TO APPLY FOR A BUSINESS LICENSE IN Souix Falls 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.

• Auction Store/Auctioneer where goods or merchandise are sold at retail at a public auction. Fee is $100 for auction and $25 for auctioneer good for up to 10 days
•  Bowling Center requires a Flammable Finish permit $40, $100 application fee and fire inspection, and $24 fire inspection fee
• Circus/Carnival requires several fees including $100 per continuous engagement, $100 for General Electrical Inspection, $29 Fire Inspection Fee, $2 State Wiring Permit, $5 per ride or concession, $20 per generator or transformer
• Escort Service/Runner $150 application fee for the Escort Service and $100 per Escort/Escort Runner (includes police investigation fee)
• Fortune Teller/Clairvoyant/Other Related application fee of $35
• Ice/Roller Skating Rink $74 application fee (includes fire inspection fee)
• Livery license fee is $25 for first vehicle, $15 for second vehicle
• Pawn Broker/Special Metals/Gems Dealers license fee is $50 for Pawn Broker and $25 for Special Metals/Gems Dealer
• Shooting Gallery license fee is $74 per year or $39 per week (includes fire inspection fee)
• Sidewalk Use permits are $35 and besides the application, a Notification of Placement and Hold Harmless Form is required
• Motion Picture Theater license fees are based on seating capacity ($74 for 500 or less, $99 for 501-1,000, $124 for 1,001 to 1,500, $199 for 1,501 to 1,750, $224 for 1,751 to 2,000, $249 over 2,000)
• Bus, Motorbus, Limousine, Taxi Cab, and Wheelchair Transport license fee is $50 for the first vehicle, and $25 for additional vehicles. There are other forms that are required as well, they include the Vehicle For Hire Inspection Form, Taxi Fuel Surcharge Form, and certificates of proof of insurance
• Alcoholic Beverage licenses are more complicated and are divided into three categories, Retail, Package, and Special Events with several steps for what is required
• Peddlers license fee is $35 and strict compliance with the City of Sioux Falls Ordinance
• Charitable, Religious, and Educational Organizations no fee is required, but adherence to City of Sioux Falls Ordinance is important

 

What about home based businesses?
Home based businesses are allowed in the City of Sioux Falls, however, unless they fall under the above stated specialty businesses, they are not required to obtain a business license.

Where do we send the applications and fees?
For all questions or further information or to complete the applications for licenses or permits, contact:

            Sioux Falls Department of Finance
            City Hall
            Attn: Lorie Hogstad
224 West 9th Street
Sioux Falls, SD 57104
(605) 367-8860 or (605) 367-8082
Email lhogstad@siouxfalls.org
Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

What information is required to complete the application?
While each business type has its own application, the common requirements are:

• Name and physical address of business
• Contact information for owner
• License number for any required state licenses if applicable
• Check or money order for associated fees

Sioux Falls