Union, MO

Anytime you are charging fees or accepting payment for goods or services, or conducting any type of business within the city limits of Union, you are required to obtain a business license.  Additionally, all contractors working on projects within the City of Union are also required to obtain a business license prior to the issuance of the building permit with which they are involved, even if they are only contracted with that project for a very short amount of time.

The business license application fee is $50.00 if the business begins operation between May 1 and November 15.  Any business which begins operation on or after November 15 shall be charged an application fee of 50% of license fee.  

License fees are paid for the period May 1st through April 30th and must be renewed each year by May 1st for $50.00.  Failure to renew a business license is a ordinance violation and additional fines may be imposed through Municipal Court.  

Payments may be made by check payable to "City of Union" or paid online via Credit Card at https://www.municipalonlinepayments.com/unionmo/businesslicenses

In general, no business license is required, as long as proof is supplied that your organization is non-profit, such as a tax-exempt certificate from the State of Missouri.  However, for tracking purposes only, the Community Development Department asks that you complete and file an application; no fees will be charged if the business is non-profit.

Currently this section of the ordinance is under review.  Please call the City Clerk at 636-583-3600 if you are operating a business out of your home to determine if any license is needed.  

The City of Union allows many types of businesses to operate from a residence, as long as they comply with the restrictions placed on such businesses in the City Ordinance for Home Occupations.  Conditions placed on Home Occupations are necessary to protect the residential neighborhoods from being “commercialized”; therefore, holders of Home Occupation Licenses cannot have their customers come to their home to conduct business nor store any goods or equipment that is not normally found in a home. 

Other conditions apply, for more information please visit our Home Occupations page.  

Generally speaking, you will need a separate business license for each separate place of business.

Yes, if you are based within the city limits or are entering the city to conduct your business.  The City of Union and Franklin County are two separate jurisdictions.  Franklin County issues merchants licenses to retail and manufacturing businesses within the county.  For more information about Franklin County licensing requirements, call the County Clerk at 636-583-6353.

Some occupations are excluded by virtue of RSMo 71.620.  These include: gospel ministers and priests, teachers, lawyers, CPAs, and doctors. 

Additionally, insurance agents or brokers, veterinarians, architects, professional engineers, land surveyors, auctioneers, or real estate brokers or salesmen are only required to have a business license if they maintain an office in the city limits of Union.  

Whenever a business changes location, ownership, business name, or type of ownership (for example, changing from sole proprietorship to a corporation), you must re-submit a business license application reflecting the change.  Licenses are only valid for the person(s), partnership or corporation, location, or business name for which it is applied for and issued.  A change in ownership or a change in location will be treated as a new business, which will require the payment of a new application fee ($50.00).

All business licenses shall be renewed annually by May 1st for $50.00.  Renewal forms are mailed out in March, however it is the business owner's responsibility to renew the business license whether they receive a renewal form or not.  Please contact the Community Development Department  to request a copy of your renewal application.
Or complete this online renewal form.  Once processed, you will receive an email with payment instructions. 

Businesses of a temporary nature, such as mobile food carts, that operate less than 180 days in a calendar year, must apply for a vendor permit.  Please review our Vendor and Solicitor Licensing page.