Business Licenses

The City of Dubuque does not currently require a license for most standard businesses, however, business licenses are required for the following:

Secondhand Dealer

Person who purchases or receives used goods or materials for the purpose of resale. Licenses expire on January 31 of each year and have an annual fee of $75.

Pawn Broker

Person who makes loans or advancements upon pawn, pledge, or deposit of personal property or who receives personal property as security for a loan. Licenses expire on January 31 of each year and have an annual fee of $75.

Junk/Salvage Sales

Buying or receiving old or scrap metals, motorized vehicles, or parts thereof, or tires for resale in whole or in part as junk or as used parts. Licenses expire on January 31 of each year and have an annual fee of $75.

Secondhand Dealer, Pawn Broker, Junk & Salvage Sales application and ordinance.
Please note: Secondhand Dealers, Pawn Brokers, and Junk/Salvage Sales are required by ordinance to provide an electronic transaction of all articles of any kind purchased or received using the City's electronic reporting system. This system is called LeadsOnline.

Adult Entertainment Establishment Business License Application and Ordinance

A commercial establishment which, as one of its principal business activities, offers for sale or rental for any form of consideration any one or more of the following: books, magazines, periodicals or other printed matter, or photographs, films, motion pictures, videocassettes, compact discs, digital video discs, slides, or other visual representations.

Solicitor's License (Peddler, Transient Merchant, Door-to-Door Sales)

Offering or exposing goods, wares, merchandise, products, or services for sale or taking orders for future delivery. Minimum of 60 days with a fee of $100 and a maximum of 180 days with a fee of $300.

Solicitor's License application and ordinance

Taxicab Business

Any business that operates a motor vehicle in the transportation of persons and who receives compensation for this service. Licenses expire on March 31 of each year and have an annual fee of $15 per license and $30 per vehicle.

Taxi Business License application and ordinance

Taxi Driver Permit Application and Ordinance

Any person who is employed by a Taxicab Business and operates a motor vehicle in the transportation of persons. Permits expire on December 31 of each year and have an annual fee of $10.

Taxi Driver Permit application and ordinance

Non-Motorized Driver Permit Application and Ordinance

In-Home Businesses

An in-home business does not require a business license, but it must follow zoning regulations. For questions and more information on zoning requirements for in-home businesses, contact the City of Dubuque Planning Services Department.

Guidelines for Home-Based Businesses

Thinking of starting a new business in Dubuque? We are here to help!

Fill out this form to send some basic information to the City.

Many City departments are involved when a new business opens in Dubuque.