If conducting business from a permanently fixed location, you must have a business license to operate in Draper. All applications are made on the Online Services Portal. If you are new to the portal click the yellow Register button (you do not need a registration code unless you are renewing an existing license). Once your account is verified, click on the Apply card, and Licenses under the search box. Select the appropriate license to learn more about the license type, application process, and required documentation.
Business Licensing
The Business Licensing Division issues commercial, home occupation, alcohol, special event, and solicitor licenses. It also manages renewals.
Follow these steps to renew your business license online:
- Access the Online Services Portal. If you are new to the portal, please register for an account. The courtesy renewal reminder email/letter contains your registration code.
- Once you are logged in, click on the Renew (yellow license) icon and choose the license in need of renewal. (If you don't see your license there, try looking under Your Items [blue folder] icon on the main page and locate the license with the Renew button). Complete the renewal application. (NOTE: Applications time out, so please save your progress if you need to step away from the application).
- Once the application is submitted and reviewed, you will receive an email notifying you to pay any applicable fees. We may also request additional documentation.
- After the invoice is paid, all documentation is received, and approval is given by all relevant city departments and divisions, the business license will be sent via email. You may also find and print your license by going to Your Items, clicking to View the appropriate license, and clicking the Documents tab.
Please allow one week of processing time. Contact our office with any questions.
Payments for business licenses may be done through the Online Services Portal. You will need to create an account to access the portal. (If you need a registration code please contact the Business License Official). Once logged onto the portal, click on the Your Items (blue folder) icon and click on Pay Fees on the appropriate business license.
Payments may also be made by sending a check to City Hall at 1020 E Pioneer Rd (Attn: Business Licensing) or by phone at 801-576-6501. Please make sure you have the invoice number handy before calling.
For more information on the business licensing fees Draper charges, please reference the Consolidated Fee Schedule.
Note, late fees are charged if a license is renewed passed the expiration date. The fee amount depends on how late the renewal is made and is calculated as a percentage of the original amount due.
| Commercial Licenses | Alcohol Licenses |
| 1-30 days late: 25% penalty | 1-45 days late: grace period |
| 31-60 days late: 50% penalty | 46-75 days late: 25% penalty |
| 61-90 days late: 75% penalty | More than 75 days late: 100% penalty |
| More than 90 days late: 100% penalty |
Frequently Asked Questions
Commercial: All commercial businesses with a permanently fixed physical location within Draper need a business license.
Home Occupation: If you engage in any home occupation business, you are required to maintain a valid, unexpired business license unless you are (1) under the age of 18 and conducting business only occasionally; or (2) already hold a business license (or work for a company which holds a business license) in Draper or another U.S. city AND a Home Occupation Conditional Use Permit is NOT required to operate the business. Please contact our Planning and Development team to learn more about Conditional Use Permits.
Alcohol: All businesses with a state license with the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Services also need a city alcohol license.
Special Event: Any event (defined as any temporary athletic, entertainment, filming, political, or outdoor sales event) where taxable sales occur through either the charging of admission or individual vendor sales requires a Special Event license.
Solicitor: All solicitors and peddlers need a Solicitor license unless the solicitation is (1) invited; (2) noncommercial in nature (e.g. religious or political activities); (3) done on behalf of a state-regulated charitable organization; or (4) leafletting with no person-to-person contact.
My business is mobile. Do I need a business license?
Mobile businesses which are based elsewhere and are simply working in Draper on a temporary business (e.g. plumbers, contractors, home health aides, etc.) do not need a business license. However, if you operate a mobile retail business (e.g. food truck, ice cream truck, vending cart, etc.) a license is required unless the business already holds a valid license issued by a government entity in Utah. Usually, mobile food venders will get a business license from the government entity in which their commissary kitchen is located.
The cost of the license depends on the type (e.g. commercial, home occupation, alcohol, etc.) and a host of other factors. Please refer to the Consolidated Fee Schedule for further information.
Note, home occupations licenses are free of charge and nonprofits do not have to pay any license fees.
Late fees are charged if a license is renewed passed the expiration date. The fee amount depends on how late the renewal is made and is calculated as a percentage of the original amount due.
| Commercial Licenses | Alcohol Licenses |
| 1-30 days late: 25% penalty | 1-45 days late: grace period |
| 31-60 days late: 50% penalty | 46-75 days late: 25% penalty |
| 61-90 days late: 75% penalty | More than 75 days late: 100% penalty |
| More than 90 days late: 100% penalty |
How long is the business license good for?
All license types are valid for up to one year. If you desire to operate for 180 days or less, there is an option to obtain a temporary Commercial business license at less cost. We also issue Single Event Alcohol licenses for up to the three days.
Are business licenses transferable between locations?
No. If changing locations within Draper, please complete a new business license application on the Online Services Portal.
Our business has a new name or owner. How do I update the business license?
If the business changes its name and/or owner and is issued a new Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN), please access the Online Services Portal to apply for a new business license.
If the business changes its name and/or owner but is keeping its Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN), please complete an Owner/Name Change Application. If the license is set to expire within 60 days, please renew your license on the Online Services Portal (in lieu of the Owner/Name Change Application) where you will be able to change the business name and owner information.