Arizona permit checklist
Every Arizona city has its own permit rules. Here's a starting checklist for the most common business types in the largest cities. This isn't legal advice — always verify with your city's licensing office before applying.
What every Arizona LLC needs
These steps apply regardless of which AZ city you're in.
- 1. Get your EIN (Employer Identification Number)
Free from the IRS. Required for opening a business bank account, filing taxes, and hiring employees. Takes about 10 minutes online if you have a Social Security Number or ITIN.
→ Apply at irs.gov/ein - 2. Register for Arizona TPT (Transaction Privilege Tax)
Arizona's version of sales tax. Most retail and service businesses must register before their first sale. Applies even if you're online-only and ship from AZ.
→ Register at aztaxes.gov - 3. File your AZ LLC publication notice (if required)
If your statutory agent address is OUTSIDE Maricopa or Pima County, you must publish a notice within 60 days of formation in an approved newspaper. Inside Maricopa/Pima — no publication needed.
→ Approved newspaper list (azcc.gov) - 4. Open a business bank account
Required for liability protection. Mixing personal and business funds can pierce your LLC's protection. Most AZ banks let you open one with your EIN and AZ Corporation Commission paperwork.
- 5. Get business insurance
General liability is standard. If you have employees, workers' comp is required by AZ law. If you drive for the business, commercial auto. Talk to a licensed broker — see our Vendors page.
→ AZ workers' comp info (ica.az.gov) - 6. Get your city/county business license + permits
This is the part that varies. Use the city guides below for the largest AZ cities. If you're in an unincorporated area, you typically deal with the county instead.
By city
Pick your city to see local permits.
Phoenix
Largest city in AZ — most permit categories.
License fee: No general business license required, but most regulated activities need a Privilege License.
- Phoenix Privilege (Sales Tax) License
Required for retail, restaurants, contractors, rentals, and most service businesses. $50 application fee + $24/year. Apply through the Phoenix Finance Department.
→ Phoenix Privilege License - Zoning Verification
Before signing a lease or buying property, verify your business activity is allowed at that address. Free check via Planning & Development.
→ Phoenix Zoning - Health Permit (food businesses)
Restaurants, food trucks, caterers, and packaged food retailers need a Maricopa County health permit + plan review. Plan ahead — review can take 4–8 weeks.
→ Maricopa County Environmental Services - Sign Permit
Required for almost any exterior sign over a few square feet. Fees vary. Apply through Planning & Development before installing.
- Fire Inspection (most physical locations)
Required for occupied commercial space. Phoenix Fire schedules an inspection after Certificate of Occupancy.
Don't see your city? Ask the AI Assistant — it covers permits across all of Arizona.
Don't want to figure this out yourself?
Our Permit Concierge service handles all your AZ permit applications for $299.
Get startedGeneral information, not legal advice. Always confirm with your city's licensing office before applying.