Apply for a Going Out of Business License

1. Check your eligibility

To get a Going Out of Business License, make sure you have a valid driver's license and don't owe money to the City. We're unable to issue you a business license if you don't meet these requirements.

UNSURE IF YOU OWE?

• Check if you owe court fees, property taxes or parking tickets. Call the Treasurer's Office at 616-456-3020
• Check if you owe taxes to the City. Call the Income Tax Department at 616-456-3415

Check before submitting your application to avoid long delays in processing your license.

2. Gather your information

The following information for ALL owners, partners or corporate officers:

• Name
• Address
• Last 4 digits of Social Security number
• Driver's license or State ID number
• Date of birth
• E-mail address

You'll also need an inventory list that includes the following:

• Itemized list of goods to be sold. The list must be sufficient for clear identification of the goods
• Separate list of goods purchased 60 days or less immediately prior to the date of the application
• Cost price of each item, name and address of the source, date of purchase and delivery date
• No goods may be added after the application is filed or after the sale has begun. 

Have questions? Give us a call at the number listed in the Contact Us section of this page.

3. Have your payment ready

There is a $50 license application fee. Your license is good for 30 days. You can renew your license up to 2 times for the same $50 fee. Application fees are non-refundable.

Here's a look at our accepted payment methods:

MAILED PAYMENTS

• Check
• Money order

IN PERSON PAYMENTS

• Cash
• Check
• Money order
• Credit or debit cards (Visa, Discover, or MasterCard)

4. Download and print the application

Fill out the PDF application and return it to us by mail or in person.

Download Application in English

5. Mail or drop off your completed application

Make sure you have the appropriate payment ready. Refer to step 4 for accepted payment methods.

6. We'll review your application

It takes us 5-10 business days to process applications. Keep in mind that it may take longer to process your application if we find that you need to make changes. We'll call or email you to let you know that your license is ready. You can either pick it up from the office or we'll mail it to you. 

Your license should be prominently displayed in the store.

1. Check your eligibility

To get a Going Out of Business License, make sure you have a valid driver's license and don't owe money to the City. We're unable to issue you a business license if you don't meet these requirements.

UNSURE IF YOU OWE?

• Check if you owe court fees, property taxes or parking tickets. Call the Treasurer's Office at 616-456-3020
• Check if you owe taxes to the City. Call the Income Tax Department at 616-456-3415

Check before submitting your application to avoid long delays in processing your license.

2. Gather your information

The following information for ALL owners, partners or corporate officers:

• Name
• Address
• Last 4 digits of Social Security number
• Driver's license or State ID number
• Date of birth
• E-mail address

You'll also need an inventory list that includes the following:

• Itemized list of goods to be sold. The list must be sufficient for clear identification of the goods
• Separate list of goods purchased 60 days or less immediately prior to the date of the application
• Cost price of each item, name and address of the source, date of purchase and delivery date
• No goods may be added after the application is filed or after the sale has begun. 

Have questions? Give us a call at the number listed in the Contact Us section of this page.

3. Have your payment ready

There is a $50 license application fee. Your license is good for 30 days. You can renew your license up to 2 times for the same $50 fee. Application fees are non-refundable.

Here's a look at our accepted payment methods:

IN PERSON PAYMENTS

• Cash
• Check
• Money order
• Credit or debit cards (Visa, Discover, or MasterCard)

4. Visit our office to apply

Visit us on the 2nd floor of City Hall. Our address is in the Contact Us section of this page. We'll get you an application and answer all of your questions about the process. Make sure you have your payment ready. You can see our accepted payment methods in step 4 above.

5. We'll review your application

It takes us 5-10 business days to process applications. Keep in mind that it may take longer to process your application if we find that you need to make changes. We'll call or email you to let you know that your license is ready. You can either pick it up from the office or we'll mail it to you. 

Your license should be prominently displayed in the store.