Occupational License

Required Steps Prior to Applying

A. Confirm that your proposed business is allowed at the location.

• Property Viewer: Determine what uses are allowed per the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance. 
• Prohibited Tobacco Sales Areas

B. Confirm on the    One Stop location has a Certificate of Occupancy for the proposed use.

If your business will be a different type than the prior business a building permit will be required. If no work is necessary, simply apply for a Non-Structural Renovation and note the change of use in the permit description section of the application. 

• All building permit applications can be filed online at the One Stop App.
  • Read about Non-Structural Renovation permit requirements.
  • Read about Structural Renovation permit requirements.
  • Read about New Construction permit requirements.

C. File a Name Reservation with the LA Secretary of State

Required Documents

Upload the Following Documents to the One Stop application

1. ​State Issued ID: A copy of a driver's license or other state issued ID for the business owner and/or agent.
2. Business Description: Provide a detailed business description & include your NAICS Code. The description should include:
   • Information on the types of products sold, services provided, or products manufactured.
   • If products are sold, whether they are sold retail or wholesale.
   • If food products are sold, how items are sold (in person or online).
3. Secretary of State Documents: 
   • Provide current business filing from the Louisiana Secretary of State website.
   • The business should have an "active" status. For more information on registering a business with the State of Louisiana, please visit Geaux Biz.
   • To search current business filings, please visit the Louisiana Secretary of State's business search page.
4. Site & Floor Plans. Plans should include all space to be utilized by the business including all rooms labeled with dimensions, any major fixtures associated with the use (seating, kitchen equipment etc...). The plans can be a sketch and does not need to be architectural plans but needs to provide the relevant information.
5. Any Additional Requirements. Depending on the type and location of the business, there may be additional requirements.
   • View the requirements for new restaurants.
   • View the requirements for home based businesses.

After you Receive your Approval:

1. Temporary Occupational License: The Temp OL will automatically be generated and be available for download from the One Stop App.  
2. Amended Return Form: See Page 2 of the Temp OL packet: The form must be completed within the first 40 days of operation and submitted to the Bureau of Revenue. After the Amended Return Form is submitted to the Bureau of Revenue an Occupational License placard will be provided by the Bureau of Revenue.
3. Renewal of the Occupational License: All Occupational Licenses (OL) expire annual on December 31th and is renewable annually. To renew your OL, please us this website. 

Apply now

Need to RENEW your existing license? Please visit the Occupational License Renewal page.

RENEWALS: An Occupational or General Business license renewal is required all businesses. Renew online or fill out the form (Form 8030) here and return it to the Bureau of Revenue at City Hall.

Department of Finance Tax Tables

• Fees are based on the type of business license you need to obtain. Click here for the fee schedule and business descriptions.

You May Also Need

• Alcoholic Beverage License
• Live Entertainment License 
• Sidewalk Use Permit (sidewalk cafes, A-Frame signs & EV Chargers)
• Amended Occupational License Form
• Licensing Dashboard

User Guides

Guide to doing business in New Orleans