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Every city has different fees, deadlines, and penalties. Miss your filing window and penalties range from late-fee surcharges to four-figure fines — and operating unlicensed can mean forced closure. Search below to get the exact requirements for your location.
Not sure what you need? Get a free compliance assessment — our licensing experts will identify every requirement for your business.
Businesses operating in Vermont must comply with federal, state, and local licensing requirements. The specific licenses you need depend on your industry, entity type, and the cities where you maintain a physical presence or conduct business.
Most cities and counties require a general business license or business tax certificate to operate within their jurisdiction.
Register for sales tax, employer withholding, and any applicable state-level tax obligations before conducting business.
Regulated professions (legal, medical, engineering, accounting, real estate) require state-issued professional credentials.
Local zoning compliance, building permits, signage permits, and health department approvals may be required depending on your location and business type.
Certain industries require additional permits — food service, alcohol sales, firearms, transportation, child care, construction, and more.
Most business licenses must be renewed annually or biennially. Failure to renew on time can result in penalties and license revocation.
Operating without required licenses in Vermont can result in:
Vermont Secretary of State
| Fee | Amount | Period |
|---|---|---|
Short-Term Rental Registration Per unit per year. Effective May 1, 2025. Violation penalty: up to $400 per violation. | $100 | annual |
Restaurant / Snack Bar / Deli License City Clerk issued; expires annually. | $35 | annual |
Gas Station License City Clerk issued; expires annually. | $35 | annual |
Hotel / Motel License (40–69 rooms) City Clerk issued; expires annually. | $75 | annual |
Hotel / Motel License (70+ rooms) City Clerk issued; expires annually. | $100 | annual |
Theater / Night Club License City Clerk issued; expires annually. | $100 | annual |
Street Vendor License For vendors selling from stand, vehicle, or person on streets/sidewalks. | $250 | annual |
Weekend Vendor License For vendors operating weekends only. | $100 | annual |
Short-Term Rental License — Owner-Occupied Owner must establish Vermont residency; property cannot be rented more than 182 days/year. Renews July 1. | $250 | annual |
Short-Term Rental License — Non-Owner-Occupied Hard cap of 50 non-owner-occupied licenses citywide (set June 2025). Revenue supports Winooski Housing Trust Fund. Renews July 1. | $1,400 | annual |
Business License (on-time, by March 15) Required for ALL businesses including home-based and non-profits. Apply within 30 days of opening. Late fees: $75 (Mar 16–Apr 15), $175 (after Apr 15). | $50 | annual |
Home Business Permit Additional permit required for home-based businesses, through Planning Services Suite 202. Separate from the annual business license. | $100 | one-time |
Itinerant Vendor License Valid April 1–November 15. Apply by March 1. Requires Certificate of Insurance + State Health Permit. | $75 | annual |
Zoning Permit — Change of Use Per change of use application. | $50 | one-time |
Development Review Board Hearing — Residential Includes recording fees. | $150 | one-time |
Development Review Board Hearing — Non-Residential Includes recording fees. | $250 | one-time |
Short-Term Rental Permit — Owner-Occupied (Village) Base fee; per-bedroom surcharge applies ($250–$2,000 scaled). Village cap: 55 owner-occupied permits total. | $500 | annual |
Short-Term Rental Permit — Non-Owner-Occupied (Village) Base fee; per-bedroom surcharge applies. Village cap: 55 non-owner-occupied permits total. Operating without permit: $500–$800 first offense. | $1,000 | annual |
Short-Term Rental Registration (Village of Manchester) Applications due April 24 annually. Contact Village of Manchester Zoning at (802) 362-1515. | $300 | annual |
Commercial / Industrial Zoning Permit (minimum) Minimum $500 OR $0.50/sq ft, whichever is greater. Other uses: $85 minimum OR $0.50/sq ft. Home Occupation Permit: ~$115 total. | $500 | one-time |
Peddler's Permit $75/year or $25/quarter. Application available at town.williston.vt.us. No online submission — mail or in-person to 7878 Williston Road (The Annex). | $75 | annual |
Select a city to learn about local business license requirements. CLS provides licensing services in every Vermont jurisdiction.