A Guide to the City of Greensboro, NC Business License

September 11, 2025

If you’re planning on operating a business within Greensboro, you may have to apply for a business privilege license or a business permit from the city. While the state of North Carolina has specific licenses for different types of businesses (no general NC business license exists), the city of Greensboro also has specific permitting and licensing requirements that some businesses will need to meet.

Before launching your company, review our guide to the city of Greensboro’s NC business licenses to make sure you’re covered legally.

What Business Licenses Does the City of Greensboro Issue to Business Owners?

While you can find more specific permits (e.g., those for food trucks) on Greensboro’s Permits & Licenses page, business privilege licenses and business permits are the two main licenses the city of Greensboro issues to local companies.

What Is Greensboro’s Business Privilege License?

The business privilege license in Greensboro, NC, is a required authorization for certain types of businesses operating within the city’s limits. Specifically, it applies to businesses such as taxicabs and those involved in the sale of beer and/or wine.

The license must be obtained before beginning business operations, and its renewal is annual.

What to Know About Greensboro’s Privilege Licenses

For more details on Greensboro’s privilege licenses, review the following information:

  • Required for: Taxi cabs, and businesses that sell wine or beer within Greensboro’s corporate limits
  • Coverage periods: July 1 – June 30 (Taxicabs); May 1 – April 30 (Beer/Wine retailers)
  • Renewal deadlines: July 1 for taxicabs; May 1 for beer/wine sales.
  • Penalties: 5% late fee per month (up to 25%) and possible retroactive taxes if operating without a license.
  • Fees: $5–$15 for most beer/wine licenses, $15 for taxicabs, and up to $62.50 for wholesale beer & wine.
  • Multiple licenses: An additional 10% fee for each extra license under the same owner.

How to Apply for a Business Privilege License in Greensboro

New businesses must fill out and submit a Privilege License Application to the city of Greensboro. While you can fill out a hard copy, they have an easy online submission system for applications.

Once you’ve completed the application and submitted it, you can pay for your privilege license at the City’s Collections Division in the Melvin Municipal Office Building.

If you already have a business privilege license, you only need to pay for a license renewal. Renewal payments for beer/wine privilege licenses are due May 1, while those for taxicabs are due July 1.

What Is Greensboro’s Business Permit?

The Business Permit is a required authorization for specific types of businesses operating within Greensboro, NC. It applies to peddlers, itinerant merchants, mobile food vendors, commercial solicitors, and massage businesses that are physically located within city limits.

What to Know About Greensboro’s Business Permits

For more details on Greensboro’s business permits, review the following information:

  • Required for: Peddlers, itinerant merchants, mobile food vendors, commercial solicitors, and massage businesses.
  • Coverage period: July 1 – June 30 each year.
  • Renewal deadline: July 1 annually.
  • Fees: Free for most permits; $50 annual fee for mobile food vendors.
  • Application timing: Must be obtained before or on the first day of business operation.
  • Enforcement: Businesses without the proper permit risk revocation of the permit or business closure.

How to Apply for a Business Permit in Greensboro

New and existing businesses that need a business permit should submit their application via the online business permit application. If you’d like to fill out the application by hand, you can visit the Melvin Municipal Office Building (Room 11, UG Level) or call the City’s Collections Division at 336-373-2501 to receive an application and permit.

These applications must be submitted before or on the first day of your business operation. The accepted application will cover the period of July 1 through June 30, with renewals due on July 1 each year.

Difference Between Business Permits and Business Privilege Licenses

The business privilege license is a tax requirement for alcohol sales and taxi operations, while the business permit is a regulatory safeguard for specific business types with more oversight needs.

The business privilege license applies specifically to taxicabs and businesses that sell beer or wine. It is essentially a local tax on these business activities, with fees that vary depending on whether the business sells beer, wine, or both, and whether it’s wholesale or retail. Operating without this license can result in retroactive taxes and monetary penalties.

In contrast, the business permit applies to businesses that require closer oversight because of their type of activity. Unlike the privilege license, most permits are free, with the exception of a $50 fee for mobile food vendors.

Instead of functioning as a tax, the business permit is designed to ensure compliance with zoning, public safety, and infrastructure use. Failing to obtain this permit can lead to business closure rather than financial penalties.

Greensboro Business License vs. Business Permit Chart

How Can I Find Out If North Carolina Has Any Business Licenses Required for My Business?

While not all businesses will need a license from the state of North Carolina, there’s a good chance your business likely requires one. Fortunately, you can quickly check if your business requires a license issued by the state via NC BOLD.

You can also review our guide to starting a business in NC to make sure all your bases are covered.

Take Your Business to the Next Level With the Greensboro Chamber of Commerce

Whether you’re opening up your first business or working on your fifth, the Greensboro Chamber of Commerce can help. We run a variety of entrepreneurship programs to give new business owners the resources and know-how they need to launch their business. Alongside these programs, business owners can take advantage of our networking events, talent development resources, and mentorship opportunities.

Learn more about how we can serve your business today.

We know and grow Greensboro.