City of Surprise Business License FAQ

Business License FAQ

Who needs to have a business license?: Surprise City Code requires any person who practices, transacts or carries on any business within the municipal limits of the city to obtain a city business license. This requirement includes businesses within the municipal limits of Surprise and those who may be physically located outside of the municipal limits but enter the city to conduct business or perform services.

How can I get a business license?: Applications can be obtained either online on the Business License Application Forms page or in person at the Surprise Tax & Licensing Office City Offices 16000 N Civic Center Plaza, or an application can be mailed by calling 623.222.1836.

How much will the business license cost?

Business license costs vary, depending on the type of business. For more information, see the fee schedule, call 623. 222.1836 - or eMail.

For more information on City licensing, please review Chapter 26 Article II of the Surprise Municipal Code.

How can I get a Liquor License?: Liquor Licenses are handled jointly through the City Clerk’s Office and the Arizona Department of Liquor License and Control.

Do I need a business license to have a garage sale?: Yard/garage sales, held on residential property, are considered casual sales therefore a business license is not required.

How long is a business license good for?: The city license is only valid for the calendar year in which it was issued.

How long does it take to get a business license?: The licensing process can take up to five (5) days from the date of submittal. Processing includes routing through Building Safety, Zoning, and Police Departments, and finally back to the Tax and Licensing Division. Notification of results will be mailed to the applicant. To avoid delays in processing your application, please complete all applicable forms, submit all requested documentation and fees jointly with your application.

I've sold my business, what do I do with my license?: Cancel your license by sending written notice to the city as soon as the sale is final. The business license is non-transferable between owners. New owners must apply for their own license and pay any applicable fees.

I operate the same business at two different locations – can one license cover this?: No. A person engaged in or conducting one or more businesses at two or more locations or under two or more business names shall procure a license for each location or business name. A “location” is a place of a separate business establishment.

I use different names to advertise/operate my business – do I need more than one license?: Yes. A person engaged in or conducting one or more businesses at two or more locations or under two or more business names shall procure a license for each location or business name. A “location” is a place of a separate business establishment.

How long does it take to get my license once I’ve turned in my application?: Standard processing time is less than 5 days.

Why does it take so long?: All businesses located in Surprise are required to comply with all zoning, building and fire codes. Businesses also must comply with Surprise’s zoning requirements for home occupation, if operating a business within the home. Certain businesses may also be subject to the requirements of the Arizona Department of Health Services, Department of Revenue, Registrar of Contractors, or state and federal regulatory offices. By reviewing your application we can ensure that your business is in compliance with city codes, state and federal requirements.

How do I renew my license?: A renewal notice will be mailed to you in November. Business License renewal fees are due on December 31 or the designated date listed on the renewal form.

Do you charge penalty fees?

Yes. We charge the following types of penalties:

Failure to apply timely (within 30 days of start of business) will result in a penalty fee assessed in the amount of 50% of the total amount due per account.
Failure to pay by a specified due date will result in a penalty fee assessed in the amount of 25% of the base rate.
Written Notice and Demand – A business owner who fails or refuses to apply for a business license within 30 days of having received a written notice of demand letter from the Finance department will result in a penalty fee assessed in the amount of 100% of the total amount due per account.

I have closed my business and am not doing business anymore. Do I need to do anything?: Yes. Written notification to cancel a business license must be submitted. Pro-ration will be based on the date notification is received by the City of Surprise and not the actual effective date of when either the business closed or ceased their operations in the City. Also, if the cancellation is due to a change in ownership, provide the name and address of the new owner.

How can I pay for my license or renewal?: We accept cash, personal checks, money orders, and cashier’s checks. U.S. dollars only.

What are your hours?: Our hours of operation are 7:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday, excluding City holidays.

What is your mailing address?: City of Surprise
Attn: Tax & Licensing
16000 N. Civic Center Plaza
Surprise, AZ 85374-7470