Licenses and Permits

The License Division is responsible for the administration and issuance of over 100 types of licenses and permits granted by the Common Council and the Office of the City Clerk. Applications, forms and additional information relating to most licenses and permits processed by the License Division are available online and can be accessed by selecting a specific license or permit listed below.

 [ A ]     [ B ]     [ C ]     [ D ]     [ E - H ]     [ I - M ]     [ N - R ]     [ S ]     [ T ]     [ U - Z ]

 A

 Expiration Date

 License Fee

Alarm Business License (See Private Alarm System Business License.) 

Granted to persons who lease, rent, or place with others one or more amusement machines for use or operation in the city. 

 12 months

 June 30

 $600; additional $25 per machine owned.

Amusement Machine Premises License [ 2 ]

Issued for each premises where 1-5 amusement machines are used or played, or exhibited for use or play by the general public. (Amusement machines do not include pool tables or jukeboxes, which require pool table and phonograph jukebox premises licenses.) 

 12 months

 June 30  [ 1 ]

 $55; additional $25 per machine owned.

Auto Wrecker's License

Issued to persons who buy motor vehicles for purposes of dismantling or disassembling vehicles for the purpose of dealing in the parts thereof.

 24 months

 April 30 in odd-numbered years.

 $250 main yard; $35 each add'l yard.

 B

Residents of the city are required to first properly registered and affix a license sticker to the frame of the bicycle before the bicycle can be operated upon any of the streets, alleys or public highways of the city.

 Indefinitely

 Expires whenever bicycle changes ownership.

 $0

Required for those engaged in the business of outdoor advertising for a cash consideration by placing, posting or painting on billboards, ground or roof signs, displays, or on the walls of buildings to advertise goods or products to announce coming events attractions or contests. 

 24 months

 April 30 in odd-numbered years.

 $400

License required for those operating a bowling alley, which is used or kept for hire.

 12 months

 June 30  [ 1 ]

 $25 per alley.

 C

 [ Top ]

Carnival Site

Required for the temporary setting up, maintaining or operating of mechanical rides such as Ferris wheels, merry-go-rounds, bumper cars, etc., for the use of which a fee is charged.

 Not more than 7 consecutive days.

 Event specific.

 $50

 12 months

 One year from date of issuance. [ 1 ]

 $100

Class "A" Fermented Malt Beverage Retailer's License

Authorizes the retail sale of fermented malt beverages for consumption away from the licensed premises. No sales allowed between the hours of 9:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. 

 12 months

 One year from grant date.

 $350 + $10 publication fee.

Class "A" Liquor and Malt Retailer's License (Liquor Store)

Authorizes the retail sale of intoxicating liquors and fermented malt beverages for consumption away from the licensed premises. No sales allowed between the hours of 9:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m.

 12 months

 One year from grant date.

 $850 + $10 publication fee.

 For the consumption of fermented malt beverages on the licensed premises.

 12 months

 One year from grant date.

 $100 + $10 publication fee.

Required of any Class "B" alcohol beverage retail establishment whenever the licensee is not the manager of the business.     

 12 months

 June 30

 $25

Authorizes the holder to sell, barter, or give away retail beer and/or wine, at a specific picnic, festival or similar event. It does not permit the sale or service of liquor.

 Issued for only 2 events per 12-month period.

 Event specific.

 $10

For the consumption of intoxicating liquors and fermented malt beverages on the licensed tavern premises.

 12 months

 One year from grant date.

 $600 + $10 publication fee.

Class "C" Fermented Malt Beverage Wholesaler License

Allows the sale of fermented malt beverages in the original packages to retail or wholesale dealers.

 12 months

 June 30

 $25

Allows the licensee to sell, offer for sale, barter or give away wine by the glass or in an opened original container for consumption on the premises. The license may only be granted to restaurants in which the sale of alcohol beverages is less than 50% of the gross receipts. Foreign Corporations may not hold this type of license. (This license may be applied for in conjunction with the Class "B" Fermented Malt Beverage License, but separate applications must be filed.)             

 12 months

 One year from grant date.

 $100 + $10 publication fee.

Class "D" Operator's (Bartender's) License - New Applicants

Granted to individuals who sell or serve alcoholic beverages in licensed establishments.

 24 months

 Dec 31 in year following year in which granted.

 $75

Class "D" Operator's (Bartender's) License - Renewal Applicants

Online renewal of license; signed form must be submitted by mail. 

 24 months

 2 years from expiration of license being renewed.

 $50

Issued to those operators employed by or donating their services to a non-profit corporation. 

 Not more than 14 consecutive days.

 Event specific.

 $12

 D

 [ Top ]

License required for those holding a public dance in the city of Milwaukee. 

 12 months

 June 30

 $175 [3]

License required for those in the business of buying, selling or giving away dangerous weapons.

 24 months

 April 30 in even-numbered years.

 $50

License required for persons engaging in direct sales on any public way or other public premises in the city of Milwaukee. 

 12 months

 March 31

 $129

Domestic Partnership Registration

In cases where neither registrant is a City employe, registration is only permitted for same sex couples who reside together in the city of Milwaukee.

 Indefinite

Until self-terminated

$30

License required for every person driving a public passenger vehicle, except motorbuses operated by a transportation company.  Any person driving a vehicle used for the transportation of elderly or handicapped persons, regardless of whether the vehicle of such organization is licensed or otherwise regulated by the state of Wisconsin as a human service vehicle for the transportation of elderly or handicapped persons, is also required to possess a Public Passenger Vehicle Driver's License.

 24 months

 Oct 31 in even-numbered year, if granted in even-numbered year; Oct 31 in odd-numbered year, if granted in odd-numbered year.

 $75

 E

 [ Top ]

Extended Hour Establishment

License required for any convenience store, filling station, personal service establishment or restaurant open at any time between the hours of 12 a.m. and 5 a.m.

 12 months

 April 30

 $250 [3]

 H

Handicapped and Elderly Vehicle

License is required for those who wish to transport handicapped and elderly persons who by reason of physical or mental infirmity or age cannot be transported on public mass transportation vehicles. This license is not required for operating in the city of Milwaukee if the intention is to transport people in a vehicle that is utilized as a Human Services Vehicle, and if the licensee is being reimbursed by State issued insurance.   Contact the Wisconsin Department of Motor Vehicles or the Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services for more information. 

 12 months [3]

 April 30 [3]

 $175 [3]

Home Improvement Contractor's License

License required for those engaged in the business of installing, repairing, servicing, improving, or remodeling any permanent installation or improvement attached to an existing home or building used for residence purposes but not exceeding 6 living units.

 24 months

 Feb 28 in even-numbered year, if granted in even-numbered year; Feb 28 in odd-numbered year, if granted in odd-numbered year.

 $250 [3]

License required for any person who solicits or sells any place within the city, other than at the licensed business location, must be licensed as a salesperson. Exemptions: Individuals, corporations which include only one person, or limited liability companies having only one member, which have been issued a home improvement contractor license, or licensed master plumbers licensed under the statutes of the state of Wisconsin, or licensed electrical contractor licensed under the code need not have a salesperson's license.

 24 months

 Feb 28 in even-numbered year, if granted in even-numbered year; Feb 28 in odd-numbered year, if granted in odd-numbered year.

 $75

Permit required for persons to engage in the business of operating a horse-drawn surrey for hire.

 12 months [3]

 April 30 [3]

 $175 [3]

 I

 [ Top ]

Permits the playing, of instrumental music only, with singing on the part of and only by persons actually engaged in the playing of such musical instruments. No dancing allowed.

 12 months

 Expires at same time as alcohol license.

 $165

License required for persons who buy, sell, collect, gather, or deliver junk within the City as a business.

 24 months

 April 30 in even-numbered years.

 $150 per vehicle [3]

License required for those who buy, sell, collect, gather or deliver or store junk and maintain a yard or building therefore as a principal place of business. 

 24 months

 April 30 in even-numbered years.

 $250 + $45 each add'l yard.

 L

Loading Zone Permit

Establishes loading and unloading zones for the use by the general public for the purposes of, and while actively engaged in, loading or unloading property or passengers.

 24 months

 Nov 30 in even-numbered years.

 $195 for each 30 feet of curb space, or fraction thereof.

Luxury Limousine

Permit required for persons engaged in a for-hire transportation business on a pre-reserved basis, using a vehicle classified as a luxury limousine.

 12 months [3]

 April 30 [3]

 $175 [3]

 M

Manager's License (See Class "B" Manager's License.)

 N

 [ Top ]

Newspaper Vending Box, Special Privilege

Permit required for the installation and use of vending boxes on poles and other structures on public ways or public places.

 24 months

 January 31.

 $50 per vending box.

 P

Parking Lot License

License required for those conducting a business of storing motor vehicles, for a fee, with spaces for more than 15 cars.

 24 months

 March 31 in odd-numbered years.

 $50

Pawnbroker

License required for those in the business of lending money on personal property or goods which are pledged as security for the loan on the condition that if the loan is not repaid within the specified period of time the goods used as security may be sold to compensate for nonpayment.  

 12 months

 December 31

 $350

Granted to those who lease, rent, or place with others one or more coin-operated phonographs for use or operation in the city.

 12 months

 June 30

 $600; additional $25 per machine owned.

Phonograph Machine (Jukebox) Premises License  [ 2 ]

License required for each premises where phonograph (jukeboxes) machines are kept for public use.  

 12 months

 June 30  [ 1 ]

 $55; additional $25 per machine owned.

Professional Photographer License

 License required for those in the business of professional photography.

 24 months

 April 30 in even-numbered years.

 $75

Pool and Billiard Hall License [ 2 ]

License required at any place at which one or more billiard tables are provided to be played on or for compensation.

 12 months

 June 30  [ 1 ]

 $125; additional $35 per table.

Precious Metal and Gem Dealer License

License required for those who engage in any transaction of buying, selling, or receiving secondhand jewelry, sterling silverware or gold or silver coins or bullion to and from the public within the city from a fixed and regular place of business.

 12 months

 December 31

 $75

License required for those engaged in the selling, leasing, renting, installing, monitoring, servicing, altering, moving or causing any alarm system to be sold, leased, rented, installed, monitored, serviced or altered in or on any building, place of business, structure, residence or other facility. Included in this definition are holders of alarm system contracts.   

 24 months

 December 31 in odd-numbered years.

 $250

License required for those collecting or transporting waste materials on any street or alley in the city of Milwaukee.

 24 months

 January 31 in odd-numbered years.

 $65 per vehicle.

Publication Rental Box (City Hall)

License required for those distributing newspapers, publications, etc. in the city hall complex.

 24 months

 January 31 in even-numbered years.

 $35 [3]

 S

 [ Top ]

Secondhand Dealer License

License required for those in the business of selling, purchasing, or exchanging secondhand articles of personal property.

 12 months

 December 31

 $75

Secondhand Motor Vehicle (Used Car) Dealer's License

License required for those engaging in the business of buying, selling, exchanging, or dealing in used or secondhand motor vehicles. (Retail or Wholesale)

 24 months

 March 31 in even-numbered years.

 $275

Shows and Exhibitions License

License required for persons conducting or operating shows or exhibitions in the city of Milwaukee.

 12 months

 December 31

 $225

Shuttle Vehicle 

Permit required for persons operating a privately owned vehicle engaged in the business of carrying passengers in a shared ride service for hire on a fixed route and fixed schedule to and from predetermined locations, or in a group travel service for hire on a pre-reserved basis only, provided that the vehicle has a passenger-carrying capacity of 11 or more persons, excluding the driver.

 12 months [3]

 April 30 [3]

 $175 [3]

Snow Plowing Business License

License required for those engaging in the business of removing snow or ice from the public sidewalks or public alleys of the city by means of motorized sweepers or plows.

 12 months

 September 30

 $50

Special Class "B" Beer and Wine (See Class "B" Special Fermented Malt Beverage License.)

Special Party Permits

This permit (formerly "special dancing permit") authorizes persons holding a Class "B" tavern, Class "B" fermented malt beverage or Class "C" wine license to temporarily offer entertainment or exhibitions consisting of music, dancing, singing, floor shows and cabaret performances upon the licensed premises

 1 day.

 Not more than 4 permits per calendar month, 20 permits per license year.

 $50 for applications filed at least 45 days before the event; $75 for applications filed less than 45 days before the event.

 T

 [ Top ]

Tavern Amusement (Cabaret/Night Club)

Allows entertainment such as floor shows, music, exhibitions, dancing, cabaret acts, and theater performances, on a Class "B" or "C" licensed premises, provided that certain standards are complied with regarding proper dress code and conduct. Also permits patrons to dance.

 12 months

 Expires at same time as alcohol license.

 $2,000 [3]

Allows dancing on the premises by patrons only. Dancing by performers is not allowed. This license also allows the playing of pre-recorded music machines (record spins) and instrumental music by musicians. Singing is permitted if done by the persons actually engaged in the playing of the musical instruments.

 12 months

 Expires at same time as alcohol license.

 $250

Taxicab

No new permits are currently being issued, except under the following conditions: (1) when a permit holder applies to change the legal entity; or  (2) when a permit holder applies to transfer ownership of a permit to another person.

 12 months [3]

 October 30 [3]

 $175 [3]

Temporary Extension of Class "B"  or "C" Premises

Authorizes the licensee to sell or serve alcohol beverages for special events during a limited period of time in a specific and defined area not otherwise licensed.

 Event specific.

 Event specific.

 $50 [3] for applications filed at least 45 days before the event; $75 [3] for applications filed less than 45 days before the event.

License required for those operating a theater or moving picture house in the city of Milwaukee.

 24 months

 March 31 in even-numbered years.

 $0.30 per seat figured to nearest $50; $220 min. - $1,600 max.

Transient Merchant License

License required for those who engage in the business of purchasing or selling of merchandise at any fixed place in the city temporarily and who does not intend to become a permanent merchant of the city of Milwaukee.

 12 months

 December 31

 $140

 U

 [ Top ]

Used Bicycle, Tire or Battery Dealer's License

 24 months

 March 31 even-numbered years.

 $60

Used Car Dealer's License (See Secondhand Motor Vehicle Dealer's License.)

 V

License required for places of business in which 6 or more amusement machines are made available for use by the public.  If there are 5 or less machines, an amusement machine premise license is required instead.

 12 months

 June 30 [ 1 ]

 $450

 W

 [ Top ]

Notes:

If this type of license is issued to an alcohol beverage retail establishment, then the license expires at same time as the alcohol beverage license.

[ 2 ]

Use of this license application is restricted to premises which do not hold alcohol beverage retail establishment licenses. 

 [ Top ]