Business License Information

All businesses operating within city limits of Kirksville are required to have a business license. This includes businesses that operate from home. Owners of all home-based occupations should contact the Codes and Planning Department at 660.627.1272 concerning the regulations pertaining to home based occupations. The City of Kirksville has established various zoning regulations that control the location and the operation of all commercial activities. A brief check with Codes and Planning at City Hall prior to signing a lease agreement or purchasing commercial property may prove to be valuable.

The City of Kirksville Finance Department issues business licenses and regulates the business activities of industries such as: retail, food and liquor establishments, entertainment venues and theaters, service for hire, manufacturing facilities, and motor vehicle repair shops.

How to Apply

Take a step back if you have not checked the zoning district of your property. A business license will be denied if zoning requirements are not met.

Step one: you must first obtain a Missouri Sales Tax Number (if you will be selling any type of product). Allow up to 6 weeks from the date the Missouri Department of Revenue (MDOR) receives your application for a number to be issued. A city or county business license will not be issued in accordance with Missouri State Statutes without proof of the valid Missouri Sales Tax Certificate.

Small businesses that need assistance with their incorporation paperwork have an excellent resource to lean on, the Missouri Rural Enterprise and Innovation Center! They employ a Small Business Counselor who is happy to help you through this process. They can be contacted at 660.665.2003 or by visiting www.mreic.org.

Step two: Apply for a City and/or County business license in the Finance Department at City Hall, or click here for an application.  The following must be submitted by mail along with the application:

• General liability and workers compensation insurance (if applicable).
• Paid Kirksville/Adair County property tax receipts or waiver from the Adair County Assessor.
• Missouri Sales Tax Certificate (if applicable) listing Kirksville and/or Adair County as the business location.
• Certificate of No Tax Due Statement (if applicable) issued by the MDOR dated within 90 days of business license application.
• Payment of the applicable license fees.
  • How do I know the total amount to pay?

Step three: Applications will be reviewed and licenses issued or denied based upon the criteria outlined in Section 14-27 and Section 14-32.

• No outstanding obligations to the City of Kirksville.
• Approval from Codes Department, Fire Department and potentially Adair County Health Department. The Codes Department will call YOU to schedule a time for inspections. Departments prefer to do all inspections at one time to make it easier for you and your potential business.
  • Plumbers, electricians, or contractors may be required to pass a written test showing competency in the field in which a business license is being applied for. However, there are many circumstances in which testing can be waived. Click here to see exemptions in the municipal code, section 14-33, item (f)(4).
  • It is the applicants responsibility to initiate testing through Codes & Inspections. Tests are administered by Codes & Inspections on the second floor of City Hall and do not require an appointment. To take the test, or check out a study guide just stop by Codes & Inspections between the hours of 8 am- Noon or 1pm - 4pm.
  • Questions regarding the testing or waiving circumstances can be answered by visiting our Contractors Testing Requirement webpage. You can also contact Codes and Planning at 660.627.1272.
  • CAUTION: Once a business license is obtained, be sure to renew on time by following the guidelines below. If not renewed, all steps prior (including contractor testing/waiving process) must be completed again.

Business License Renewals

All business licenses expire annually on the last day of February. Renewal forms are mailed out at least 30 days prior to expiration. The renewal form and required documents must be returned in full to Business Licensing in order for a new license to be issued. Any license renewals received on or after March 1 or are not complete as of March 1 will be assessed a late fee plus be subject to misdemeanor violation. Contractors not renewing before March 1 will be required to retest or proceed with the waiver process again.