Getting a Business License

Welcome to Lake Oswego and thank you for choosing Lake Oswego for your business!  One of the requirements of operating a business within the city limits is to acquire a Lake Oswego Business License, prior to the operation of the business. 

City of Lake Oswego Ordinance 20.02.025 requires that anyone conducting business within the City of Lake Oswego must obtain a business license unless specifically exempted by state law (Real Estate Agents, Insurance Agents).  This requirement includes working out of your home and those doing door to door solicitation in Lake Oswego. 

To Apply for a Business License

An applicant may either come to the Finance Department on the first floor of City Hall
and pick up an application, or call (503) 635-0279 to request that an application be mailed. You may also download a business license application to fill in and print.
Then mail or hand deliver your application with a check. 

The business license application for a new business should be received thirty (30) days before the business opens. Application should also be received on the specific “due date.” If compliance with these time frames is not met, the business may be assessed a late fee.

Applicants who apply between January 1st and November 1st will renew their license by December 31st of the same year.  Business applying after November 1st will renew their licenses by December 31st of the following year. 
 

The Cost of a Business License

Certain businesses, demonstrating less than $1,000 gross revenue on a calendar year basis, are exempt from the following annual business license fees. 
 

* Employees include owner(s)

Business License Renewals

Business Licenses must be renewed by the indicated expiration date on the license. A renewal form indicating the renewal fee will be mailed to current business license holders.

* Employees include owner(s)
 

Click here or on the link below for more information for paying Business License Renewals online.