Licensing & Permits
Which form to fill? Check our Licensing / Permit Information Directory organized in alphabetical order by keyword. Click on the letter of the alphabet that corresponds to the first letter in your keyword.
Return completed documents to:
City of LawrenceCity Clerk's Office
6 East 6th Street
Lawrence, KS 66044
Or, fax to (785) 832-3305
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y ZAlarm User Permit
A permit is required to possess, use or install an operative alarm system. Read more
Alarm Business Permit
A permit is required to engage in or operate an Alarm Business. Read more
Dangerous Dog - Registration
If it is determined by a municipal court judge that a dog is dangerous, the owner or keeper of the dangerous dog is required to register the dog with the City. Read more
Domestic Partnership Registry
The City of Lawrence provides the opportunity for two individuals to register their domestic partnership. Read more
Going Out of Business License
Retail businesses must have a "Going Out Of Business" license if they are going to advertise in any manner that they will be closing their business. Read more
Horse-Drawn Vehicle License
A wagon, coach, or other vehicle that is powered in whole or in part by one or more horses, mules, or other animals is required to obtain a license with the City. Read more
Ice Cream Vendor License
Any person attempting to sale ice cream by the use of a vehicle, is required to obtain a license with the City. Read more
Merchant Security Service License
A business of guarding, watching, patrolling or otherwise attempting to provide security for the real or personal property of another person is required to obtain a license with the City. Read more
Merchant Security Officer License
Any individual who is employed by a merchant security service to guard, watch, patrol or otherwise attempt to provide security for the real or personal property of another person is required to obtain a license with the City. Read more
Mobile Home and Manufactured Housing Park License
Any mobile home or manufactured home park within the City is required to obtain a license in the name of the owner(s) of the park. Read more
Pawnbroker/Precious Metal Dealer License
Any person who loans money on deposit of personal property, or deals in the purchase of personal property, on condition of selling the same back again at a stipulated price is required to obtain a license with the City. Read more
Sexually Oriented Entertainment Business License
Any premises to which the public, patrons or members are invited or admitted on a continuing business basis and wherein an entertainer provides sexually oriented entertainment to a member of the public, a patron, an employee, or a member, is required to obtain a license with the City. Read more
Sexually Oriented Entertainer/Manager License
Any person who works as an entertainer or manager at a Sexually Oriented Entertainment Business is required to obtain a license with the City. Read more
Solicitor/Peddler License
Any person, whether resident of the City or not, traveling by any type of conveyance, from place to place, from house to house, or from street to street, taking or attempting to take orders for sale of goods, wares and merchandise is required to obtain a license with the City. Read more
Street Vendor License
Any person wanting to sell food, flowers, or non-alcoholic beverages from a cart or stand temporarily located on certain sidewalks of the City is required to obtain a license with the City. Read more
Tree Trimmer License
Any person engaging in the business of cutting, trimming, pruning, removing, spraying or otherwise treating trees, is required to obtain a license with the City. Read more
Transient Merchant License
Any person, whether a resident of the City or not, occupying some sort of structure to engage in a temporary business of selling and delivering goods, wares and merchandise within the City, is required to obtain a license with the City. Read more
Taxicab License
Any motor-driven passenger vehicle used for the purpose of transporting passengers for hire, is required to obtain a license with the City. Read more
Other Applications
- Drinking Establishments
- Cereal Malt Beverage License
- Kennel License
- Moving Permit
- Use of Right-of-Way Permit
Alarm User Permit
A permit is required to possess, use or install an operative alarm system that is in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 13 Section 3 of the City Code of Lawrence.
Alarm User licensing fees:
- $6.25 annual fee for Robbery/Burglary
- $6.25 annual fee for Fire only
- $12.50 annual fee for Robbery/Burglary and Fire
The City of Lawrence is making amendments to the Alarm Ordinance. The applicant's license will be valid with no renewal necessary until notified.
To get a copy of the Alarm System Permit application, click here.Back to top
Alarm Business Permit
A permit is required to engage in or operate an Alarm Business that is in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 13 Section 3 of the City Code of Lawrence
Alarm Business licensing fees:
- $125 initial fee
- $62.50 renewal fee
Once the applicant has submitted a complete application and appropriate fee to the City Clerk's office, the application will be sent to the Police Department for process for approval. Once approved by the Police Department, the license will then be issued.
To get a copy of the Alarm Business Permit application, click here.
Back to top
Dangerous Dog - Registration
If it is determined by a municipal court judge that a dog is dangerous, the owner or keeper of the dangerous dog shall be required to register the dog with the City. For detailed regulations, please refer to Chapter 3 Section 3 of the City Code of Lawrence.
Registration of a Dangerous Dog fees:
- $50 annual fee
For new registrations of a dangerous dog, the owner or keeper will need to take a copy of the registration form, supplied by the City Clerk's office, to the Lawrence Humane Society (1809 East 19th Street). There, a microchip will be inserted into the dangerous dog and all cost associated with this procedure will be incurred by the owner or keeper of the dangerous dog. This may be done Tuesday through Friday 11:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Saturday, 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Sunday, 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
When all procedures are completed, the Lawrence Humane Society will sign the form, and submit it to the City Clerk's office with the appropriate microchip registration number.
All renewal applicants must submit the appropriate fee amount and registration form to the City Clerk's office.
To get a copy of the Annual Registration of a Dangerous Dog application, click here.
To get a copy of the Renewal Registration of a Dangerous Dog application, click here.
Back to top
Going Out of Business License
Retail businesses must have a "Going Out Of Business" license if they are going to advertise in any manner that they will be closing their business. This includes not only advertising such a sale in print, but also by banners or signs on the store. For detailed regulations, please refer to Chapter 6 Section 4 of the City Code of Lawrence.
Going Out of Business licensing fees:
- $150 initial fee; 30 days
- $150 renewal fee; for an additional 30 days
The applicant must submit a complete application along with a generalized list of current inventory, and the appropriate fee to the City Clerk's office.
To get a copy of the Going out of Business application, click here.
Back to top
Horse-Drawn Vehicle License
A wagon, coach, or other vehicle that is powered in whole or in part by one or more horses, mules, or other animals is required to obtain a license with the City. For detailed regulations, please refer to Chapter 6 Section 11 of the City Code of Lawrence.
Horse-Drawn Vehicle licensing fees:
- $50 annual fee
To get a copy of the Horse-Drawn Vehicle application, click here.
Back to top
Ice Cream Vendor License
Any person attempting to sale ice cream by the use of a vehicle, is required to obtain a license with the City. For detailed regulations, please refer to Chapter 6 Section 1of the City Code of Lawrence.
Ice Cream Vendor licensing fees:
- $25 annual fee
Once the applicant has completed the application, the applicant must take the application and their vehicle to the Health Department (200 Maine Ste:B) for inspection. Once the application is approved and appropriate fee is submitted to the City Clerk's office, the license will then be issued.
To get a copy of the Ice Cream Vendor application, click here.
Back to top
Merchant Security Service License
A business of guarding, watching, patrolling or otherwise attempting to provide security for the real or personal property of another person is required to obtain a license with the City. For detailed regulations, please refer to Chapter 13 Section 2 of the City Code of Lawrence.
Merchant Security Service licensing fees:
- $200 annual fee
The applicant must bring the appropriate fee, the application form, and a certification of insurance to the Police Department (111 East 11th) for receipting. After the application has been approved by the Police Department, the license will be forwarded to the applicant by mail. Application forms must be submitted for new licenses and for renewal licenses.
To get a copy of the Merchant Security Service application, click here.
Back to top
Merchant Security Officer License
Any individual who is employed by a merchant security service to guard, watch, patrol or otherwise attempt to provide security for the real or personal property of another person is required to obtain a license with the City. For detailed regulations, please refer to Chapter 13 Section 2 of the City Code of Lawrence.
Merchant Security Officer licensing fees:
- $50 initial fee ($25 if application is made after July 1st, of any year)
- $25 renewal fee)
New license applicants and renewal applicants must submit the appropriate fee, application form, and turn in two (2) wallet-size photographs of him/herself to the Lawrence Police Department (111 East 11th). This may be done Monday through Friday 8:00 to 5:00.
A record check will be completed on applicants for both new and renewal licenses prior to the license being issued. The identification card and the license will be mailed from City Hall by Administrative Services.
Note: Licensees and permittees may have the right to carry firearms only after the completion of a firearm proficiency program. Each applicant shall pay an additional fee of $28 before being permitted to participate in the firearms proficiency program. The fee should be paid to the Lawrence Police Department for receipting.
To get a copy of the Merchant Security Officer application, click here.
Back to top
Mobile Home and Manufactured Housing Park License
Any mobile home or manufactured home park within the City is required to obtain a license in the name of the owner(s) of the park. For detailed regulations, please refer to Chapter 11 Section 1of the City Code of Lawrence.
Mobile Home and Manufacture Housing Park licensing fees:
- $5 per lot
The applicant must develop a site plan, layout or map of the park that includes:
- Square footage of all lots
- The number of lots currently occupied
- Location of any storm shelters
- Roads or streets within the park
- Location of refuse containers or dumpsters
- Utility connections or hookups for each lot including electric, gas, water and sewer.
To get a copy of the Mobile Home and Manufactured Housing Park application, click here.
Back to top
Pawnbroker/Precious Metal Dealer License
Any person who loans money on deposit of personal property, or deals in the purchase of personal property, on condition of selling the same back again at a stipulated price, or who makes a public display at his place of business of the sign generally used by pawnbrokers to denote their business, to-wit, three gilt or yellow balls, or who publicly exhibits any sign of money to loan on personal property, is required to obtain a license with the City. For detailed regulations, please refer to Chapter 6 Section 5 of the City Code of Lawrence.
Pawnbroker/Precious Metal Dealer licensing fees:
- $25 annual fee
Once the applicant has submitted a complete application and appropriate fee to the City Clerk's office. The application will be forwarded to the Police Department for approval. Once approved, the license will then be issued. Renewals are processed in the same manner as the initial license(s).
To get a copy of the Pawnbroker/Precious Metal Dealer application, click here.
Back to top
Sexually Oriented Entertainment Business License
Any premises to which the public, patrons or members are invited or admitted on a continuing business basis and wherein an entertainer provides sexually oriented entertainment to a member of the public, a patron, an employee, or a member, is required to obtain a license with the City. For detailed regulations, please refer to Chapter 6 Section 3 of the City Code of Lawrence.
Sexually Oriented Entertainment Business licensing fees:
- $500 annual fee
The application and fee must be completed and submitted to the City Clerk's office. Any appropriate lists of partners or corporate officers/directors; a copy of any lease or rental agreement; and a site plan must be supplied.
Any partners or corporate officers/directors, must go to the Police Department, 11th and New Hampshire, 2nd Floor, Judicial and Law Enforcement Building, for fingerprinting and pictures. This may be done during the hours of 9:00 and 11:00 a.m. or 1:00 and 3:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. There is an additional fee charged for fingerprinting and photographing by the Police Department.
Copies of the application will be supplied to the Departments of Housing and Neighborhood Development, Fire, and Planning for review. All applications must be approved by the Police Department, Planning Department, Housing and Neighborhood Development Department, and Fire Department prior to issuance.
To get a copy of the Sexuality Oriented Entertainment Business application, click here.
Back to top
Sexually Oriented Entertainer/Manager License
Any person who works as an entertainer or manager at a Sexually Oriented Entertainment Business is required to obtain a license with the City. For detailed regulations, please refer to Chapter 6 Section 3 of the City Code of Lawrence.
Sexually Oriented Entertainer/Manager licensing fees:
- $50 annual fee
The application and fee must be completed and submitted to the City Clerk's office.
The applicant then must go to the Police Department, 11th and New Hampshire, 2nd Floor, Judicial and Law Enforcement Building, for fingerprinting and pictures. This may be done during the hours from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. There is an additional fee charged for fingerprinting and photographing by the Police Department.
All applications must be approved by the Police Department prior to issuance.
Entertainers must have the application signed by the Manager or Owner that states the SOE Business intends to hire the applicant as an entertainer and the business is licensed or has applied for a license.
To get a copy of the Sexuality Oriented Entertainer application, click here.
To get a copy of the Sexuality Oriented Entertainment Manager application, click here.
Back to top
Solicitor/Peddler License
Any person, whether resident of the City or not, traveling by any type of conveyance, from place to place, from house to house, or from street to street, taking or attempting to take orders for sale of goods, wares and merchandise is required to obtain a license with the City. For detailed regulations, please refer to Chapter 6 Section 8 of the City Code of Lawrence.
Solicitor/Peddler licensing fees:
- $25 annual fee
Once the applicant has submitted a complete application, photo I.D., and appropriate fee to the City Clerk's office, a picture will be taken of the applicant and a Solicitor I.D. card will be created and given to the applicant after approval of the submitted application.
A valid Kansas Sales Tax number must be provided prior to issuance of the license.
To get a copy of the Solicitor/Peddler application, click here.
Back to top
Street Vendor License
Any person wanting to sell food, flowers, or non-alcoholic beverages from a cart or stand temporarily located on certain sidewalks of the City is required to obtain a license with the City. For detailed regulations, please refer to Chapter 6 Section 14 of the City Code of Lawrence.
To get a copy of the Street Vendor application, click here.
Back to top
Tree Trimmer License
Any person engaging in the business of cutting, trimming, pruning, removing, spraying or otherwise treating trees, is required to obtain a license with the City. For detailed regulations, please refer to Chapter 18 Section 2 of the City Code of Lawrence.
Tree Trimmer licensing fees:
- $60 initial fee
- $30 initial fee if certified by Kansas State Arborist Association
- $18 renewal fee
- $30 initial fee for dead tree removal only
- $12 renewal fee for dead tree removal only
Once the applicant has submitted a complete application and appropriate fee to the City Clerk's office, the application will be forwarded to the Parks and Recreation Department for approval. Once the application is approved the license will then be issued.
To get a copy of the Tree Trimmer application, click here.
Back to top
Transient Merchant License
Any person, whether a resident of the City or not, occupying some sort of structure to engage in a temporary business of selling and delivering goods, wares and merchandise within the City, is required to obtain a license with the City. For detailed regulations, please refer to Chapter 6 Section 8 of the City Code of Lawrence.
Transient Merchant licensing fees:
- $25 fee
After paying the appropriate fee to the City Clerk's office and providing a valid Kansas Sales Tax Number, the applicant will be given the original application and receipt and the following steps will need to be taken:
- Go to the Neighborhood Resources Department to discuss sign(s) and have application approved;
- Go to the Planning Department to discuss the site plan and have application approved.
To get a copy of the Transient Mechant application, click here.
Back to top
Taxicab License Any motor-driven passenger vehicle used for the purpose of transporting passengers for hire, is required to obtain a license with the City. For detailed regulations, please refer to Chapter 6 Section 6 of the City Code of Lawrence.
Taxicab licensing fees:
- First Vehicle: $100
- Second Vehicle: $50
- Third Vehicle: $50
- Each Additional Vehicle: $25
Once the applicant has submitted a complete application with the appropriate fee to the City Clerk's office, the application will be presented to the City Commission for approval. After approval from the City Commission the license may then be issued.
To get a copy of the Taxicab application, click here.
Back to top
