License Division

Red Tape Rescue

The License Division continually seeks to promote entrepreneurship and improve customer service. Take a look at a few of the ways we are cutting the red tape

Start Smart Online Tool

Pivot Program Business Workshops

Clerk Notes Instructional Videos

License Division Newsletter

Each quarter, our staff put together all the most helpful content and deliver it right to your inbox! To sign up, select "License Division News" at milwaukee.gov/e-notify.

Spring 2023

Winter 2023

2020

2019

2018

2017

2016

License and Permit Applications

A listing of all licenses and permits administered by the License Division, along with accompanying documents.

• Informational Pamphlet (Alcohol)
• Municipal Identification

Services

We offer a number of services to help make your licensing process easy and convenient.

• License E-Payment $
• Red Tape Rescue
• E-Notify: Location-based License Notifications

Additional Information

Access all forms and applications used by the License Division, as well as information regarding many of the licenses issued.

• Crime Prevention - Prevención de Crimen
• Alcohol Sales & Service Restrictions
• Tavern & Bar Capacity Information
• WI Tax Information
• Licensed Snow Plow Businesses

Issued by Other City Departments

Follow the links below for more information on other City licenses or permits.

• Dept of Neighborhood Services
• Development Center
• Health Department
• Night Parking
• Special Events

Fingerprinting Requirements

The Milwaukee Police Department (MPD) is required to conduct an investigation of the criminal history of applicants for certain new and renewal licenses and permits.

Applicants previously fingerprinted by the MPD can contact the MPD at 414-935-7281 to determine whether their fingerprints are still on file. 

All applicants whose fingerprints are not already on file with the Milwaukee Police Department must report to the Police Administration Building at the following address and times in order to be fingerprinted:

Police Administration Building, Room 330

951 James Lovell St.
Monday - Friday (excluding holidays)
8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Customer Service Survey

Please take a minute to complete our online customer service survey. Your comments will help us to monitor our customer service and find out how we can improve our licensing services. We appreciate your time and feedback.
 

Frequently Requested but Handled Elsewhere

• Birth and Death Certificates

• Marriage Licenses