Business Licenses & Event Permits

If you are a new business or are thinking of opening a new business in South Portland:

• Speak with Economic Development Team to help you get started and connect with the business community!! 
• Next, you will first want to contact Planning and Development and Code Enforcement to ensure that your business is properly zoned and to request any necessary permits (Home Occupation, Building or Occupancy Permits). Your project may need Planning Board approval.
• When you are ready to apply for your license, review the list of Business Types to find out what, if any, City license(s) will be required.  
• Don't forget to contact the State Licensing Department and find out what, if any, State license(s) will be required.
• If at anytime you have a questions, the City's Licensing Administrator  or (207) 767-7628 in the City Clerk's office is here to guide you! 

Sole Proprietor / Partnership / Doing Business As (DBA)

The State of Maine requires any business that is not registered on the State level to be registered with the Municipality that the business is located in. This is done either as a Sole Proprietor or as a Partnership. This is also referred to as a "Doing Business As" License. You may obtain this at the 

City Clerk's office at:
25 Cottage Road
South Portland, ME 04106

The application needs to be notarized, which our office does as part of the registration. An ID is required at the time of registration.