How to Get a Business License in Detroit: What You Need to Know (2026)
The Quick Version
Starting a business in Detroit, MI requires permits and registrations across multiple government layers — federal, state, Wayne County (county), and city. The primary city-level requirement is the Business License, issued by the Buildings, Safety Engineering and Environmental Department (BSEED). Most businesses need 5 to 10 separate registrations, and the order you complete them matters because each step has dependencies on the ones before it.
The base fee for a Business License in Detroit is Varies by type. Contact the Buildings, Safety Engineering and Environmental Department (BSEED) at 313-224-2733 for current requirements. More information is available at detroitmi.gov.
PermitBoard generates a complete, ordered roadmap for your specific business type in Detroit — with fees, timelines, and direct links to every form. Get My Roadmap →
What Makes Detroit Different
Detroit has several characteristics that affect the licensing process:
- Detroit city income tax on both businesses and employees
- Post-bankruptcy — modernized permitting through BSEED
- Wayne County health department for food permits
- Multiple enterprise zone and tax incentive programs
- Motor City — auto-related businesses have specific regulations
The Permit Stack: What You Need
Most businesses in Detroit need permits from four levels of government:
Federal: An EIN (Employer Identification Number) from the IRS — free and available instantly online at irs.gov/ein.
State (MI): LLC or Corporation filing through the MI LARA. Filing fee: $50 LLC, processing time: 3-5 business days.
County (Wayne County): Health permits (for food businesses), building inspections, and any county-specific requirements.
City (Detroit): Business License from the Buildings, Safety Engineering and Environmental Department (BSEED). Base fee: Varies by type. Phone: 313-224-2733.
How Long Does It Take?
Most businesses in Detroit can be fully licensed and operational within 4 to 12 weeks, depending on the business type. Simple home-based businesses can often complete the process in 2 to 4 weeks, while restaurants, bars, and businesses requiring inspections typically take 8 to 12 weeks.
The dependency chain matters — some permits can't be applied for until others are in place. Getting the order wrong means delays and wasted time.
Don't Guess — Get Your Roadmap
Every business type has different requirements, and Detroit has its own quirks that generic state guides miss. PermitBoard analyzes your specific business type against Detroit's actual requirements and gives you a step-by-step plan with fees, timelines, and direct links to every form.