Event Planning Permit Requirements in St. Louis, MO

1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

   Required if operating as a business entity (LLC or corporation) or if you have employees. Free from the IRS. You will need an EIN to open a business bank account and sign vendor contracts professionally.

   Official government source

   Free·Immediate (online application)

   Free

   Immediate (online application)

1. Missouri Business Registration

   Event planning businesses operating in Missouri must register with the Missouri Secretary of State if operating as an LLC, corporation, or partnership. Sole proprietors using a trade name must file a DBA registration with the Missouri Secretary of State (fictitious name registration, RSMo Chapter 417). An LLC provides personal liability protection, which is especially important when coordinating large events.

   Official government source

   $50 (LLC online) / $105 (LLC paper); corporations from $58·1–7 business days (online)

   $50 (LLC online) / $105 (LLC paper); corporations from $58

   1–7 business days (online)

2. Missouri Sales Tax Permit (if applicable)

   Event planning coordination services are generally not subject to sales tax in Missouri, but if your business sells taxable items — such as event supplies, decorations, floral arrangements, or other tangible goods — you must collect and remit state sales tax. Some states specifically tax event planning or entertainment services. Confirm your obligations with the Missouri Department of Revenue.

   Official government source

   Free–$25·Immediate (online)

   Free–$25

   Immediate (online)

1. St. Louis Graduated Business License

   Event planning businesses operating in the City of St. Louis must obtain a Graduated Business License from the License Collector's Office. The application requires business entity information and address; prerequisites include a tax Statement of Clearance and an Occupancy Permit. If you work primarily from home coordinating events elsewhere, a Home Occupancy Waiver ($50) from the Building Division Zoning Section is required instead. Renewed annually by June 1.

   Official government source

   $200/year minimum (0-2 employees; graduated up by employee count)·1–2 weeks

   $200/year minimum (0-2 employees; graduated up by employee count)

   1–2 weeks

2. St. Louis Special Event Permit (for events in public spaces)

   When coordinating events open to the public that use City of St. Louis parks, streets, plazas, or other public property, a Special Event Permit is required from the city's Office of Special Events (Board of Public Service). As the event planner, you may obtain this permit on behalf of your client. Requirements include event details, a site map, and general liability insurance of $1,000,000 naming the City of St. Louis as additional insured. Applications are due no later than 30 days before the event; 90+ days is recommended and gets the lower fee.

   Official government source

   $25 application fee if submitted 90+ days in advance ($100 if less); additional permit fees may apply, including park facility rental fees — confirm with the Parks Division (314-289-5300)·2–6 weeks (apply at least 30 days in advance for most events; 60+ days for large events)

   $25 application fee if submitted 90+ days in advance ($100 if less); additional permit fees may apply, including park facility rental fees — confirm with the Parks Division (314-289-5300)

   2–6 weeks (apply at least 30 days in advance for most events; 60+ days for large events)

3. St. Louis Special Event Permit — scope and exemptions

   In the City of St. Louis, events on private property, residential block parties, and private gatherings in parks generally do not require a Special Event Permit; permits from the Office of Special Events are needed when an event open to the public uses public property or right-of-way, or involves street closures, tents, staging, food/liquor service, or generators. Events held outside city limits fall under the separate jurisdiction of St. Louis County or the relevant municipality — check that jurisdiction's own permit requirements.

   Official government source

   $25 application fee if submitted 90+ days in advance ($100 if less), where a permit is required·2–4 weeks

   $25 application fee if submitted 90+ days in advance ($100 if less), where a permit is required

   2–4 weeks

Official Sources

• St. Louis Business Licensing
• Missouri Secretary of State — Business Registration
• IRS EIN Application

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