Event Planning Permit Requirements in Concord, NH

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. New Hampshire Business Registration

   Event planning businesses operating in New Hampshire must register with the New Hampshire Secretary of State if operating as an LLC, corporation, or partnership (Certificate of Formation filing fee: $100). Sole proprietors using a trade name must file a $50 trade-name registration with the state (RSA 349). An LLC provides personal liability protection.

   Official government source

   $50 (trade name) to $100 (LLC/corporation filing fee)·1–7 business days (online)

   $50 (trade name) to $100 (LLC/corporation filing fee)

   1–7 business days (online)

1. No Concord General Business License Exists

   Concord does not require a general business license for event planning businesses. The City's Licensing Services division licenses only specific activities — annual entertainment, charitable solicitation and raffles, demonstrations and special events, door-to-door sales, junkyards, pawnbrokers and secondhand dealers, peddlers and vendors, tattoo artists and establishments, taxicabs and operators, food service, and yard sales. Organizing an event on public property still requires the applicable event permit: park use through Parks and Recreation, and other events, street closures or food service through the Code Administration Division.

   Official government source

   Not applicable — no general business license fee exists·Not applicable

   Not applicable — no general business license fee exists

   Not applicable

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

   Events using Concord public parks/streets/plazas require a Special Event Permit from Parks & Recreation. Contact Parks & Rec (603-225-8690) at least 4 weeks ahead for small events (under 75 people, park-only, no vendors) or at least 4 months ahead for larger events; staff will provide a cost estimate covering items like porta-toilets, trash removal, and staffing. Proof of general liability insurance is typically required.

   Official government source

   Determined case-by-case by Parks & Recreation; no fixed fee schedule published·4+ weeks ahead (small events); 4+ months ahead (events of 75+ people)

   Determined case-by-case by Parks & Recreation; no fixed fee schedule published

   4+ weeks ahead (small events); 4+ months ahead (events of 75+ people)

3. No Merrimack County Special Event Permit Exists

   There is no Merrimack County temporary-use or special-event permit. All land in Merrimack County lies within incorporated cities and towns, and land-use and event permitting in New Hampshire is a municipal function. For events in Concord, park use is permitted by Parks and Recreation and other events, street closures and food service go through the Code Administration Division; apply through the city or town where the event will actually be held.

   Official government source

   Not applicable — no county permit exists·Not applicable

   Not applicable — no county permit exists

   Not applicable

Official Sources

• Concord Business Licensing
• New Hampshire Secretary of State — Business Registration
• IRS EIN Application

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