Wedding Planner Permit Requirements in Newark, NJ

1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

   Required if you have employees, operate as an LLC/corporation, or file certain business tax returns. Free from the IRS. Sole proprietors with no employees may use their SSN instead.

   Official government source

   Free·Immediate (online)

   Free

   Immediate (online)

1. New Jersey Business Registration Certificate

   All businesses operating in New Jersey must register with the NJ Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services (Form NJ-REG) and collect sales tax where applicable; NJ-REG registration itself has no listed filing fee. LLCs and corporations additionally pay a separate Certificate of Formation/Authorization fee (~$100 for-profit, $50 domestic nonprofit) when forming the entity.

   Official government source

   Free (NJ-REG); ~$100 for-profit / $50 nonprofit entity formation fee (separate, LLC/corp only)·1–2 weeks

   Free (NJ-REG); ~$100 for-profit / $50 nonprofit entity formation fee (separate, LLC/corp only)

   1–2 weeks

2. General Liability Insurance (Recommended)

   Wedding planners in New Jersey are not legally required to carry liability insurance, but most venues require proof of $1M–$2M general liability coverage before allowing a planner to work on-site. Many clients also require it in your contract.

   $400–$1,200/year·Same day (online quotes)

   $400–$1,200/year

   Same day (online quotes)

1. Newark Business Licensing — Wedding Planning Is Not a Licensed Category

   Newark does not issue a general Business License from the City Clerk's Office or anywhere else. The city's Online Business Portal licenses only specific enumerated trades — arcades, auctioneers, bakeries, building contractors, dance halls, dry cleaners, eateries, food caterers, florists, junk shops, laundries, pet shops, public garages, restaurants, retail, theaters, tire shops, used car lots and similar — and wedding planning is not among them. Two things may still apply: a Special Event, Film, and Photography Permit if an event uses Newark public space, and the zoning code's home occupation standards (Newark Zoning and Land Use Regulations §41:4-6-8) if you work from a Newark home.

   Official government source

   $0 — there is no general Newark business license. You pay only if one of the listed trade licenses or a Special Event permit actually covers what you do.·Nothing to apply for as a general license. Newark's Online Business Portal shows requirements, fees and application status for the specific licenses the city does issue (license hotline 973-877-9415).

   $0 — there is no general Newark business license. You pay only if one of the listed trade licenses or a Special Event permit actually covers what you do.

   Nothing to apply for as a general license. Newark's Online Business Portal shows requirements, fees and application status for the specific licenses the city does issue (license hotline 973-877-9415).

2. Trade Name Certificate (DBA) — Essex County Clerk

   A business trading under a name other than the owner's legal name files a Trade Name Certificate with the Essex County Clerk's Office. Check the Clerk's records for conflicts first, then submit four notarized original copies by mail or in person to PO Box 690, Newark, NJ 07101-0690, with a stamped self-addressed envelope to receive two 'true' copies back — one for your bank, one for your records. LLCs and corporations instead register with the NJ Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services.

   Official government source

   $54.00, payable by US Postal money order only.·Filed by mail or in person; certified copies are returned in your self-addressed envelope — confirm current turnaround with the Clerk's Office (973-621-4920).

   $54.00, payable by US Postal money order only.

   Filed by mail or in person; certified copies are returned in your self-addressed envelope — confirm current turnaround with the Clerk's Office (973-621-4920).

Official Sources

• City of Newark — Business Licensing
• New Jersey Secretary of State
• IRS — Apply for EIN

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