Auto Repair Shop Permit Requirements in Paterson, NJ

Complete permit and license guide for starting a auto repair shop in Paterson, Passaic County, New Jersey.

Verified 2026-08-31 5 stops $400–$1,500 est. 3–8 weeks
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Not legal advice. Requirements may change — always verify with your local government authority before applying. Key agencies and fees on this page were re-checked against official government sources on .

Federal — start here

1 stop

  1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

    Required if you have employees or operate as an LLC or corporation. Free from the IRS.

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online application)

State of New Jersey

2 stops

  1. New Jersey Division of Taxation — Sales Tax Certificate of Authority

    Required for all businesses selling taxable goods or services in New Jersey. New Jersey charges a 6.625% state sales tax. Most services are exempt; retail product sales and certain services are taxable. Register free online via the State of New Jersey Business Registration portal.

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate to 3 business days (online)

  2. New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs — Automotive Repair Requirements

    Automotive repair businesses in New Jersey are regulated by the Division of Consumer Affairs under the Consumer Fraud Act's automotive repair rules, which require customers to be given a written estimate before repair work is performed and an itemized invoice afterward. Confirm with the Division of Consumer Affairs whether your type of repair facility also carries a state registration requirement, what the current written-estimate threshold is, and what must be displayed on the premises.

    Official government source

    Varies by registration type — confirm current fees with the NJ Division of Consumer Affairs.Confirm current processing times with the NJ Division of Consumer Affairs.

City of Paterson / Passaic County

2 stops

  1. City of Paterson Health & Human Services — Mercantile License

    Paterson city ordinance requires businesses operating in the city to register and obtain a Mercantile License, administered by the Mercantile Licensing division of the Department of Health & Human Services. A mercantile inspector visits the business as part of the process, which the city describes as a consumer-protection function that also provides technical assistance to businesses. Note that Paterson has no 'Department of Business Administration' — the city's departments are Administration, Community Development, Economic Development, Finance, Health & Human Services, Legal, Municipal Court, Public Safety and Public Works. Businesses in regulated industries need additional permits from the relevant division, such as retail food licensing from the Division of Health or construction permits from UCC Construction/Buildings.

    Official government source

    Paterson does not publish a Mercantile License fee schedule online; the fee is set by city ordinance and varies with the type of business. Contact Mercantile Licensing through City Hall at 973-321-1600 for the amount that applies to you.Paterson's permitting and licensing system is being moved online. Apply through Mercantile Licensing and allow time for the mercantile inspection before you open.

  2. City of Paterson Zoning and Certificate of Occupancy

    Auto repair shops must operate in properly zoned commercial or industrial areas. Obtain zoning approval from the City of Paterson's Planning & Zoning division and a Certificate of Occupancy from the City's UCC Construction/Buildings division before opening — Passaic County has no zoning or CO-issuing authority.

    Official government source

    $100–$5002–6 weeks

Terminus

Open for business — est. $400–$1,500 · 3–8 weeks

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