Service overview
You need this license to advertise through paper flyers or circulars, known as handbills. The Department of Licenses and Inspections (L&I) issues this license.
Who
Any business, organization, or individual can apply for this license.
Requirements
Other licenses and registrations
Ownership information
Your license will be issued to the legal entity listed on the Commercial Activity License and your Philadelphia Tax Account. Any trade name or “Doing Business As” (DBA) must also be listed on your Commercial Activity License.
Tax compliance
You must be current on all City taxes to get this license.
Where and when
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Cost
A non-refundable application fee of $20 is applied toward the license fee. The balance of the license fee is due upon application approval.
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How
You can apply for this license online using eCLIPSE or in person at the Permit and License Center.
Online
Applications are reviewed within five business days.
If the application isn’t approved, you will receive an email stating what is missing or required.
In person
L&I can review most applications while you wait.
After you get your license
You must follow these rules when giving out handbills:
- You can’t throw or scatter handbills in any public space.
- On private property, you must give handbills directly to the occupant or leave them in a secure location.
- You cannot place handbills on motor vehicles.
- You cannot leave handbills on a property where the occupant has registered with L&I and posted a circular non-delivery sticker. (L&I maintains a list of all properties that have requested non-delivery. The list is available for public inspection during regular working hours.)
Renewal requirements
Annual renewal:
- Renew online through eCLIPSE or in person at the Permit and License Center
Required for renewal:
- Must be current on all City taxes