Service overview
Nonprofits need a license to charge admission for events that offer the following forms of amusement:
- Rides and riding devices
- Illusion shows
- Mechanical shows
- Games of skill
A Carnival License can only be issued for one location for a period of eight consecutive days, excluding holidays, in a calendar year.
The Department of Licenses and Inspections (L&I) issues this license.
Who
Only nonprofits can get this license. Nonprofits must be registered with the Department of Revenue.
Requirements
Insurance
The carnival provider must have a Certificate of Insurance that includes these minimum amounts:
- $100,000 of public liability, $300,000 per accident
- $5,000 of property damage
The contract of insurance must name the City of Philadelphia as the certificate holder.
Letter of permission
You must provide a letter of permission from the owner of the location where the carnival will be held.
Other licenses and registrations
You may also need:
- Special Assembly Occupancy License
- Temporary Amusement Permit
- You can get this permit at the same time as your carnival license.
- Temporary Electrical Wiring Permit
- The carnival company must apply in person at the Permit and License Center to get this permit.
- Food Establishment, Retail, Non-Permanent Location License, if food will be sold
- Tent Permit
Tax compliance
You must be current on all City of Philadelphia taxes.
Where and when
Online
You can apply online using eCLIPSE.
If you need help filing your application online, you can schedule a virtual appointment.
In person
You need an appointment to visit the Permit and License Center in person.
Permit and License Center
1401 John F. Kennedy Blvd.
MSB, Public Service Concourse
Philadelphia, PA 19102
Office hours: 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday
Offices close at noon on the last Wednesday of each month.
Cost
This license is free for qualified nonprofits.
How
You can apply for this license online through eCLIPSE or in person at the Permit and License Center.
Online
You must submit your Carnival License application at least 30 days prior to the event.
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
You must submit your Carnival License application at least 30 days prior to the event.
If the application isn’t approved, you will receive an email stating what is missing or required.
Renewal requirements
You cannot renew this license. You must get a new carnival license for each event.