Wedding Planner Permit Requirements in Phoenix, AZ

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 for EIN (Employer Identification Number) (opens in a new tab)

   Free·Immediate (online)

   Free

   Immediate (online)

1. Arizona Transaction Privilege Tax (TPT) License

   A TPT license from the Arizona Department of Revenue is required only if the business conducts taxable activities (e.g., retail sales of goods). Pressure-washing and wedding/event-planning services themselves are not enumerated taxable TPT classifications.

   Official government source for Arizona Transaction Privilege Tax (TPT) License (opens in a new tab)

   $12 per location·1–2 weeks

   $12 per location

   1–2 weeks

2. General Liability Insurance (Recommended)

   Wedding planners in Arizona 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. Phoenix — No General Business License (regulated activities only)

   The City of Phoenix does not have or issue a general business license. The Phoenix City Clerk's License Services section licenses only specific regulated activities (amusements, auctions, curb painters, escort bureaus, massage establishments, sexually oriented businesses, and vending). Most businesses need no Phoenix city license at all; if you make taxable sales you must hold an Arizona Transaction Privilege Tax (TPT) license from the Arizona Department of Revenue ($12 state license per location plus a $50 Phoenix city license fee, both administered by AZDOR).

   Official government source for Phoenix — No General Business License (regulated activities only) (opens in a new tab)

   $0 — no general business license exists; Arizona TPT license (if making taxable sales): $12 state + $50 Phoenix city license fee via AZDOR·1–3 weeks

   $0 — no general business license exists; Arizona TPT license (if making taxable sales): $12 state + $50 Phoenix city license fee via AZDOR

   1–3 weeks

2. Trade Name (DBA) Registration — Arizona Secretary of State

   If operating under a trade name, you may register it with the Arizona Secretary of State (online only). Registration is optional under Arizona law — it is not a legal prerequisite to doing business under the name — but it prevents another business from registering the same name and is commonly required by banks to open a business account. Registration lasts five years.

   Official government source for Trade Name (DBA) Registration — Arizona Secretary of State (opens in a new tab)

   $10 filing fee (optional; five-year term; optional $25 expedite)·1–2 weeks

   $10 filing fee (optional; five-year term; optional $25 expedite)

   1–2 weeks

Official Sources

• City of Phoenix — Business Licensing
• Arizona Secretary of State
• IRS — Apply for EIN

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