Who needs local licenses in Wisconsin?

Issued by Your city, village or town clerk, at step 2 of 6 in the opening sequence: register for tax.

Every kind of business in Wisconsin

The Wisconsin table lists this for every kind of business.

The clerk’s office is where the liquor and operator licenses and any local kennel or pet shop license are filed, and in Milwaukee, Madison and the other agent jurisdictions the local health department licenses food in place of the state. Ask the clerk before signing the lease.

Checked Oct 21, 2026 against the agency’s page.

Step 2 of 6: Register for tax

  1. Set up the business
  2. Register for tax
  3. Approve the space
  4. Get the permits for your kind of business
  5. Alcohol permits
  6. Before the first hire

Issued by Your city, village or town clerk.

Sources and dates

Wisconsin One Stop Business Portal, opening your business pages; municipal ordinances. Checked against the agency’s page on the date shown; cities add their own fees.

Questions about opening here.