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Permits, violations & licenses

Get a Motor Vehicle Repair / Fuel Dispensing License

Service overview

You need a license to operate a structure where you service motor vehicles and/or operate a motor fuel dispensing facility. You cannot use any part of any street or sidewalk to park or store motor vehicles.

The Department of Licenses and Inspections (L&I) issues this license.

Related licenses

Separate Hazardous Materials and Hot Work Licenses are not required. However, to operate a business that purchases or sells tires, you need a separate Tire Dealer License.

Who

Business owners and their agents can apply for this license.

Requirements

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

License fee
$253

A non-refundable application fee of $20 is applied toward the license fee. The balance of the license fee is due once your application is approved.

Renewal fee
$253

If you renew your license more than 60 days after the due date, you will be charged 1.5% of the license fee for each month since the license expired.

How

You can apply for this license online using eCLIPSE or in person at the Permit and License Center.

Online

1
Upload all required documents.
2
Once L&I receives your application, they will schedule an operational inspection.

This usually takes about three weeks.

3
If the application is approved, you will receive a notice to pay the balance.

If the application isn’t approved, you will receive an email stating what is missing or required.

In person

1
Visit the Permit and License Center.
2
Once L&I receives your application, they will schedule an operational inspection.

This usually takes about three weeks.

3
If the application is approved, you will receive a notice to pay the balance.

If the application isn’t approved, you will receive an email stating what is missing or required.

Renewal requirements

Annual renewal

Renew online through eCLIPSE or in person at the Permit and License Center.

To renew this license, you must:

  • Be current on all City taxes.
  • Get an annual inspection.

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