Service overview
You need an Amusement License if your business is required to pay an Amusement Tax on admissions. Amusements include any special assembly occupancies, carnivals and circuses, concerts, movies, athletic contests, night clubs, and convention shows, for which admission is charged.
You must obtain this license if you:
- Operate or provide any amusement in Philadelphia.
- Promote any show located in Philadelphia.
Circus events that use City property need to contact the Office of Special Events for additional planning requirements.
Nonprofit organizations that want to hold a carnival for the purpose of fundraising must get a Carnival License and use a vendor with an Amusement License.
The Department of Licenses and Inspections (L&I) issues these licenses.
Who
Business owners and their agents can apply for this license.
Requirements
Other licenses and registrations
Tax compliance
You must be current on all City 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
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.
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
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.
Renewal requirements
Annual renewal:
- Renew online through eCLIPSE or in person at the Permit and License Center.
Required to renew:
- Must have a valid email address
- Be current on all City taxes