Payment methods and details

Accepted payment methods

Credit and debit card payments

Surcharges and fees are applied automatically to all credit and debit card transactions.

Checks and money orders

Check requirements

• Make all checks and money orders payable to the “City of Philadelphia.”
• The individual or company listed on the check must be listed on the application.
• Personal checks are accepted.
• Checks and money orders must have issue dates within 12 months of the transaction.

Reasons your check may be rejected

L&I will not accept checks that are missing depository information or are:

• Unsigned.
• Expired.
• Post-dated.
• Starter checks without account info.

Returned payment policy

If your check is returned unpaid for insufficient or uncollected funds:

1. You will be charged a $20 fee for collection.
2. You authorize the City of Philadelphia or its agent to make a one-time electronic fund transfer from your account to collect this fee directly.
3. The City of Philadelphia or its agent may re-present your check electronically to your depository institution for payment.
4. If the City is unable to obtain payment, the license, permit, or appeal application will be void.
5. You cannot take any additional action under a permit until you have paid all fees.
6. The permit or license will be revoked if the outstanding fees are not paid within 30 days.
7. You cannot file or obtain additional permits until you resolve the outstanding debt.

Late license payment

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.