A Trade License (also called Trade/Profession License or Tehbazari) is a permission from the local urban body — Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC), Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC), or one of the 78+ Municipal Councils and Committees across J&K — to carry on a specific trade at a specific premises.
It is mandatory for almost every business in urban J&K, from a hair salon in Trikuta Nagar to a wholesale unit in Bari Brahmana, and is the prerequisite for many other licenses (FSSAI, Fire NOC, Pollution consent).
Who needs a J&K Trade License?
Any individual or entity carrying on a trade, profession or commercial activity within municipal limits in J&K needs a trade license. Common categories:
- Retail shops, wholesalers, godowns
- Restaurants, cafés, bakeries, sweet shops
- Salons, parlours, spas, gyms
- Clinics, diagnostic centres, pharmacies
- Hotels, guesthouses, banquet halls
- Manufacturing units, workshops, garages
- Coaching centres, schools, IT/ITeS offices
- Petrol pumps, gas agencies
Documents required
JMC and SMC have moved their trade license process to the J&K e-services portal. Documents are uploaded online; physical visit is needed only for inspection.
- Application form (online via egov.jk.gov.in or jmcjammu.org / smcsrinagar.org)
- Identity proof of proprietor/partners/directors (Aadhaar + PAN)
- Address proof of premises — registered rent agreement, electricity bill or property tax receipt
- NOC from landlord (if premises are rented)
- Site plan with built-up area
- Photographs of premises (interior + signboard)
- Pollution Control consent (for manufacturing/restaurants)
- Fire NOC (for assembly, hospitality and high-rise)
- FSSAI license (for food businesses)
- Drug License (for pharmacies)
- Affidavit of trade nature on ₹100 stamp paper
Process — JMC and SMC
Both JMC (Jammu) and SMC (Srinagar) follow broadly the same process under the J&K Municipal Corporation Act, with minor variations in fees.
- 1. Register on egov.jk.gov.in or the corporation portal
- 2. Fill the trade license application form with trade category
- 3. Upload all documents in PDF
- 4. Pay the trade license fee online (varies by trade type and area)
- 5. Inspection by ward sanitary inspector (within 7–10 days)
- 6. Approval by Health Officer / Municipal Commissioner
- 7. License issued digitally — must be displayed at premises
Trade License fees in J&K (2025)
Fees are notified by each urban body and depend on trade type and built-up area. Indicative slabs for JMC and SMC:
- Small shop (under 200 sqft): ₹500–1,500 per year
- Restaurant/café: ₹2,000–7,500 per year
- Manufacturing unit: ₹5,000–25,000 per year (by capacity)
- Hotel/banquet: ₹10,000–50,000 per year
- Petrol pump: ₹10,000–20,000 per year
- Renewal: same as fresh fee, with late penalty if delayed
Renewal and penalties
Trade licenses in J&K are valid from 1 April to 31 March each financial year and must be renewed every year. Late renewal attracts:
- 0–30 days late: 25% surcharge
- 30–90 days late: 50% surcharge
- Beyond 90 days: 100% surcharge + show-cause notice
- Operating with expired license: sealing of premises possible
Frequently asked questions
- The legal framework is the same (J&K Municipal Corporation Act and J&K Municipal Act), but JMC (Jammu) and SMC (Srinagar) operate independently and have separate fee schedules and online portals.
- No. Operating without a granted trade license is technically a violation. However, applicants can request an acknowledgement receipt that protects you from immediate sealing while the application is processed.
- Yes. Each premises requires its own trade license, even if owned by the same proprietor or company. Branch outlets in different wards or municipalities need separate applications.
- Not at the application stage, but JMC/SMC may ask for it during renewal if your turnover crosses ₹40 lakh (goods) or ₹20 lakh (services).