Checklist
Documents required
- 1PAN card of proprietor / firm / company
- 2Aadhaar card of proprietor or authorised signatory
- 3Address proof of premises — registered rent agreement, electricity bill or property tax receipt
- 4NOC from landlord (rented premises)
- 5Latest property tax payment receipt
- 6Photographs of premises showing the signboard and interior
- 7Site plan with built-up area
- 8Pollution Control consent (for manufacturing / restaurants)
- 9Fire NOC (for assembly, hospitality and high-rise premises)
- 10FSSAI licence (for food businesses)
- 11Affidavit of trade nature on ₹100 stamp paper
Process
Step-by-step process
- 1Register on the J&K e-Services portal at egov.jk.gov.in (or jmcjammu.org / smcsrinagar.org)
- 2Select 'Trade License — New Application' under HUDD / Municipal Corporation
- 3Fill the application with trade category, premises address and built-up area
- 4Upload all documents as PDF under 2 MB each
- 5Pay the government fee online (based on trade category and built-up area)
- 6Note the Application Reference Number (ARN)
- 7Inspection by the Sanitary / Trade Inspector — usually within 7–15 days
- 8Respond to any objection raised within 15 days
- 9Download the Trade License — valid for 1 financial year (renewable)
- 10Display the licence prominently at the premises
As of 2026
Fees & timeline
| Retail shops up to 250 sqft | ₹500–1,500/year · 7–15 days |
|---|---|
| Retail shops 250–500 sqft | ₹1,500–3,000/year · 15 days |
| Restaurants / clinics / salons | ₹3,000–7,500/year · 15–20 days |
| Hotels / banquet halls | ₹7,500–25,000/year · 20–30 days |
| Manufacturing units | ₹5,000–25,000/year · 20–30 days |
| Renewal | Same as fresh fee · before 31 March each year |
Figures reviewed as of September 2026. Government fees may change without notice.
Frequently asked questions
- Yes. If you operate from a commercial or residential premises within JMC limits — even for an online-only business — a Trade License is required. The licence category is normally 'Office / IT-ITeS' with the lowest fee slab.
- JMC and SMC trade licences are valid for one financial year (April to March). Renewal must be filed before 31 March each year — late renewal attracts a penalty of 2% per month.
- A Trade License is issued by the municipal body (JMC / SMC) and authorises a specific trade at a specific premises. Shop Act is issued by the Labour Department and regulates conditions of employment. Both are mandatory and serve different purposes.
- No. JMC / SMC trade licences are non-transferable. When ownership changes, the new owner must apply for a fresh licence in their name within 30 days of the change.
Is a JMC trade license required for an online-only business in Jammu?+
How long is a JMC / SMC trade license valid?+
What is the difference between Trade License and Shop Act in J&K?+
Can a trade license be transferred to a new owner?+
Based in Jammu? We handle trade license (jmc / smc) in j&k — apply online (2026) locally — see our detailed Jammu guides for FSSAI registration in Jammu, trade licence consultant in Jammu and FSSAI licence renewal in Jammu.