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Trade licence: getting one and renewing it

You get a trade licence for your shop or business from the municipality (or the gram panchayat), and renew it before its period ends.

About this guidePending verification

Published on 12-11-2026. Not every fact has been checked against its official source yet: confirm at the office.

Where:OnlineAt a MeeSeva centreAt the office

For whom: Anyone who runs a shop, an eating place, a clinic, an office or another business in Telangana: in Hyderabad, in another municipality, or in a gram panchayat.

1Your situation

We show only what your answers need.

Where is the business?
What do you need to do?

Your answers stay on this phone.

2Documents you need

Tick the ones you have. They are kept in this browser.

  • If you don't have it: → New PAN card
    Details

    For a person: the Aadhaar card. For a business: its PAN card, or its certificate of incorporation.

    If you don't have it: If the business has no PAN card, get one first.

    Sources: 6, 1

  • Details

    Sources: 6, 1, 2

  • Details

    Any one of: Aadhaar, passport, PAN card, voter ID (EPIC), driving licence, bank passbook, ration card / food security card.

    Sources: 20

  • Details

    Sources: 20

  • Details

    If you don't have it: It is on your old licence or receipt.

    Sources: 10

  • Details

    If you don't have it: It is on your old licence or receipt. If you do not have it, "Search Your Trade License" on the same page finds it by the owner's name, door number, trade name or mobile number.

    Sources: 15

    3Your steps

    · Do them in order. Tick each one when it is done.

    If something goes wrong
    1. Do this now

      On the GHMC website, open "Apply For New Trade".

      Enter your mobile number, log in with the OTP you receive, fill in all the required details of the online application, and submit it.

      Where
      Online
      Open the official page
      Not confirmed

      These pages were written before GHMC was split into three corporations (GHMC, Cyberabad and Malkajgiri). The online services now run on the same websites under the name "CURE". Ask at your circle office whether Cyberabad and Malkajgiri corporations use another route.

      Sources: 1, 2, 8, 7

    2. Do this now

      Pay the licence fee online in the same application (net banking, credit or debit card), and keep the online receipt.

      Where
      Online
      Fee
      By the area of the premises: ₹3 a square foot on a single-lane road (20 feet), ₹4 on a double-lane road (30 feet), ₹6 on a wider road. On top of that, the Telangana Green Fund: 10% of the licence fee (rounded up to the next ₹50) if the fee is up to ₹5,000, or ₹1,000 if it is more.
      Open the official page
      Not confirmed

      These rates are from GHMC's 2019 resolution and its fee page. We have not checked whether they changed after GHMC was split into three corporations in 2026, under the new "Core Urban Region (Integrated Governance) Act, 2026". The portal works out your fee and shows it; pay that.

      Sources: 2, 3, 4, 5

    3. Do this now

      Upload the two documents online.

      As soon as they are uploaded, you get a provisional certificate.

      Where
      Online
      Open the official page

      Sources: 2, 1, 6

    4. Do this now

      If you cannot apply online, apply for the new licence at the nearest MeeSeva centre with the same documents.

      Where
      At a MeeSeva centre
      Fee
      ₹15 · MeeSeva's user charge for this service (with GST), besides the licence fee.

      Sources: 5, 13, 25

    5. Do this now

      A field verification officer checks your documents and premises; then the Zonal Commissioner, Deputy Commissioner or Chief Veterinary Officer approves it.

      Follow the status on this page. Once approved, download the digitally signed licence, with its TIN number, from your login. GHMC issues the licence for the calendar year, 1 January to 31 December. To renew for the next year, apply by 1 December.

      Where
      Online
      Time limit
      30 working days for a new licence, by GHMC's citizen's charter.
      Open the official page
      Not confirmed

      The limit of 30 working days is from GHMC's 2013 citizen's charter; we found no official paper saying whether it still holds for the online process.

      Sources: 2, 9, 13, 5

    6. Do this now

      On the CURE "Trade License Payment" page, enter your TIN or registered mobile number, see the dues, and pay the renewal fee online.

      Where
      Online
      Fee
      The year's licence fee as the page shows it, plus the Telangana Green Fund (10% if the fee is up to ₹5,000, ₹1,000 if more). If you are late, 25% or 50% more.
      Time limit
      The licence runs from 1 January to 31 December. Renew at least 30 days before it ends (by 1 December). Up to 60 days late, 25% is added; more than 60 days late, 50%.
      Open the official page
      Not confirmed

      For 2026, GHMC moved the last date to 20 December 2025 (because of a by-election). The notice for renewing for 2027 was not out when we read the site; check the GHMC website. These pages were written before GHMC was split into three corporations (GHMC, Cyberabad and Malkajgiri). The online services now run on the same websites under the name "CURE". Ask at your circle office whether Cyberabad and Malkajgiri corporations use another route.

      Sources: 10, 5, 7

    7. Do this now

      If you cannot do it online, renew at the Citizen Service Centre of any circle office, at the head office, or at MeeSeva; take the computer receipt.

      Where
      Citizen Service Centre at a circle office
      Fee
      At MeeSeva, the user charge for this service is ₹15 (with GST), besides the licence fee.
      Not confirmed

      These pages were written before GHMC was split into three corporations (GHMC, Cyberabad and Malkajgiri). The online services now run on the same websites under the name "CURE". Ask at your circle office whether Cyberabad and Malkajgiri corporations use another route.

      Sources: 5, 13, 26

    8. Do this now

      On the "Trade License Payment Receipts" page, enter your TIN or mobile number, download the receipt and keep it.

      Where
      Online
      Open the official page

      Sources: 11

    9. Do this now

      On the CDMA eMunicipal portal, open "New Trade License", choose the district and municipality, and fill in the application.

      Certify yourself that what you state is true (self-certification), and upload the two documents.

      Where
      Online
      Open the official page
      Not confirmed

      We saw only the portal's first screen (district, municipality), not the screens inside. We read in the Centre for Good Governance's explanation that the Act (section 158) sets a fine of 25 times if the self-certification is found false and in bad faith; we did not open the Act itself.

      Sources: 16, 15, 19, 6

    10. Do this now

      On the "New Trade License Payment" page, enter your application number and pay the licence fee.

      Where
      Online
      Fee
      By your municipality's rates, as the portal shows it.
      Open the official page
      Not confirmed

      The municipality sets the rates; we did not find them in an official paper, so we cannot tell you the amount beforehand. Pay what the portal shows. A 2022 state order (G.O.Ms.No.17, Finance) told the municipal department to collect a Telangana Green Fund amount on every shop or business licence issued or renewed; we did not find what municipalities collect now.

      Sources: 17, 15, 19, 24

    11. Do this now

      Follow the application under "Trade Application Status".

      Once it is approved, download the licence from "Signed Certificate Download".

      Where
      Online
      Open the official page
      Not confirmed

      The Centre for Good Governance's explanation of the Municipalities Act says the Act sets a time limit for each municipal service in its citizen's charter (Schedule III), and has the penalty for delay recovered from the person responsible. We have not read the limit for a trade licence; ask at the municipal office.

      Sources: 18, 15, 19

    12. Do this now

      On the CDMA portal, open "Trade License Renewal", enter your TIN, see the dues and pay the renewal fee.

      Then download the receipt from "Print Receipts".

      Where
      Online
      Fee
      The dues the portal shows.
      Open the official page
      Not confirmed

      We did not find the municipalities' last date for renewal, or the late fee, in an official paper; ask at the municipal office. The 27 municipalities merged into Hyderabad's corporation from 13 December 2025 pay on the Hyderabad page.

      Sources: 15, 6

    13. Do this now

      If you cannot do it online yourself, ask at your municipality's Citizen Service Centre; the municipal office can tell you where it is.

      The Centre for Good Governance's explanation of the Municipalities Act says every municipality has to set up at least one such centre to provide its online services.

      Where
      Your municipality's Citizen Service Centre
      Not confirmed

      We did not find an official paper saying that the centre takes trade licence applications, or what it charges. We also did not find a municipal trade licence service in MeeSeva's list of services (it has Hyderabad's and the gram panchayats').

      Sources: 19, 27

    14. Do this now

      Apply online with "Trade License" in the citizen services of the e-Panchayat portal, and attach the two documents.

      Where
      Online
      Fee
      The gram panchayat fixes the fee (Panchayat Raj Act, section 120). Barbers, washermen, medari, kummara and other village artisans pay no fee for the licence for the place where they work.
      Time limit
      The Panchayat Raj Act (section 120) says the application must be decided within 15 days of its receipt (or of completing the formalities); if not, the licence counts as granted.
      Open the official page
      Not confirmed

      We did not see the portal's screens inside, or find the fee amounts in an official paper. Ask at the gram panchayat office.

      Sources: 20, 22, 21

    15. Do this now

      In a gram panchayat, renewal is automatic: no documents and no inspection are needed.

      Ask at the gram panchayat office how and when to pay the renewal fee, and pay it.

      Where
      Gram panchayat office
      Fee
      The gram panchayat fixes the fee (Panchayat Raj Act, section 120). Barbers, washermen, medari, kummara and other village artisans pay no fee for the licence for the place where they work.
      Not confirmed

      We did not find the renewal fee or the last date in an official paper. The Panchayat Raj Act (section 120) says a renewal is to be asked for 30 to 90 days before the new licence period begins.

      Sources: 20, 21

    If something goes wrong

    If it is rejectedAsk at the municipal office why it was rejected.

    Ask at the municipal office why it was rejected. Fix the problem and apply again. If you think it was wrongly rejected, complain on Prajavani.

    Prajavani (the government's grievance system) · Open the official page

    Sources: 23

    If it is rejectedAsk at the gram panchayat office why it was refused; the Panchayat Raj Act (section 120) says a refusal must be in writing and give its reasons.

    Ask at the gram panchayat office why it was refused; the Panchayat Raj Act (section 120) says a refusal must be in writing and give its reasons. Fix the problem and apply again. You can appeal to the District Collector within 30 days of receiving the order (sections 121 and 122).

    District Collector (appeal)

    Sources: 21

    If it is rejectedCheck the status in your login or on the status page, and ask at the circle office why it was rejected.

    Check the status in your login or on the status page, and ask at the circle office why it was rejected. Fix the problem and apply again. If you think it was wrongly rejected, complain on the GHMC grievance portal or to the helpline 040-21111111.

    GHMC grievance portal · Open the official page

    04021111111

    Sources: 2, 14, 13

    If it is lateFor portal problems in a municipality, CDMA technical support is 040-23120410 (10 am to 5 pm on working days).

    For portal problems in a municipality, CDMA technical support is 040-23120410 (10 am to 5 pm on working days). If it is still delayed, complain on Prajavani.

    Prajavani (the government's grievance system) · Open the official page

    Sources: 16, 23

    If it is lateThe Panchayat Raj Act (section 120) says an application not decided within 15 days counts as granted.

    The Panchayat Raj Act (section 120) says an application not decided within 15 days counts as granted. Ask at the gram panchayat office for the licence; if it is still delayed, complain on Prajavani.

    Prajavani (the government's grievance system) · Open the official page

    Sources: 21, 23

    If it is lateIf a new licence takes more than 30 working days, or a renewal more than 10 working days, complain to the circle's Deputy Commissioner or to the GHMC helpline 040-21111111.

    If a new licence takes more than 30 working days, or a renewal more than 10 working days, complain to the circle's Deputy Commissioner or to the GHMC helpline 040-21111111. If it is still delayed, complain on Prajavani.

    Prajavani (the government's grievance system) · Open the official page

    Sources: 13, 14, 23

    If you are asked for more moneyPay only the fee the portal shows, and take a receipt for every payment.

    Pay only the fee the portal shows, and take a receipt for every payment. If anyone asks for more, complain on Prajavani.

    Prajavani (the government's grievance system) · Open the official page

    Sources: 15, 23

    If you are asked for more moneyPay only what the gram panchayat office tells you, and take a receipt for every payment.

    Pay only what the gram panchayat office tells you, and take a receipt for every payment. If anyone asks for more, complain on Prajavani.

    Prajavani (the government's grievance system) · Open the official page

    Sources: 23

    If you are asked for more moneyPay only the fee and the Green Fund the portal shows, and take a receipt for every payment.

    Pay only the fee and the Green Fund the portal shows, and take a receipt for every payment. GHMC's charter asks citizens not to go through agents. If anyone asks for more, complain on the GHMC grievance portal or on Prajavani.

    Prajavani (the government's grievance system) · Open the official page

    Sources: 13, 5, 23

    AlsoIf you are found trading without a licence, a 100% penalty is charged at once, then a 10% fine every month until you get the licence.

    If you are found trading without a licence, a 100% penalty is charged at once, then a 10% fine every month until you get the licence. So apply when you start the business. For questions, call the GHMC helpline.

    GHMC helpline

    04021111111

    Sources: 5, 14

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    Related guides

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    The 27 official pages and papers this guide is written from
    1. Issue of New / Renewal License (Trade License)Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation, Government of Telangana, 1. What is trade license; 2. Inspection and approval authorities (categories); 3. Procedure; 4. Required documents; 5. Related GOs / proceedings · read on 30-10-2026
    2. Online Procedure For New Trade LicenseGreater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation, Government of Telangana, Whole page: OTP login, online payment, receipt, provisional certificate on uploading two documents, field verification, approval by ZC/DC/CVO, digitally signed certificate with TIN · read on 30-10-2026
    3. Trade License Fee RatesGreater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation, Government of Telangana, Table: rate per sq. ft by road width (single lane 20 feet, double lane 30 feet, multiple lane above 30 feet) · read on 30-10-2026
    4. Resolution No.173 of the Standing Committee, GHMC, 14.11.2019: removal of the maximum ceiling of trade licence fee and revised ratesGreater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation, Government of Telangana, Resolution text and table (rate per sq. ft by road width), under section 622(2) of the GHMC Act, 1955 (14-11-2019) · read on 30-10-2026
    5. Press Note No.122/TL/GHMC/2025, 19.11.2025: Renewal of existing trade licence / issue of new trade licence for the period 1.1.2026 to 31.12.2026Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation, Government of Telangana, Page 1: bye-laws of 1973 (GO Ms No. 288 MA), application 30 days before expiry, penalty schedule under bye-law 4(i) and 4(ii); page 2: Telangana Green Fund levy, Resolution No.146 of 7.9.2017 (trading without licence), where to apply and renew (19-11-2025) · read on 30-10-2026
    6. G.O.Rt.No.459, 29.07.2017: Implementation of Ease of Doing Business reforms – Issue / Renewal of Trade Licenses – Certain OrdersMunicipal Administration & Urban Development (A) Department, Government of Telangana (on the GHMC website), Paragraphs 2 (only two documents: photo identity proof; lease deed / legal occupancy), 3 (other information from the ULB's own records) and 4 (all corporations, municipalities and nagar panchayats) (29-07-2017) · read on 30-10-2026
    7. GHMC website, home pageGreater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation, Government of Telangana, Menus: Trade License (Online Application Procedure, Apply For New Trade, Trade License Fee Rates); Online Payments → Trade License; "27 erstwhile ULBs" → Trade License; news "Renewal of Trade Licence for year 2026"; Quick Links "Core Urban Region (Integrated Governance), Act 2026" · read on 30-10-2026
    8. Trade License: new application (mobile number)Core Urban Region Economy (CURE), Government of Telangana (GHMC online services), Form: Mobile Number. Opened from the GHMC home page, "Apply For New Trade" · read on 30-10-2026
    9. Trade License Application StatusGreater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation, Government of Telangana, Form: Application Number, Mobile number · read on 30-10-2026
    10. Trade License PaymentCore Urban Region Economy (CURE), Government of Telangana (GHMC online services), Form: TIN (Trade Identification Number) or Registered Mobile No.; notes below the form · read on 30-10-2026
    11. Trade License Payment ReceiptsCore Urban Region Economy (CURE), Government of Telangana (GHMC online services), Form: TIN or Registered Mobile No. · read on 30-10-2026
    12. G.O.Ms.No.55, 11.02.2026: Reorganisation of Core Urban Region (CURE) – Constitution of three Municipal Corporations: Cyberabad, Malkajgiri and Greater HyderabadMunicipal Administration and Urban Development Department, Government of Telangana (list on the BuildNow portal), Government Orders, entry dated 11/02/2026 (title of the order) (11-02-2026) · read on 30-10-2026
    13. GHMC Citizen's CharterGreater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation, Government of Telangana, 4.3 A. Health & Sanitation Section, services 1, 2 and 4 (time frames, officers) and the note under the tables (the days in the time-frame column mean working days); 4.6 Electronic Services (MeeSeva: payment of trade licence); 6 Grievance redress; 8 Indicative expectations from citizens (item 8: no agents); 10 (the charter was prepared on 10 May 2013) · read on 30-10-2026
    14. Contact Us (Officers Contacts)Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation, Government of Telangana, Head office address and Helpline · read on 30-10-2026
    15. eMunicipal Telangana: Trade License (renewal, receipts, payment status)Commissioner and Director of Municipal Administration (CDMA), Government of Telangana, Trade License menu (New Trade License, New Trade License Payment, Trade License Renewal, Trade Application Status, Signed Certificate Download); Trade License Renewal tab (TIN, Print Receipts); "Search Your Trade License" (district, ULB, and any one of TIN, name of owner, owner door number, name of trade, mobile); notice on the 27 municipalities merged into GHMC from 13-12-2025 (G.O.Ms.No.264) · read on 30-10-2026
    16. eMunicipal Telangana: Trade License Application FormCommissioner and Director of Municipal Administration (CDMA), Government of Telangana, First screen: District, ULB; header: Technical Support 040 2312 0410, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM on working days · read on 30-10-2026
    17. eMunicipal Telangana: Trade License Application PaymentCommissioner and Director of Municipal Administration (CDMA), Government of Telangana, Form: Trade License Application Number · read on 30-10-2026
    18. eMunicipal Telangana: Trade License Application StatusCommissioner and Director of Municipal Administration (CDMA), Government of Telangana, Form: Application No / TIN · read on 30-10-2026
    19. Telangana Municipalities Act, 2019: a healthy blend of citizen-centric governance and control (explanation of the Act, January 2020)Centre for Good Governance, Hyderabad (Government of Telangana), This is the Centre's explanation of the Act, not the Act's text; the Act itself was not read. Sections 57 and 58 (municipal services online within the time of the Citizens Charter; penalty for delay recovered from the person responsible; one or more Citizen Services Centres for providing online services, page 17); section 92 (trade licence fee levied along with property tax, page 23); section 158 (trade licence: online request, self-certification, fine of 25 times, pages 38 and 39); Chapter 4, Schedule III (the municipal services and the timelines for their delivery, page 79) · read on 30-10-2026
    20. G.O.Ms.No.52, 26.11.2020: Implementation of Ease of Doing Business reforms – Issuing New / Renewal of Trade Licenses – OrdersPanchayat Raj & Rural Development (GP-FIN) Department, Government of Telangana (Telangana G.O.I.R.), Paragraphs 1 (section 120 of the Telangana Panchayat Raj Act, 2018; online applications), 2 (two documents) and 3 (auto renewal without documents or inspection). Found on goir.telangana.gov.in by searching "Trade License" (26-11-2020) · read on 30-10-2026
    21. The Telangana Panchayat Raj Act, 2018 (Act No. 5 of 2018)Panchayat Raj and Rural Development Department, Government of Telangana (Telangana Gazette, on the e-Panchayat portal), Section 120(1) (a licence states its period, if any), 120(2) (fees at rates fixed by the Gram Panchayat; barber, washer-man, medari, kummara or other village artisan not liable), 120(3) (a refusal in writing with its grounds; every application disposed of within fifteen days, failing which the licence is deemed granted), 120(9) (application for renewal not less than thirty and not more than ninety days before the period begins); section 121(1)(a) (appeal to the District Collector); section 122 (within thirty days of receiving the order). Gazette of 30 March 2018, pages 104 to 107; later amendments not checked (30-03-2018) · read on 10-11-2026
    22. e-Panchayat portal, home pagePanchayat Raj and Rural Development Department, Government of Telangana, Citizen services: Building Permission, Layout Permission, Building Mutation, Property Tax, Trade License · read on 30-10-2026
    23. Prajavani at Praja Bhavan, effective Grievance Redressal SystemCentre for Good Governance, Government of Telangana, Project brief · read on 30-10-2026
    24. G.O.Ms.No.17, 18.02.2022: Telangana Haritha Nidhi (Telangana Green Fund) – Contribution to Telangana Green Fund from […] Licenses to Shops & Business Establishments […] – OrdersFinance (TFR) Department, Government of Telangana (Telangana G.O.I.R.), Paragraph 4, table, row 4 (each issue or renewal of licence to shops and business establishments; departments concerned: MA&UD, PR&RD, LET&F; the departments to issue the amendments needed). Found on goir.telangana.gov.in by searching "Telangana Green Fund" (18-02-2022) · read on 10-11-2026
    25. Telangana MeeSeva portal: GHMC Trade Licence Fresh Applications (service 8035)Electronic Services Delivery (MeeSeva), ITE&C Department, Government of Telangana, Services → GHMC → service 8035: Fee (with GST) 15; Service Details: user charges 15, other charges NA, SLA days NA (04-04-2026) · read on 05-11-2026
    26. Telangana MeeSeva portal: GHMC Trade Licence Renewal (service 8034)Electronic Services Delivery (MeeSeva), ITE&C Department, Government of Telangana, Services → GHMC → service 8034: Fee (with GST) 15; Service Details: user charges 15, other charges NA, SLA days NA (04-04-2026) · read on 05-11-2026
    27. Telangana MeeSeva portal: Services (services by department)Electronic Services Delivery (MeeSeva), ITE&C Department, Government of Telangana, Services by department: CDMA (birth and death services and DMA Property Tax Collection; no trade licence service); GHMC (GHMC Trade Licence Fresh Applications, GHMC Trade Licence Renewal); TGPRRE (Panchayat Trade License Fresh, Panchayat Trade License Renewal) (04-04-2026) · read on 05-11-2026