Other Licenses

The licenses below, with the exception of the One-Day Solicitation (Tag Day) License, can be applied for either online through the OneStopPGH application platform or in-person at the OneStopPGH Counter at 412 Boulevard of the Allies.

Please see the main Business Licenses page for information on license issuance, expiration, fees, and more.

If you're looking for additional info or clarification on your license requirements you can check out the Rules and Regulations(PDF, 544KB) or contact the Application Technicians at pliapptech@pittsburghpa.gov

 

Secondhand Dealer, Junk Dealer, Pawnbroker Licenses

The City of Pittsburgh requires anyone who operates within the City as a pawnbroker, junk dealer, antique dealer, or secondhand dealer to obtain a license from the Department of Permits, Licenses, and Inspections. For more information on how the City defines pawnbroker, junk dealer, antique dealer, and second hand dealer, please see the Rules and Regulations and Chapters 713 through 717 of the City Code.

Documents Required at Submission:

  • Valid Government Issued Photo ID
  • General Liability Certificate of Insurance showing coverage for the applicant at the location where licensed activity will take place, and listing the City of Pittsburgh as the certificate holder and additionally insured. General liability insurance minimums as follows: $1,000,000 each occurrence, $2,000,000 general aggregate.
  • Worker’s Compensation Certificate of Insurance showing Worker's Compensation coverage for the applicant business and listing the City of Pittsburgh as the certificate holder. If the business does not have any employees, the department will accept a notarized statement attesting that there are no employees. (You can download that form here.)
  • Tax Compliance Letter from the City Department of Finance, which you can request via email at taxcompliance@pittsburghpa.gov
  • Certificate of Occupancy for use as retail store or junkyard. Search for existing certificates of occupancy.
  • ePatch Criminal Record Check for applicant.
  • If the business provides loans in exchange for merchandise and charges interest, a copy of a Pennsylvania Department of Banking and Securities License must be provided.
  • If the business buys or sells precious metals, an Allegheny County Precious Metals license must be provided. This is issued by the Allegheny County Sheriff's Office.

 

Ticket Reselling License

The City of Pittsburgh requires an annual Ticket Reseller License for anyone reselling tickets for sporting and cultural events located at PNC Park, PPG Paints Arena, or Heinz Field.

For a complete list of definitions and requirements, please refer to Chapter 726: Reselling of Tickets at Heinz Field and PNC Park of the City Code and the PLI Licensing Rules and Regulations(PDF, 544KB).

Documents Required at Submission:

  • Valid Government Issued Photo ID
  • Tax Compliance Letter from the City Department of Finance, which you can request via email at taxcompliance@pittsburghpa.gov

 

Bed and Breakfast License

The City of Pittsburgh requires an annual Bed and Breakfast License for anyone who owns or operates a Bed and Breakfast Establishment within the City of Pittsburgh. A Bed and Breakfast is defined as a small lodging establishment that offers overnight accommodations where the owner-operator lives on premises.  Inspections that accompany a Bed and Breakfast License are to insure there are no IPMC violations, and that the property is in compliance with the Certificate of Occupancy (including parking lots.) For a comprehensive definition and list of requirements, please see Chapter 767: Bed and Breakfast Establishments in the City Code and the PLI Rules and Regulations. 

Documents Required at Submission:

  • Valid Government Issued Photo ID
  • General Liability Certificate of Insurance showing coverage for the applicant at the location where licensed activity will take place, and listing the City of Pittsburgh as the certificate holder and additionally insured. General liability insurance minimums as follows: $1,000,000 each occurrence, $2,000,000 general aggregate.
  • Worker’s Compensation Certificate of Insurance showing Worker's Compensation coverage for the applicant business and listing the City of Pittsburgh as the certificate holder. If the business does not have any employees, the department will accept a notarized statement attesting that there are no employees. (You can download that form here.)
  • Tax Compliance Letter from the City Department of Finance, which you can request via email at taxcompliance@pittsburghpa.gov
  • Certificate of Occupancy for use as a bed and breakfast. Search for existing certificates of occupancy.

 

One-Day Solicitation (Tag Day) License

The City of Pittsburgh requires any organization which solicits charitable funds from the general public in the City by means of personal representatives or collectors must register with the Department of Permits, Licenses, and Inspections.

Please contact PLI directly about applying for this license either via email at pliapptech@pittsburghpa.gov or by phone at 412-255-2175.

License Requirements

  1. Completed Tag Day application. Application must be notarized
  2. List of names and residence addresses of each officer, board member, or director of the organization holding the event
  3. List of names and residence addresses of each individual who will be soliciting donations during the event
  4. Annual financial statement for the organization soliciting donations (statement should include both income and expenditures for the organization)
  5. Locations or areas of solicitation. Cross-streets and landmarks preferred.

Please note that Tag Day applications are subject to City of Pittsburgh Police approval and are thus not bound to PLI's three business day license processing timeline. Applications should be submitted well in advance of the planned event.

 

Resources

Looking for additional info or clarification on your license requirements?
Check out the Rules and Regulations(PDF, 544KB)

last updated: 08/03/2026

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