Running a vendor market in Kansas City.
To run a vendor market in Kansas City, Missouri, an organizer applies for event permits through CompassKC and KC Event Hub, food vendors need a Kansas City Health Department temporary food permit, and vendors need a city business or peddler license from the Business License Division plus a Missouri sales tax license from the Department of Revenue.
Updated
Event permit.
Event permits through CompassKC and KC Event Hub
Most event permits (block parties, festivals and parades, street closures, temporary use permits, banners) are applied for online through CompassKC. Events in city parks may also need a separate Parks and Recreation permit.
- Who
- Organizer
- From
- City of Kansas City, Missouri (KC BizCare, KC Event Hub, Public Works)
- When
- Events using public streets, sidewalks or parks, closing roads, or including food or alcohol vendors, tents, stages or live entertainment. Large events with several permits, street closures or vendors may need extra coordination through KC Event Hub.
- Timing
- General park permit applications at least 30 days before the event
Vendor and business licenses.
Business License or Peddler/Street Vendor License
Both licenses come from the Business License Division, online through QuickTax, by mailed RD-100 form, or in person at City Hall. Online processing is typically 7-10 business days.
- Who
- Vendors
- From
- City of Kansas City, Missouri Finance, Business License Division
- When
- Businesses operating in Kansas City need a business license. Vendors who sell only on public property (streets, sidewalks, parks) can get just the Peddler/Street Vendor License. The page does not say whether vendors at a permitted private-property market are covered by the organizer.
- Fee
- Peddler/Street Vendor License flat fee of $62.50; business license fee varies by business type and projected revenue
- Timing
- Online or mailed processing typically 7-10 business days; same day in person
Sales tax.
Missouri sales tax license for special events (Form 2643S)
Anyone selling retail to the public at a special event must collect Missouri sales tax and hold a sales tax license, even for a hobby. The license covers sales in all Missouri cities and counties, and vendors report the city or county breakdown of event sales when filing.
- Who
- Vendors
- From
- Missouri Department of Revenue
- When
- Individuals and general partnerships selling at craft shows, farmers markets and similar events who do not sell in Missouri continually. LLCs and corporations use Form 2643A.
- Timing
- Contact the Department 3 to 4 weeks before the event
Food vendors.
Temporary Food Permit
The Health Department offers a Temporary Food Permit application and a pre-inspection scheduling option, noting that an inspection does not guarantee a permit. Fees depend on length of operation and are in its Food Establishment Fee Schedule.
- Who
- Vendors
- From
- Kansas City Health Department, Environmental Public Health Program
- When
- Short-term food service at events, festivals, markets and pop-ups, for no more than 14 consecutive days in connection with a single event. Large outdoor events also have an Outdoor Event Permit Application.
What the rules ask of organizers about vendors.
Missouri's Department of Revenue says event organizers do not sell, but all vendors who make retail sales must have their own Missouri tax ID number. Unregistered vendors should contact the Department 3 to 4 weeks before the event, so organizers should collect tax ID numbers before the event.
When to apply.
- Missouri sales tax license for special events (Form 2643S): Contact the Department 3 to 4 weeks before the event
- Event permits through CompassKC and KC Event Hub: General park permit applications at least 30 days before the event
- Business License or Peddler/Street Vendor License: Online or mailed processing typically 7-10 business days; same day in person
Collect the paperwork with each application.
Ask vendors for their sales tax registration, business license, food permit and insurance certificate as required documents on your application form, so you can check them before you approve anyone. Booth fees, tickets and day-of check-in run from the same dashboard.
Selling at markets in Kansas City, MO?
The vendor license, sales tax and food permits above are yours to get before the event; the organizer will usually ask for copies with your application. On bzar you apply to markets and pay booth fees by card in one place, and keep your licenses, permits and insurance certificates on file to reuse on every application. Free for vendors. Join bzar free or read how to become a market vendor.
Where the sources are unclear.
- The Missouri FAQ states no license fee. Form 2643S is revised 08-2023 and the Department's registration line is 573-751-5860 (businesstaxregister@dor.mo.gov).
- Missouri allows an exemption for sellers 65 or older whose handicraft income is no more than 50% of annual income, using Form 2478; see the same FAQ page.
Common questions.
Do I need a permit to host a vendor market in Kansas City?
Event permits through CompassKC and KC Event Hub (City of Kansas City, Missouri (KC BizCare, KC Event Hub, Public Works)): Most event permits (block parties, festivals and parades, street closures, temporary use permits, banners) are applied for online through CompassKC. Events in city parks may also need a separate Parks and Recreation permit.
Do vendors need a license to sell at events in Kansas City?
Business License or Peddler/Street Vendor License (City of Kansas City, Missouri Finance, Business License Division): Both licenses come from the Business License Division, online through QuickTax, by mailed RD-100 form, or in person at City Hall. Online processing is typically 7-10 business days.
Who handles sales tax at a market in Kansas City?
Missouri sales tax license for special events (Form 2643S) (Missouri Department of Revenue): Anyone selling retail to the public at a special event must collect Missouri sales tax and hold a sales tax license, even for a hobby. The license covers sales in all Missouri cities and counties, and vendors report the city or county breakdown of event sales when filing. For organizers: Missouri's Department of Revenue says event organizers do not sell, but all vendors who make retail sales must have their own Missouri tax ID number. Unregistered vendors should contact the Department 3 to 4 weeks before the event, so organizers should collect tax ID numbers before the event.
Do food vendors need a separate permit in Kansas City?
Temporary Food Permit (Kansas City Health Department, Environmental Public Health Program): The Health Department offers a Temporary Food Permit application and a pre-inspection scheduling option, noting that an inspection does not guarantee a permit. Fees depend on length of operation and are in its Food Establishment Fee Schedule.
How far ahead should I apply in Kansas City?
Missouri sales tax license for special events (Form 2643S): Contact the Department 3 to 4 weeks before the event Event permits through CompassKC and KC Event Hub: General park permit applications at least 30 days before the event Business License or Peddler/Street Vendor License: Online or mailed processing typically 7-10 business days; same day in person
Keep reading.
Sources.
This page summarizes official government sources and isn't legal or tax advice. Rules, fees and forms change; confirm with each agency before you apply.
Special events contact: KC BizCare 816-513-2491 / kcbizcare@kcmo.org
Every fact on this page comes from these official pages, checked on 2026-10-10. Details change; tell us at hello@bzar.app if something here is out of date.
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