Which permits does your market need?
Pick your city or county, tell us whether you'll have food, use public space, or set up tents and cooking, and get the permits that apply to you and your vendors, with fees, deadlines and official links. Covers 225 US cities and counties.
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Tell us about your event.
Permits for your market in Kansas City, MO.
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.
Not shown, based on your answers: food vendors. See everything for Kansas City.
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
What the rules ask of you 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. Official page
When to apply.
- 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
- Missouri sales tax license for special events (Form 2643S): Contact the Department 3 to 4 weeks before the event
Collect your vendors' permits with their applications.
Make the vendor licenses, sales tax registration and food permits above required documents on your application, and check them before you approve anyone.
Check with the office.
This checklist summarizes official government pages read on 2026-10-10. It isn't legal advice; rules, fees and deadlines change. Special events contact: KC BizCare 816-513-2491 / kcbizcare@kcmo.org. Full page and sources for Kansas City.
Common questions.
What permits do I need to host a vendor market?
Usually an event permit from the city or county, licenses and sales tax registration for vendors, and temporary food permits for anyone selling food. Parks, streets, tents and cooking can add more. Pick your city above to see the exact list.
Do I need a permit for a pop-up market on private property?
It depends on the city. Some only require permits on public property; others, like zoning temporary-use permits, apply anywhere. The checklist shows what each city's official pages say.
How far ahead should I apply for an event permit?
Often 30 to 90 days. The median deadline across 111 places in our study is 45 days, and 43 want 60 or more.
Permits sorted? Run the event on bzar.
Free for organizers: vendor applications with required documents, booth payments, tickets and check-in.