What is MCD General Trade Licence?
MCD General Trade/Storage Licence (GTL) is a municipal licence required for eligible traders and establishments carrying out permitted trade or storage activities within the jurisdiction of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi.
Under Section 417 of the DMC Act, 1957, a person intending to establish a business involving General Trade or Storage activities covered under the applicable schedule/notifications is required to obtain the relevant MCD licence.
Who Can Apply?
Commercial establishments and businesses operating within MCD jurisdiction can apply for a General Trade/Storage Licence where their activity falls under the applicable MCD trade categories.
Examples include various:
- Retail Shops
- Wholesale Businesses
- Trading Establishments
- Storage/Godown Activities
- Consumer Goods Businesses
- Furniture & Fittings
- Advertising Agencies
- Electronics/Consumer Durable Businesses
- Agricultural Tools & Equipment
- Various other notified trades
MCD maintains a detailed list of eligible General Trade & Storage activities.
Important: Not every business requires a General Trade Licence. Certain activities may fall under separate MCD licences such as Health Trade Licence, Factory Licence, Veterinary Licence, etc.
General Trade Licence Categories
MCD broadly classifies trade premises according to their location:
- Conforming Industrial Area / Flatted Group Industries
- CBD / Sub-CBD / Metropolitan City Centre
- Local Commercial Area
- LSC – Local Shopping Complex
- CSC – Commercial Shopping Complex
- Community Centre
- District Centre
The applicable licence fee depends on the locality/category and area of the trade premises.
Documents Required
The commonly required documents are:
- ID Proof of Applicant
Aadhaar / Voter ID / PAN / Passport / Driving Licence etc. - Recent Photograph
- Photograph of the Establishment
- Front facade
- Trade/business being carried out
- Proof of Legal Occupancy
- Rent/Lease Agreement
- Sale Deed
- Allotment Letter
- Electricity/Water Bill
- Other acceptable occupancy proof
- Owner’s NOC, where applicable
- Other documents depending on the nature of trade.
MCD’s Citizen Charter specifically lists ID proof, establishment photograph and legal occupancy proof among the required documents.
How to Apply for MCD General Trade Licence?
Step 1 – Registration
Register on the MCD General Trade Licence portal using your mobile number.
Step 2 – Login
Login to your MCD account.
Step 3 – Select General Trade Licence
Select General Trade/Storage Licence – New Application.
Step 4 – Enter Business Details
Enter the required information about:
- Applicant
- Business/Trade
- Trade premises
- Nature of trade
- Area of premises
- Ownership/occupancy
Step 5 – Upload Documents
Upload the required supporting documents and establishment photograph.
Step 6 – Verify & Submit
Check all details carefully and submit the application.
Step 7 – Pay Government Fee
Pay the applicable MCD licence fee online.
Step 8 – Download Licence
After successful payment and submission, the licence is issued through the online portal. MCD currently lists the issuance timeline as Instant.
MCD General Trade Licence Fee
The licence fee is calculated according to the locality/category and area of the trade premises.
Current published fee structure
| Trade Premises Area | A & B Category | C & D Category | E to H Category |
|---|---|---|---|
| Up to 10 sq. m. | ₹3,968 | ₹2,645 | ₹1,323 |
| 10–20 sq. m. | ₹9,919 | ₹6,613 | ₹3,306 |
| 21–400 sq. m. | ₹9,919 + ₹166/sq. m. beyond 20 | ₹6,613 + ₹132/sq. m. beyond 20 | ₹3,306 + ₹99/sq. m. beyond 20 |
| Above 400 sq. m. | ₹72,996 + ₹83/sq. m. beyond 400 | ₹56,773 + ₹66/sq. m. beyond 400 | ₹40,926 + ₹50/sq. m. beyond 400 |
These are the published MCD General Trade/Storage Licence rates.
Important
The final government fee should be checked/calculated through the MCD portal according to the applicant’s exact trade, premises category and area.
MCD Government Fee + The Cafe Service Charges = Total Customer Payment
Your service charge should therefore be displayed separately.
Processing Time
MCD Listed Timeline: Instant
MCD’s Citizen Charter currently states that after payment, the General Trade/Storage Licence can be obtained instantly from the portal.
Licence Validity
The MCD General Trade/Storage Licence is generally issued/renewed financial year-wise and is valid up to 31 March of the relevant financial year.
Renewal is required for continuation in the next financial year.
Important Things to Know
- The business activity must be permitted under the applicable MCD rules.
- The trade premises should have valid legal occupancy.
- Property tax, conversion charges and parking charges, where applicable, should be duly complied with.
- Required fire-safety arrangements must be maintained.
- Fire Safety Certificate is required where applicable.
- Incorrect or ambiguous information can result in rejection.
- MCD fees paid are generally non-refundable in case of rejection due to incorrect/ambiguous application information.
- Keep the application number and payment receipt for future reference.
Renewal of MCD General Trade Licence
Existing licence holders can apply online for renewal through the MCD General Trade Licence portal.
The portal also provides options for:
- New Licence
- Renewal
- Amendment
- Surrender
Late Renewal
MCD applies the applicable penalty for late renewal after 30 April.
Apply Through The Cafe
Need Help Applying for MCD General Trade Licence?
You don’t have to manage the complete online application process yourself.
The Cafe can assist you with:
✔ Application Form Filling
✔ Document Checking
✔ Trade Category Selection Assistance
✔ Online Application Submission
✔ Document Upload
✔ Government Fee Guidance
✔ Application Status Assistance
✔ Licence Download Assistance
CLICK HERE TO APPLY THROUGH THE CAFE
Submit your business details and documents to The Cafe, and our team will assist you with your MCD General Trade Licence application.
MCD Government Fee and The Cafe Service Charges are separate.
Sample Licence Certificate
Sample image for reference only. Actual licence format, licence number and validity will depend on the MCD-approved application.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is MCD General Trade Licence mandatory?
For applicable General Trade/Storage activities within MCD jurisdiction, the licence is required under Section 417 of the DMC Act, 1957.
Can I apply online?
Yes. MCD provides an online General Trade/Storage Licence application system.
How much does MCD General Trade Licence cost?
The fee depends on the locality/category and area of the premises. The current published rates start from ₹1,323 for premises up to 10 sq. m. in E–H category and vary according to area/category.
How long does it take?
MCD’s listed service timeline is Instant, after payment, subject to the applicable requirements.
How long is the licence valid?
It is generally valid up to 31 March of the relevant financial year and requires renewal for the next financial year.
Can The Cafe apply for my MCD Trade Licence?
Yes. Click “Apply Through The Cafe” above and submit your business details and documents.
Is The Cafe service charge included in MCD fees?
No. MCD government fees and The Cafe’s professional/application service charges are separate.