Aurora Business License Fees & Background Checks

Business and Consumer Protection Colorado 3 Minutes Read ยท published February 09, 2026 Flag of Colorado

Aurora, Colorado requires many businesses to obtain a local business license and, for certain regulated activities, to complete background checks or fingerprinting. This guide explains how Aurora administers license fees and background-check requirements, which city office enforces them, where to find official forms and fee schedules, and the practical steps business owners must take to comply.

Check the licensing page for the fee schedule and any special background-check rules before you apply.

Overview of Licensing & Background Checks

The City of Aurora issues business licenses and enforces licensing rules through its licensing unit and relevant regulatory departments. Background-check requirements vary by license type (for example, childcare, adult businesses, certain contractor or health-related permits) and may require fingerprinting or state checks. For official application procedures and the fee schedule, consult the city licensing information and the police fingerprinting service.[1][2]

Penalties & Enforcement

Aurora enforces licensing compliance through fines, administrative orders, and referral to municipal or district court where applicable. Specific monetary penalties and escalation for repeat or continuing offences are not fully listed on the cited licensing pages; see the municipal code or contact the licensing office for statute-specific amounts.[1]

  • Fines: monetary amounts - not specified on the cited page.[1]
  • Escalation: information on first vs repeat offences - not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: license suspension, revocation, compliance orders, or court action may be applied per enforcement procedures.
  • Enforcer: City licensing unit and relevant departments (for regulated trades or health), with complaint and inspection pathways via the city licensing contact page.[1]
  • Appeals and review: appeal routes are handled administratively or in municipal court; specific time limits for appeals are not specified on the cited licensing page.
If you receive a notice or fine, act promptly to request appeal instructions from the licensing office.

Applications & Forms

The city publishes application forms and a fee schedule for business licenses on its licensing pages; some specialized licenses require separate departmental forms (for example planning or building permits). Where a standalone background-check form or fingerprinting appointment is required, the police department provides instructions and scheduling through the fingerprinting service page.[1][2]

  • Business license application: see the city licensing page for the current application form and submission methods.[1]
  • Fee schedule: fees are posted on the licensing page; specific dollar figures are not quoted here because they are listed on the city site and may change.[1]
  • Background checks: fingerprinting and background-check instructions and fees are available on the police fingerprinting page.[2]

Common Violations

  • Operating without a required license.
  • Failing to provide required background-check information for regulated licenses.
  • Failure to comply with inspection or corrective orders.
Common penalties include administrative fines and potential license suspension.

Action Steps for Businesses

  • Identify the license(s) your activity requires on the city licensing page.[1]
  • Download and complete the official application; prepare any required background-check consent or fingerprints.[1]
  • Pay the posted fee via the methods listed on the city's forms page.
  • If inspected or cited, follow the notice instructions and contact the licensing office immediately to learn appeal deadlines.[1]

FAQ

Do all businesses in Aurora need a city business license?
Not all activities require a city license; many do. Check the city licensing page for the list of license types and exemptions.[1]
When is a background check required?
Background checks are required for specific regulated licenses; details and fingerprinting procedures are listed on the police fingerprinting page.[2]
How do I appeal a licensing fine or suspension?
Appeals are processed through the licensing office or municipal procedures; specific appeal time limits are not specified on the cited licensing page, so contact the licensing unit promptly for instructions.[1]

How-To

  1. Confirm the license type needed on the City of Aurora licensing page.[1]
  2. Gather required documents, including identification and business formation documents.
  3. Complete the official application and sign any background-check consent forms.
  4. Submit the application and pay the fee according to the city's instructions.[1]
  5. If required, schedule fingerprinting with the Aurora Police Department and follow their submission process.[2]
  6. Await approval, comply with inspections if requested, and retain proof of licensing for display if required.

Key Takeaways

  • License and background-check requirements depend on the activity and are administered by Aurora's licensing unit.
  • Fees and exact penalty amounts are posted by the city; verify current schedules before applying.[1]
  • Contact the licensing office or police fingerprinting service promptly for forms, appointments, and appeal instructions.[1]

Help and Support / Resources

    Categories

    General Governance and Administration Public Safety Public Health and Welfare Land Use and Zoning Housing and Building Standards Transportation Environmental Protection Parks and Public Spaces Business and Consumer Protection Taxation and Finance Labor and Employment Education Civil Rights and Equity Elections and Campaign Finance Events and Special Uses Signs and Advertising Utilities and Infrastructure Technology and Data