Business Licensing & Operations in Elizabeth, NJ (2026)
4 verified business licensing & operations rules for Elizabeth, New Jersey, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Massage Establishments
Elizabeth requires a separate license for every massage business premises and for each individual masseur or masseuse, issued by the supervisor of licenses. Establishment licenses cost $1,000 a year, individual licenses cost $250, and both are due every February 1st.
Elizabeth Massage Establishment License Requirements
Significant RestrictionsElizabeth City Code § 5.56.010
No person, firm or corporation shall operate any establishment or utilize any premises in the city as or for a massage business unless and until there first has been obtained a license for such establishment or premises from the supervisor of licenses of the city, in accordance with the terms and provisions of this chapter.
Tobacco Retail License
Elizabeth requires a tobacco business license from the bureau of central licensing before any smoke shop can sell tobacco, e-cigarettes, or paraphernalia. New shops must apply within sixty days of the chapter taking effect or stop operating.
Elizabeth Smoke Shop Tobacco Business License
Significant RestrictionsElizabeth, NJ City Code § 5.94.030
No person or entity shall engage in the regulated activity within the city without having first applied for and obtained a tobacco business license from the bureau of central licensing. All smoke shops currently in operation at the time this chapter takes effect shall have sixty (60) days to apply for a tobacco business license with the chief license inspector before they are required to cease ...
Secondhand Dealers
Elizabeth requires anyone buying and reselling secondhand goods to hold two separate licenses, a premises license for the location and an individual license for every person who handles transactions, issued by the chief license inspector under Code Section 5.88.040.
Elizabeth Secondhand Dealers Need Dual Licenses
Significant RestrictionsElizabeth City Code § 5.88.040
No dealer shall engage in a regulated activity within the city without having first applied for and obtained licenses from the chief license inspector. A.Premises License. The premises where a regulated activity is to be conducted shall be licensed, with said license being prominently displayed within the premises in a location where it is in full and unobstructed view to the public.B.Individu...
Towing Companies
Elizabeth requires every private-property tower to hold an annual mercantile license, cap towing fees at $100 to $400 by vehicle weight, post warning signs at every lot, and get police clearance before hooking a vehicle. The chief license inspector can suspend or revoke a tower's license after a hearing.
Elizabeth Private-Property Towing License Rules
Significant RestrictionsElizabeth City Code § 5.51.030(A)
Each tower shall apply for and maintain a valid mercantile license annually, from division of licenses, which shall be prominently displayed at the storage lot or facility. Said mercantile license shall be issued for a year period from May 1 to April 30 of the next succeeding year.
Looking for Union County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Elizabeth city rules.
Business Licensing & Operations in Union County →