MCD Trade License Rules Updated: Property Tax Payment Now Mandatory

If you run a shop, godown or any business in Delhi, there is crucial news for you. The Municipal Corporation of Delhi has changed the way trade licences operate and the update came into effect from 23 June 2026.

Here’s what changed.

The Old Portal is Gone

Earlier, you had to visit a separate MCD Trade License portal to apply for or renew your General Trade Licence (GTL). That portal has now been discontinued for new applications and renewals.

Everything now happens through the MCD Property Tax portal. One portal, one payment, one receipt.

Your Payment Receipt is Now Your Licence

MCD has removed the old system of filing a separate application for a General Trade or Storage Licence. Instead, you simply pay your licence fee along with your annual property tax. The online receipt you get after payment is treated as your valid licence.

So there is no separate certificate to collect anymore. Keep that receipt safe, because that is your proof.

How Much Will You Pay Now?

The fee structure has become much simpler. Earlier, MCD Trade License renewal fees changed depending on your trade type, your area and your location. Different businesses paid different amounts, and it was confusing.

Now there is one flat rule:

Licence fee = 15% of the property tax payable on your premises.

If your property tax is ₹20,000, your licence fee is ₹3,000. This applies to all trades equally. Because of this, the old MCD Trade License category list no longer decides your fee for a General Trade Licence.

The licence stays valid for one financial year, the same as your property tax year.

Keep Your UPIC Ready

Under the new system, you are identified through your UPIC, which stands for Unique Property Identification Code. This code is linked to your premises.

Before you sit down to MCD Trade license apply online, keep these ready:

• Your UPIC number

• Property details and ownership or tenancy proof

• Your property tax dues cleared or ready to pay

• Business details of the premises

Without the UPIC, you cannot move ahead. So find it first.

For online MCD Trade License renewal in Delhi, the process is the same. Pay property tax along with the 15% licence fee, and download your receipt. For an MCD Trade License online check, log in to the property tax portal and view your payment history.

Important: Health Trade Licence is Different

Please read this part carefully, because many people get confused here.

This change applies to the General Trade and Storage Licence only. The MCD health trade license is a separate licence. It is needed by food businesses like restaurants, bakeries, dairies, hotels, salons and similar establishments that affect public health.

The health trade licence still follows its own application process, its own documents and its own inspection rules. MCD health trade licence fees are charged separately as per the applicable trade category, and are not replaced by the 15% property tax rule.

So if you run a food business, paying property tax alone is not enough. You still need to apply for health trade licence.

One Last Reminder

Paying the fee does not free you from other rules. You must still follow fire safety norms, pollution control rules and all other legal requirements. The responsibility for safety stays with the owner or the business operator.

Existing licences continue until they expire. After that, use the new system.