The Automobile business license application (Form L_026_F, printed as Application for an Automobile License) is the City of Philadelphia Department of Licenses and Inspections (L&I) form for a new motor vehicle repair, motor fuel dispenser, auto wrecking yard, tire storage or public parking license. It is one of the Philadelphia business license applications L&I publishes for automotive businesses. On this page you can fill out the form online on FillingPDF and download or print the completed PDF; the official PDF and the filing rules are published by the City of Philadelphia.
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What is L_026_F?
The Automobile business license application, printed as Application for an Automobile License (L_026_F), is the City of Philadelphia Department of Licenses and Inspections (L&I) form for a new motor vehicle repair, wrecking yard or parking license.
The form covers three license types, and you select one in Part A:
- Motor Vehicle Repair / Motor Fuel Dispenser
- Automobile Wrecking Yard / Tire Storage
- Public Parking Lot / Garage
Part A collects the property address, the owner or operator's contact details, any Pennsylvania corporations in which the applicant holds an equity interest, and tax and license numbers. Part B is a checklist of supplemental information, including that City taxes, charges and fees are current and that a Zoning Permit for the use is valid, with extra items for wrecking yards, parking garages and parking lots. Part C prints the limits and conditions for motor vehicle repair and for public parking lots and garages. The owner or operator then signs a declaration that the statements are true; the form warns that a knowingly false statement can lead to revocation of licenses and other penalties.
The form is for a NEW license. L&I lists separate documents for other automotive licenses, such as the Tire dealer license application and the Fleet vehicle mobile fueling operation information form.
Who needs to file L_026_F?
Owners or operators who want a NEW Motor Vehicle Repair / Motor Fuel Dispenser License, an Automobile Wrecking Yard / Tire Storage License, or a Public Parking Lot / Garage License in Philadelphia complete this application. The owner or operator signs it.
Part A asks you to select one license type. If the applicant is a company, up to two corporate owners must be named.
This form is not the right one for every automotive license. L&I's automotive page lists separate applications for a tire dealer license, for a fleet vehicle mobile fueling license, and for towing businesses. Because this form states it is for a NEW license, check with L&I before using it for anything else. The form also does not say that anyone other than the owner or operator may sign.
The form's Part C notes that no person may conduct, operate or maintain a public parking lot or public garage without a license from L&I.
When to file L_026_F
Submit the application when you are applying for a new Motor Vehicle Repair / Motor Fuel Dispenser, Automobile Wrecking Yard / Tire Storage, or Public Parking Lot / Garage license. The form prints no separate deadline.
Part C states that no one may conduct, operate or maintain a public parking lot or public garage without first obtaining a license from L&I, so apply before the licensed activity starts. The form also asks for the date the activity started at the property, and requires that all City of Philadelphia taxes, charges and fees be current and that a Zoning Permit for the use be valid before you answer Part B.
L&I's automotive page lists an Affidavit of continuous use, described as a form submitted with the license application to affirm continuous use. Ask L&I whether it applies to your application.
Documents you need
- A valid Zoning Permit for the use, for every license type; Part B asks you to confirm it is valid.
- For a Public Parking Lot / Garage: a Certificate of Insurance issued by a company licensed in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, naming the City of Philadelphia as Certificate Holder, with the coverage and wording Part B lists.
- For a Public Parking Lot / Garage: the garage keeper's legal liability policy covering property damage from fire, theft, explosion, collision, riot, civil commotion, malicious mischief and vandalism.
- For a parking garage that is already licensed with no alterations proposed: a statement of business hours and a rate schedule.
- For a new parking garage or one with proposed alterations: approval from the Department of Streets' Right-of-Way unit and an approved plot plan, plus a statement of business hours and a rate schedule.
- For a parking lot: confirmation of approved barriers and surfacing under Department of Streets regulations, drainage for paved areas larger than 5000 square feet, and lights for safe access after dark.
- For an Automobile Wrecking Yard / Tire Storage: confirmation of durable fencing that conceals wrecking activities and materials from street view.
How to fill out L_026_F
Select the license type
In Part A, select one: Motor Vehicle Repair / Motor Fuel Dispenser, Automobile Wrecking Yard / Tire Storage, or Public Parking Lot / Garage. The form is for a NEW license.
Enter the property address
Under Property, write the full address of the location of the licensed activity, including the zip code.
Enter owner or operator details
Fill in Owner / Operator Name, Owner / Operator Address, Owner Email and Phone #.
List corporate owners
Name all Pennsylvania corporations, including limited liability corporations, in which the applicant has any equity interest, direct or through tiers. For each, give the Name of Corporate Owner, Title, Home Address and City/State/Zip; if the entity is a company, name up to two corporate owners.
Enter tax and license numbers
Write the Philadelphia Business Tax #, Federal Tax ID # / SSN, Commercial Activity License # and the Date Activity Started at Property.
Verify the Part B basics
Check Yes only if all City of Philadelphia taxes, charges and fees are current and a Zoning Permit for the USE is valid.
Complete your license-type items
For a wrecking yard, confirm the durable, concealing fencing. For a parking lot or garage, confirm the Certificate of Insurance, business hours, rate schedule, Right-of-Way approval and plot plan, barriers, drainage and lighting items that apply to your site.
Read the Part C conditions
Part C lists the limits for motor vehicle repair and for public parking lots and garages. Read them before you sign; they are printed for your information.
Sign and date the declaration
The owner or operator signs and dates the declaration that the statements are true and correct to the best of their knowledge and belief.
Review and download the PDF
Check each entry and the supporting items for your license type, then download or print the completed PDF from FillingPDF and take it to L&I as described under How to submit.
How to submit L_026_F
The form says DO NOT MAIL THIS APPLICATION and that it must be submitted in person. L&I's automotive page names two ways to apply: online, or in person at the Permit and License Center.
- In person: take the completed application to the Permit and License Center in the MSB Concourse.
- Online: L&I's automotive page says these licenses can be applied for online; use the City's online service rather than this PDF if you choose that route.
- By mail: not accepted. Both the form and the L&I page say not to mail applications.
Bring the supporting items that Part B lists for your license type, such as the valid Zoning Permit, the Certificate of Insurance for a public parking lot or garage, or the statement of business hours and rate schedule for a parking garage. The form names no fee or processing time; contact L&I for those. FillingPDF lets you fill out and download the PDF; submission follows the channels above.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Mailing the application. The form is marked DO NOT MAIL THIS APPLICATION and must be submitted in person.
- Selecting more than one license type in Part A instead of the one you are applying for.
- Using the form for something other than a NEW license, such as a tire dealer license, which L&I handles on a separate application.
- Checking Yes in Part B when City taxes, charges and fees are not current or the Zoning Permit for the use is not valid.
- Submitting a parking lot or garage Certificate of Insurance that does not name the City of Philadelphia as Certificate Holder or omits the required wording.
- Leaving out the garage keeper's legal liability coverage for property damage, which Part B requires for a public parking lot or garage.
- Naming more than two corporate owners for a company, or leaving out the Pennsylvania corporations in which the applicant holds an equity interest.
- Signing without confirming the statements; the declaration warns of possible license revocation for a knowingly false statement.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get a Philadelphia business license for an auto business?
For a new motor vehicle repair, fuel dispenser, wrecking yard, tire storage or public parking license, complete the L&I Automobile License Application (L_026_F) and submit it in person. L&I's automotive page also says these licenses can be applied for online.
Can I mail the Automobile License Application?
No. The form is marked DO NOT MAIL THIS APPLICATION and says it must be submitted in person. L&I's automotive page repeats that applications should not be mailed and points to the Permit and License Center in the MSB Concourse.
Which licenses does Form L_026_F cover?
A new Motor Vehicle Repair / Motor Fuel Dispenser License, a new Automobile Wrecking Yard / Tire Storage License, or a new Public Parking Lot / Garage License. You select one in Part A. Tire dealer licenses use a separate L&I application.
What do I need for a public parking lot or garage license?
A valid Zoning Permit and a Certificate of Insurance naming the City of Philadelphia as Certificate Holder, with the wording and coverage in Part B. Garages also need business hours and a rate schedule; lots need barriers, drainage and lighting.
Can I fill out the Automobile License Application online on FillingPDF?
Yes. You can fill out the PDF online on FillingPDF and download or print it. FillingPDF does not file it with L&I; you submit it through the channels the City describes.
Who signs the application?
The owner or operator signs and dates the declaration at the end of the form. By signing, they certify the statements are true and correct to the best of their knowledge and belief.
What is the Affidavit of continuous use?
L&I's automotive page describes it as a form submitted with the license application to affirm continuous use. The Automobile License Application itself does not mention it, so ask L&I whether it applies to your application.
Is there a fee for the automobile license application?
The form and L&I's automotive page do not state a fee for this application. Contact the Department of Licenses and Inspections to ask about any fee before you apply.
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