You need a Residential Property Wholesaler License if your business is to buy residential properties solely for resale or to get owners to sell their residential properties so that you or someone else can buy and resell them. This includes multi-family and mixed-use buildings.
You do not need this license if you are a:
Individuals, business owners, and their agents can apply for this license.
If the name on the Commercial Activity License is not an individual, you must provide the name and contact information for the responsible person.
On the application, identify all corporations that the responsible person has an equity interest in.
You must provide a Certificate of Insurance that includes the minimum amount:
The responsible person must submit a PA State Police criminal history check demonstrating the following:
You must be current on all City of Philadelphia taxes.
You can apply online using eCLIPSE.
If you need help filing your application online, you can schedule a virtual appointment.
You need an appointment to visit the Permit and License Center in person.
Permit and License Center 1401 John F. Kennedy Blvd. MSB, Public Service Concourse Philadelphia, PA 19102
Office hours: 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday
Offices close at noon on the last Wednesday of each month.
Payment methods and details Accepted payment methods Where Accepted payment Online through the eCLIPSE application
(There is a $200,000 limit for online payments.) Electronic check Credit card (+2.25% surcharge) In person at the Permit and License Center in the Municipal Services Building Electronic check Credit card (+2.25% surcharge) In person at the Cashier’s Station in the Municipal Services Building (Items paid at the Cashier’s Station will be mailed within five business days.) Check Money order Credit card (+2.25% surcharge) Cash Checks and money orders Check requirements Make all checks and money orders payable to the “City of Philadelphia.” The individual or company listed on the check must be listed on the application. Personal checks are accepted. Checks and money orders must have issue dates within 12 months of the transaction. Reasons your check may be rejected(There is a $200,000 limit for online payments.)
(Items paid at the Cashier’s Station will be mailed within five business days.)
L&I will not accept checks that are missing depository information or are:
If your check is returned unpaid for insufficient or uncollected funds:
If you renew your license more than 60 days after the due date, you will be charged 1.5% of the license fee for each month since the license expired.
You can apply for this license online using eCLIPSE or in person at the Permit and License Center.
If the application isn’t approved, you will receive an email stating what is missing or required.
L&I can review most applications while you wait.
This license must be renewed annually. You can renew online through eCLIPSE or in person at the Permit and License Center.
To renew your license, you must:
If you have any questions, submit an online request to 311 or call 311. Call (215) 686-8686 if you are outside Philadelphia.