The Shop and Establishment License is a mandatory legal registration for any business operating from a commercial premise in India. The Andhra Pradesh Shop and Establishment License ensures that shops, offices, and commercial establishments follow labour laws, employee welfare rules, and working condition standards set by the state government.
Under the Andhra Pradesh Shops and Establishments Act, every business—whether small or large—must obtain this registration within a specified period after commencement of operations.
This article provides a step-by-step guide on how to apply for the Andhra Pradesh Shop and Establishment License online and offline, eligibility conditions, required documents, renewal rules, common mistakes, and FAQs.
Official Portal: https://aplabour.ap.gov.in
What is the Andhra Pradesh Shop and Establishment License?
Table of Contents
The Andhra Pradesh Shop and Establishment License is a statutory registration issued by the Andhra Pradesh Labour Department to regulate working hours, wages, leave policies, and employee safety in commercial establishments.
Covered Establishments Include:
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Retail shops
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Wholesale businesses
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Offices (private firms, startups)
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Restaurants, hotels, cafés
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IT companies and service providers
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Medical clinics and diagnostic centers
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Educational coaching centers
This registration acts as legal proof of business existence and is often required for:
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Opening a current bank account
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GST registration
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Trade license application
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Government tenders
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Business loans
Eligibility Criteria for Andhra Pradesh Shop and Establishment License
To apply for the Shop and Establishment License in Andhra Pradesh, the applicant must meet the following eligibility conditions:
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Age Requirement
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Applicant must be 18 years or above
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Business Status
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Must own or operate a shop, office, or commercial establishment
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Sole proprietors, partnerships, LLPs, and companies are eligible
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Residential Requirement
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Business must be physically located in Andhra Pradesh
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Employee Criteria
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Applicable with or without employees
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Even a single-person business must register
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Special Categories
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Home-based businesses
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Startups
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Women-owned enterprises
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MSMEs
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Online service providers with a physical office
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Documents Required for Andhra Pradesh Shop and Establishment License Application
Applicants must keep the following documents ready before applying online or offline:
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Aadhaar Card of proprietor/partner/director
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PAN Card of business or owner
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Address proof of business premises:
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Electricity bill / Property tax receipt / Rent agreement
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Passport-size photograph
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Signature of applicant
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Nature of business description
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Employee details (if applicable)
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Partnership deed / Certificate of Incorporation (if applicable)
How to Apply for the Andhra Pradesh Shop and Establishment License Online Method
The online application process is simple and paperless.
Step-by-Step Online Application Process
Step 1: Visit the Official Portal
Go to the Andhra Pradesh Labour Department website: https://aplabour.ap.gov.in
Step 2: Register / Login
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Click on Shop & Establishment Registration
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Register using:
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Mobile number
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Aadhaar authentication
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Step 3: Fill the Application Form
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Enter business details
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Address of establishment
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Nature of work
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Number of employees
Step 4: Upload Documents
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Aadhaar, address proof, photo, signature
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Upload PDFs/JPEGs within size limits
Step 5: Submit Application
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Review details carefully
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Submit the application
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Save the acknowledgment number
Step 6: Verification & Approval
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Application verified by Labour Inspector
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License issued digitally
How to Apply for an Andhra Pradesh Shop and Establishment License Offline
Applicants without internet access can apply offline.
Offline Application Steps
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Visit:
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Municipal Office /
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Gram Panchayat /
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Labour Department Office
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Collect Shop and Establishment License Application Form
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Fill in:
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Business details
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Owner details
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Employee information
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Attach self-attested documents
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Submit form to the concerned officer
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Collect Acknowledgment Receipt
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Inspection may be conducted (if required)
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License issued within the prescribed time
Track Andhra Pradesh Shop and Establishment License Application Status
Applicants can track their Shop and Establishment License status online.
How to Track Status Online
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Visit: https://aplabour.ap.gov.in
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Click on Track Application Status
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Enter:
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Application number
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Registered mobile number
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Status options include:
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Submitted
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Under Verification
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Approved
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Rejected (with reason)
Renewal / Re-Verification Process
The Andhra Pradesh Shop and Establishment License does not require frequent renewal but re-verification is required in certain cases.
When Renewal or Update is Needed:
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Change in business address
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Change in ownership
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Change in number of employees
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Business closure
Renewal Process:
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Login to official portal
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Select Amendment / Renewal
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Upload updated documents
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Submit request
Common Issues & Solutions
Problem: Aadhaar Name Mismatch
Solution: Update Aadhaar details via UIDAI portal before applying.
Problem: Document Upload Failure
Solution:
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Use PDF format
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Keep file size between 200–300 KB
Problem: Application Rejected
Solution: Check rejection reason and reapply with corrected details.
Problem: OTP Not Received
Solution: Ensure the mobile number is linked with Aadhaar.
Problem: Wrong Business Category Selected
Solution: Choose the correct nature of business from the dropdown.
Important Government Links:
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Andhra Pradesh Labour Department: https://aplabour.ap.gov.in
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MyScheme Portal: https://www.myscheme.gov.in
FAQs:
Q. How to apply Andhra Pradesh Shop and Establishment License online?
A. Apply through the official Labour Department portal using Aadhaar-based login.
Q. Is Shop and Establishment License mandatory in Andhra Pradesh?
A. Yes, it is legally mandatory for all commercial establishments.
Q. Can I download Shop and Establishment License online?
A. Yes, approved certificates can be downloaded in PDF format.
Q. What is the validity of AP Shop License?
A. It remains valid unless business details change.
Q. Is Shop and Establishment License required for home business?
A. Yes, even home-based businesses must register.
Q. How long does approval take?
A. Usually 7–15 working days.
Q. Is Aadhaar compulsory?
A. Yes, Aadhaar authentication is mandatory.
Q. Can startups apply online?
A. Yes, startups and MSMEs are eligible.
Q. What is the fee for a Shop License in AP?
A. Fees depend on the number of employees and business type.
Q. How to correct mistakes after submission?
A. Use the amendment option on the portal or contact the Labour Office.
Conclusion:
The Andhra Pradesh Shop and Establishment License is a crucial legal requirement for running any business in the state. It protects employee rights, ensures regulatory compliance, and strengthens your business credibility.
With the online application system, registration has become faster, more transparent, and paperless. Applicants are strongly advised to check the official Andhra Pradesh Labour Department portal regularly for updated rules, notifications, and renewal guidelines.