Updated on April 09, 2025 03:00:30 PM
Mumbai is the financial capital of India, which owns many businesses, from small shop vendors to multinational companies. Outdoor advertising, which includes signboards, manages to peak the visibility of such businesses significantly. A simple shop board, billboard, or digital display signboard is a vital tool for business promotion.
But to ensure that it is safe, aesthetically pleasing, and according to the regulatory norms, businesses in Mumbai must obtain licenses for signage from the respective municipal authorities.
In this regard, the signage policies in a city like Mumbai, which has a composite area of historical zones, business areas, and congested residential neighborhoods, imply a balance between commercial interests and the protection of the character of the city.
Areas declared heritage and coastal regions require special considerations. The advertisements in the city should be made a bit modern by giving specific rules about digital signage and LED displays. Also, zoning is something that should be considered; that is, different rules are applied for the different areas according to their designation and sensibility.
Licensing fees are among the highest in India in Mumbai, varying in size, location, and type of signage. Licenses normally entail a renewal process periodically, and the BMC frequently conducts drive-around exercises to demolish unlicensed advertisements.
Signage licensing in the financial capital and most populous city in India, Mumbai, is a rather exhaustive exercise that is primarily administrative. The governing body for the process is the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). This system is built for managing outdoor advertisements, urban aesthetics, public safety, and revenue generation for the city.
The signage regulations of Mumbai cover a wide range of formats, from billboards to shopfronts, digital displays to transit advertisements, and temporary banners put up for events. It usually requires submitting very specific proposals to the BMC, including design details and location, structural safety certificates, and, depending on their nature, possibly no-objection certificates from any other relevant authorities.
Given the uniqueness of the Mumbai urban landscape, with historical areas combined with business districts and densely populated residential zones, signage policies tend to require a balance between commercial needs and the preservation of the city's character. Here, special considerations apply in heritage areas and coastal regions.
There exist various types of Signage Licenses in Mumbai, categorized based on the category, size, and nature of signage. Below are some common types of Signage Licenses in Mumbai:
Required documents are Signage License in Mumbai given below:
Generally, the process of applying for a Signage License in Mumbai follows some steps. Here's a simplified overview of the procedure:
Normally, the authority issuing the license for signage is the local municipal corporation or the urban development authority in the area where the signage is proposed to be erected.
Each local authority has certain rules in terms of the size, design, placement, and illumination of signs. Ensure that you get the rulebook or guidelines from the authority to be guided by local rules.
Some documents will be required to accompany your application. Prepare the Required Documents
Applications have to be filled out duly and submitted, along with other required supporting documents, to the concerned municipal office. Some of these are also available to be applied online through the portals of some municipalities for the issuance of Signage Licenses.
However, after the lodging of the application, the local body or municipal authority can conduct a site visit to see if the proposed sign adheres to the rules related to safety, size, and placement.
The relevant authority will assess your application, documents, and inspection report. In case the above requirements are in order, your application will be approved.
Some time is actually required to be approved, depending on the authority in that area and how complex the signage is.
After the application is approved by the authority, you can receive your license for the signage. This license will contain information about how long it lasts and how long it should be renewed.
Signage Licenses are usually set to have an expiration date. Before the license expires, you will need to submit renewal requests along with the required documentation and fees once more.
Note: It might take some weeks or even months, depending on the complexity of the procedure and the workflow of the authority.
The fee structure for a Signage License in Mumbai depends on several factors, such as the size, type, and location of the signage.
| Types of signage | Size sq.ft | Government fee ₹ |
|---|---|---|
| Shop signboard | Up to 10 sq. ft. | ₹1,500 to ₹5,000 |
| Medium signboard | 10 - 30 sq. ft. | ₹5,000 to ₹15,000 |
| Large signboard | 30 - 100 sq. ft. | ₹20,000 to ₹50,000 |
| Digital LED displays | Any size | ₹50,000 to ₹2,00,000 |
| Illuminated signs | Any size | ₹10,000 to ₹30,000 |
| Temporary event banners | Up to 30 sq. ft. | ₹1,000 to ₹10,000 |
| Street pole advertisement | Up to 15 sq. ft. | ₹2,000 to ₹30,000 |
Professional fee for Signage License in Mumbai starts from ₹ 15,000.
Note: The aforementioned fees are exclusive of GST
Conclusion
A Signage License in Mumbai is a prerequisite for any business or firm looking to utilize outdoor media for the display of their products or services. From signboards to shop display signs and major digital displays, businesses need to abide by the rules of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation to be legitimate, safe for the public, and responsible for the environment. If businesses apply, pay, and receive a Signage License, this will enable them to effectively advertise their brand while at the same time keeping their city landscape organized and aesthetically pleasing.
At Professional Utilities, we leverage our industry knowledge and expertise to help businesses navigate complex regulations, minimize risks, and optimize operations for maximum efficiency and profitability.
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Frequently Asked Questions
A sign board license is legal permission given by the BMC to let signboards, hoardings, or digital displays on-premises or public spaces. In short, it ensures that all outdoor advertisements go well with the applicable rules and regulations regarding safety, structure, and aesthetic appeal.
This would apply to any form of outdoor sign, and these include shop signboards, billboards, digital signs, or illuminated signs. This can also be used for short-term advertisements, for instance, banners advertising an event.
A Signage License is usually valid for one year, after which it must be renewed annually.
Yes, certain size restrictions are pretty strict for signage—even more so, for residential and heritage areas. The most common shop signboard sizes are 15 to 40 sq. ft., while hoardings in commercial zones can reach a much larger size.
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