Updated on March 10, 2025 03:49:50 PM
Hoarding signage, also known as billboards or outdoor advertising structures, is one of the most outstanding large-scale advertisements in urban and rural locations across India. Vast, high-captivating visual hoardings are integral to marketing and public communications. Still, their installation and operation are regulated within a framework of rules to ensure the protection of the public, uphold aesthetic standards, and guide urban development.
In India, the permit for hoarding signage is generally issued at the state level or that of the local body, and the laws and procedures followed are not the same across different areas. The hoarding Signage License usually involves an application to the concerned local municipal corporation, urban development authority, or the designated advertising regulatory body.
The growth of urban needs in India has resulted in greater concern about the balancing requirement of advertising with demands for aesthetics and environmental requirements.
Thus, most urban cities in India have adopted the practice of tighter control over advertising while, in places like Orissa and many North Indian cities, digital boards are seen as a substitute for static hoardings.
First, the cost and terms of the license differ significantly from one location to another, depending on the size and even the type of hoarding. Some cities have also developed an auction process for the most desirable advertising locations.
In India, municipal laws tell anyone and everyone that before even constructing hoarding sign boards, one needs to get a license. The Hoarding License Rule of 1956 states that a person who advertises trade and commodity should have a license whether it is done on municipal or private property. Each type has different rules and regulations.
An applicant submitting a detailed application for a hoarding license needs to have that supported by a site plan, design specifications verified by a structural engineer, and a no-objection certificate from local traffic authorities. The procedure for issuing the license also opens the gateways for payment of fees, which are determined based on the size and location of the hoarding
Required documents for Hoarding Signage License in India are given below:
Generally, the process of applying for a Hoarding Signage License in India 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.
Charges for a Hoarding Signage License in India depend on the type, size, location, and duration of Hoarding Signage. Larger, lighted, or digital signs are much more expensive than smaller, less complicated signs. Tabulated below is the fee structure for a Hoarding Signage License in India:
| Types of Signage | Size sq. ft | Government fees ₹ |
|---|---|---|
| Commercial hoarding | Up to 500 sq. ft | ₹50,000 to ₹2,00,000 (annually) |
| Temporary hoarding | Any size | ₹500 to ₹10,000 (per day) |
| Government/public hoarding | Any size | Often exempt/lower fees |
Professional fee for a Hoarding Signage License in India starts from ₹ 15,000.
Note: The aforementioned fees are exclusive of GST.
In India, having a license for the hoarding sign is an important legal requirement for installing large hoardings. This will maintain urban aesthetics besides ensuring public safety and regulating outdoor advertising by keeping commercial promotion in proportion to the welfare of the community. Obviously, businesses and people have to get these licenses as well as retain them by following the local regulations.
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.
.svg)
A hoarding license is a legal permit sanctioning the installation and display of advertisement hoardings on municipal or private land, and this permit is sanctioned by local municipal law.
Generally, it is issued by the local authority, like Nagar Palika, Nagar Nigam, or Parishad.
Building a hoarding without a license attracts charges in the form of fines and destruction of the unlawful structure.
Yes, certain areas may have restrictions to maintain aesthetics and safety, such as near traffic signals or heritage sites.
Speak Directly to our Expert Today
Reliable
Affordable
Assured
Call us on
+91 9821113117
[Mon - Sat, 10am - 7pm]
Write to us
8th Floor, Bhandari House - 91, 804,
Nehru Place, New Delhi 110019
Reliable
Affordable
Assurity
They've been very helpful in our registration with ICEGATE. It was a small thing with a small amount paid which somehow escalated to a very painful procedure. Never did they say "You've only paid so much. It's too much effort for us.".
Very pleased with their service. Prompt, professional and great communication. Definitely recommend. Special mention for Ms. Razia - she handled our case.
Professional Utilities is fully professional in their work, Rates are too low and genuine. Services and satisfaction are high so I highly recommended Professional Utilities.
They are one of the most genuine and reasonable people. I applied for lmpc certificate through them and they charged me a very nominal amount as compared to what other firms asked .
