Updated on March 07, 2025 12:19:57 PM
Karnataka is an emergent state with diverse industries and an increase in commercial activities and urbanization, which opens sizeable opportunities for business. For small shops in the local markets or conglomerates in Bengaluru, Mysuru, or Mangaluru, outdoor signage becomes an important marketing tool.
However, the government of Karnataka controls this factor by compelling the business to obtain a Signage License that would ensure adherence to established safety, aesthetic, and environmental standards.
A Signage License in Karnataka is available after detailed applications by firms and people are submitted to the relevant municipal authority. The applications usually consist of elaborate plans of proposed signage, their dimensions, design, and location. For larger installations, proof of structural stability is expected from applicants. Proofs of property ownership or permission are also necessary.
The license evaluation process for signages would run from the observance of zoning regulations to the safe use of traffic, structural stability, and aesthetic impact as a whole within the surrounding area. These licenses have fees, which run from minimal size, type, and locale to higher price rates depending on if prime areas are concerned.
Karnataka has moved pretty well in the last few years by achieving digitization mainly in Bengaluru for the signage licensing process.
Karnataka is one of the fastest-growing states in terms of diversified industries, strong commercial activities, and fast-increasing urbanization. This has opened vast possible business opportunities to reach its customers through signage and advertisements. From small shops in local markets to corporate markets in Bengaluru, Mysuru, and Mangaluru, outdoor signage is an essential marketing tool for all.
However, to govern this, the Karnataka Government has regulated a Signage License that ensures its promotion to a set quality norm of protection, aesthetic appeal, and environmental consideration.
A Signage License is a document usually issued to an individual or business based on legal permission from the local municipal authorities, indicating the right to place outdoor signs, billboards, or advertisements in public spaces. In essence, it ensures that the installation of signage is according to the municipal bylaws, safe for the public, and does not damage the urban landscape.
There exist various types of Signage Licenses in Karnataka, categorized based on the category, size, and nature of signage. Below are some common types of Signage Licenses in Karnataka:
Required documents are Signage Licenses in Karnataka given below:
Generally, the process of applying for a Signage License in Karnataka 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 Karnataka depends on several factors, such as the size, type, and location of the signage.
| Types of signage | Size sq.ft | Government fee ₹ |
|---|---|---|
| Shop signboards | Up to 20 sq. ft. | ₹1,000 to ₹3,000 |
| Billboards | 50 - 200 sq. ft. | ₹20,000 to ₹75,000 |
| Digital LED displays | Any size | ₹30,000 to ₹100,000 |
| Illuminated signage | Any size | ₹5,000 to ₹30,000 |
| Temporary banners | Up to 30 sq. ft. | ₹2,000 to ₹10,000 |
| Rooftop signage | Any size | ₹25,000 to ₹100,000 |
Professional fee for a Signage License in Karnataka starts from ₹ 15,000.
Note: The aforementioned fees are exclusive of GST.
In Karnataka, any business that would use outdoor signage as an advertisement device must acquire a Signage License first. Be it in terms of a shop signboard, a huge billboard, or a digital display, the plays on local laws make the outdoor advertisement safety-conscious as well as legally compliant with all statutory norms, and aesthetically pleasing to the human eye.
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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A Signage License is a permit offered by the authority in Karnataka, which allows businesses or individuals to place advertisements, signboards, and hoardings in public spaces.
A Signage License ensures that advertisements outside are in keeping with the prerequisites of safety, aesthetics, and zoning laws, along with the environmental impact, requirements of the local authority.
License for signage in Karnataka is usually provided by the local municipal bodies, such as Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike, Bengaluru, or any other Urban Local Bodies such as Mysuru, Hubli, and Mangaluru. In rural areas, the license is issued by the gram panchayat concerned.
Varies on the type, size, and location of signage, but generally between ₹500 to ₹50,000 for a year.
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