Advertisement License

1. Types of Advertisement Covered

  • Hoardings (large billboards)
  • Flex boards / banners
  • LED / digital display boards
  • Shop signboards (above shops)
  • Temporary event banners
  • Pole kiosks / wall posters

2. REQUIRED DOCUMENTS 

A. Applicant Documents

  • Aadhaar Card (ID proof)
  • Address proof (Voter ID / Utility Bill)
  • Passport-size photo
  • Mobile number & email ID

B. Property / Location Documents

  • Ownership Certificate / Lease Agreement
  • Property Tax Receipt (latest)
  • Location sketch / site plan
  • Building Permit (if fixed structure)

C. Advertisement Details

  • Design layout (size, content, language)
  • Dimensions (Height × Width)
  • Type (LED / flex / painted / digital)
  • Illumination details (if lighted)
  • Mounting structure details

D. Structural Safety Documents (IMPORTANT)

  • Structural Stability Certificate (from licensed engineer)
  • Wind load safety compliance (for hoardings)
  • Installation method details
  • Photographs of installation site

E. Additional (If Applicable)

  • Electricity connection approval (for LED boards)
  • Traffic Police NOC (if roadside / junction)
  • Landowner NOC (if not owned)
  • Fire safety NOC (for large LED displays)

F. Business Documents (if commercial)

  • Trade License / D&O License
  • GST Registration (optional but recommended)
  • Company Registration (if agency)

3. STEP-BY-STEP APPLICATION PROCESS

STEP 1: Prepare Documents

  • Collect all documents listed above
  • Ensure design and measurements are finalized

STEP 2: Choose Application Mode

Option A: Online

  • Visit Municipal Portal (Kerala Government e-District Portal)
  • Select:
    Advertisement License / Hoarding Permit

Option B: Offline

  • Visit Municipal Office / Corporation Office
  • Collect application form from Licensing Section

STEP 3: Fill Application Form

Include:

  • Applicant details
  • Location details (Ward number)
  • Type of advertisement
  • Size & duration
  • Installation details

STEP 4: Upload / Attach Documents

Attach:

  • ID proof
  • Site plan
  • Design layout
  • Safety certificate
  • NOCs

STEP 5: Fee Payment

Fees depend on:

  • Size (sq.ft)
  • Location (main road / interior)
  • Type (LED higher cost)

Payment modes:

  • Online (UPI / Net banking)
  • Office counter

STEP 6: Site Inspection

  • Municipal officer visits location
  • Checks:
    • Safety
    • Visibility
    • Traffic obstruction
    • Public nuisance

 STEP 7: Approval / Rejection

  • If approved → License issued
  • If rejected → Correction required

 Time: 7–15 days (varies)

STEP 8: License Issuance

  • License Certificate generated
  • Validity: Usually 1 year (or event-based)

4. Renewal Process

  • Apply before expiry
  • Submit:
    • Old license copy
    • Updated tax receipt
    • Renewal fee

 5. IMPORTANT RULES & COMPLIANCE

  • No obstruction to traffic signals
  • No placement on trees / public monuments
  • Maintain size limits as per municipal rules
  • Remove expired banners immediately
  • Content must not be:
    • Obscene
    • Political (without permission)
    • Misleading

6. PENALTIES

  • Fine (₹1,000 to ₹50,000+ depending on violation)
  • Immediate removal of hoarding
  • Blacklisting of advertiser

PRO TIPS 

  • Always get pre-approval before installation
  • Avoid placing near junctions
  • Use licensed engineers for large hoardings
  • Keep digital copy of license on phone
  • Mark ward number correctly (common mistake)

7. SAMPLE APPLICATION DATA FORMAT

  • Applicant Name:
  • Address:
  • Ward Number:
  • Advertisement Type:
  • Size:
  • Location:
  • Duration:
  • Lighting: Yes / No