How to get a one-time carnival license

You'll need to apply for a one-time carnival license if your event will have:

• inflatables (for example, a moon bounce)
• carnival games
• amusement rides
• pony rides, or
• a petting zoo.

Print out and complete the one-time carnival license application. You need to get your application signed by the Boston police captain from the district where you’re holding the event. 

If you have inflatables or amusement rides, you will need to submit the following:

• a Certificate of Liability Insurance
• a License to Operate Amusement Devices from the state's Department of Public Safety and Inspections, and
• a copy of the licensed mechanic identification card who will set up your inflatable or amusement rides.

If you have pony rides or petting zoos, you will need the following:

• approval in writing from Animal Care and Control
• copies of the vaccinations for the animals, and
• a Certificate of Liability Insurance.

To get an idea of what it costs to apply, you can view a list of common fees. We take certified checks, money orders, or credit or debit cards.

You may request to have the one-time entertainment license fee waived if you are a certified tax-exempt, nonprofit. You'll need to fill out this waiver form and give us proof. The waiver request must be submitted to the Licensing Division at least seven days before the event date for review.

You'll need to apply for a one-time carnival license if your event will have:

• inflatables (for example, a moon bounce)
• carnival games
• amusement rides
• pony rides, or
• a petting zoo.

Print out and complete the one-time carnival license application. You need to get your application signed by the Boston police captain from the district where you’re holding the event. 

If you have inflatables or amusement rides, you will need to submit the following:

• a Certificate of Liability Insurance
• a License to Operate Amusement Devices from the state's Department of Public Safety and Inspections, and
• a copy of the licensed mechanic identification card who will set up your inflatable or amusement rides.

If you have pony rides or petting zoos, you will need the following:

• approval in writing from Animal Care and Control
• copies of the vaccinations for the animals, and
• a Certificate of Liability Insurance.

To get an idea of what it costs to apply, you can view a list of common fees. We take certified checks, money orders, or credit or debit cards.

You may request to have the one-time entertainment license fee waived if you are a certified tax-exempt, nonprofit. You'll need to fill out this waiver form and give us proof. The waiver request must be submitted to the Licensing Division at least seven days before the event date for review.