How to Apply for a Signboard License in MalaysiaComplete Guide to Local Council Process & Documents

Planning to put up a shop signboard? Hold on before you start installing it! In  Malaysia, whether you’re running a restaurant, retail store, or office, any business signage — including LED signboards, lightboxes, or wall-mounted signs — must first be approved by your local council (Majlis Perbandaran) through a Signboard License application.

Many business owners rush to install their signs without approval, only to end up facing hefty fines, forced removal orders, or delays in their Business License approval. In some cases, it can even affect your brand image and credibility.

To help you avoid costly mistakes, this Malaysia Signboard License Guide 2025 will walk you through everything you need to know:

Application requirements across key councils — DBKL (Kuala Lumpur), MBJB (Johor Bahru), MBPP (Penang), and MPSJ (Subang Jaya)

List of required documents, approval steps, and common rejection reasons

Practical tips to speed up the approval process and get your signboard license approved faster
 

 Disclaimer

The information in this article is provided for general knowledge and reference purposes only.

It aims to help business owners understand the basic process and required documents for applying for a Signboard License from local councils (Majlis Perbandaran) in Malaysia.

Regulations, application forms, and fees may vary across different councils — such as DBKL, MBJB, MBPP, and MBSJ — and may change over time due to updates in local government policies.

Readers are advised to verify the latest requirements with their respective local council offices or official websites, or consult a Registered Signboard Contractor in Malaysia before proceeding with any application.
 

Why Do You Need a Signboard License in Malaysia?

In Malaysia, any business owner planning to install a signboard — whether it’s an LED lightbox, billboard, or pylon sign — must first obtain approval from the local city council (Majlis Perbandaran) through a Signboard License application.

This is because all commercial signage and exterior building modifications fall under the jurisdiction of local councils (Local Authorities) such as DBKL (Kuala Lumpur City Hall), MBJB (Johor Bahru), MBPP (Penang), and MPSJ (Subang Jaya).

Getting a signboard license isn’t just about following procedure — it’s about ensuring safety, compliance, and professionalism. The main purposes are:

• To ensure structural safety — preventing accidents caused by unstable or poorly installed signage.
• To maintain urban aesthetics — keeping shopfronts and city visuals consistent with local planning standards.
• To comply with advertising laws — avoiding illegal, misleading, or inappropriate content.
• To ensure electrical safety — especially for LED and illuminated signboards, which require proper wiring and certification.

 Businesses that install signboards without approval may face fines between RM500 and RM2,000, forced removal, or even delays in their business license approval — not to mention the risk of damaging your brand reputation.
 

Guide to Signboard License Application Process & Required Documents in Malaysia

Below is a quick overview of the signboard license approval process and the documents required by several key city councils across Malaysia. These serve as reference examples — actual requirements may vary slightly depending on your local council’s regulations and latest public notices.

Avoid Rejection! Top 5 Common Signboard License Mistakes in Malaysia (and How to Fix Them)

How to Get Your Malaysia Signboard License Approved Faster — 5 Practical Tips You Should Know

When applying for a Signboard License in Malaysia, many business owners experience delays or rejections due to incomplete documents, missing Malay text, or incorrect design formats.

To help you avoid these setbacks, here are 5 proven tips from registered signboard contractors in Malaysia to speed up your approval process and get your signboard installed on time:

One of the most common rejection reasons is missing Bahasa Malaysia content or incomplete design measurements. Always submit a clear layout with dimensions, text, lighting details, and a proper Malay version before submission.
 

A registered contractor knows the exact submission requirements for councils like DBKL, MBJB, MBPP, or MBSJ. They can help you prepare the right forms, drawings, and follow up with the local authority efficiently.
 

If your shop lot is rented, always obtain written approval from the landlord before drilling, wiring, or installing any lightbox or LED signage. Missing consent letters are one of the top causes of application delays.
 

Most city councils take around 2 to 4 weeks to process a complete application. For Heritage Zones (like George Town, Penang) or during public holidays, approval may take longer — so plan early to avoid last-minute stress.
 

Save a digital record of your design layout, approvals, and receipts. This makes license renewal, inspection, or multi-city expansion much easier in the future.

FAQ

1. Can I Apply for a Signboard License Without a Business License?

Yes, but it depends on your local council’s regulations (such as DBKL, MBJB, MBPP, or MBSJ). Most city councils in Malaysia allow applicants to use a Business License Application Receipt as a temporary document while applying for the Signboard License.

However, once your Business License is officially approved, you must submit the final copy to obtain your Signboard License Certificate.

Pro Tip: To save time, apply for both your Business License and Signboard License simultaneously — especially if your business is located in Kuala Lumpur (KL), Selangor, Penang, or Johor Bahru, where approval processes can take longer.
 

2. Do I Need a License If My Signboard Is Just a Sticker or Wall Logo?

Yes, you do. Even simple forms of commercial signage — such as glass sticker logos, LED or neon lettering, or wall-mounted brand logos — are still considered signboards under Malaysian local council regulations.

 Installing any signboard without approval may result in fines (RM500–RM2,000) or even forced removal, even if the design doesn’t include lighting or structures.
 

3. Do I Need to Reapply When Renewing My Signboard License?

Typically, a Signboard License in Malaysia is valid for one year and must be renewed annually. If your design, size, and lighting remain unchanged, you only need to submit:

• A copy of your previous license
• A valid Business License copy
• Your payment receipt

If you have made any structural changes (e.g., added LED lights or resized your signage), you’ll need to submit a new application for approval.
 

4. What If My Signboard Application Gets Rejected?

Don’t worry — you can reapply.Most councils (including DBKL, MBJB, and MBPP) allow applicants to resubmit within 14 days after rejection.

It’s best to work with a Registered Signboard Contractor Malaysia who can help revise your layout, adjust your Bahasa Malaysia wording, and correct size or proportion issues to improve your chances of approval.
 

5. Can I Apply for Multiple Signboard Licenses at Once?

Yes. If your business has multiple signage structures — such as:

• Main Signboard (front fascia)
• Pylon Sign (standalone lightbox)
• Wall-Mounted Sign
• Glass Sticker / Door Logo

You can submit them under one address in a single application. This not only saves processing time and fees but also makes future renewals easier and more consistent.

Our professional team at Great Sign Advertising (M) Sdn Bhd provides:

Free signboard quotation & material consultation

One-stop service — Design × Fabrication × Installation

Coverage Areas: Kuala LumpurSelangorPenangJohor BahruMelakaIpoh