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Starting a business is an exciting endeavor, but it can also be overwhelming, especially when it comes to navigating legal requirements.
One of the most critical steps in launching your business is obtaining a business license. A business license is a legal document that allows you to operate a business within a specific jurisdiction, and without it, you could face fines or even legal trouble.
In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the process of obtaining a business license, from determining whether you need one to fill out the application and paying the necessary fees.
So, whether you’re starting a new venture or expanding your existing business, read on to learn how to get a business license and ensure your business complies with the law.
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How to Get a Business License in 5 Easy Steps?
The process to get a business license varies by state, and it’s not required in every state for every type of business. Follow these steps to determine whether you need a license and apply with your state if you do.
Step 1: Find Out What Business Licenses You Need
First of all, discover which kinds of licenses are appropriate for the business you are establishing based on the following factors:
- Business Structure: The structure type which you select when you start your business will determine your registration requirements. Some popular business structures are sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation, and Limited Liability Company (LLC).
- Business Location: The state, county, and city where you are planning to set up your business will have an impact on which local, state, and federal regulations are applicable to you.
- Industry Type: Depending on the industry you are part of, you may need special licenses and permits to prove that you and your team are qualified to sell particular products or provide certain professional services.
Figure out the types of business licenses and permits you need by conducting research. You can explore the websites of government agencies to find useful information and download forms.
In case you have questions regarding the application process, you may contact the agencies directly via phone, email, or contact form. On top of this, you can also check out government websites for helpful tips on how to start your business.
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Step 2: Gather License Requirements
Collect all the essential documents and meet all the necessary requirements before you apply for a business license. While the exact paperwork may vary depending on the license types you need.
Here are some common requirements for most licenses:
- Business description, plans, and location overview
- Sales tax permit and other tax documents
- Corporate records
- Ownership and management documents
- Filing fees
You may also be required to provide other requirements if you belong to some business industries:
- Proof of professional qualifications or training credentials for you and key members of your team
- Financial statements
- Insurance records
- Surety bonds
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Step 3: Submit Your License Application
Apply for licenses and permits with the appropriate government agencies. Fill out and submit an application form for each business license you are pursuing.
Carefully read and follow the instructions since every form has its own prerequisites. Although you can submit most forms online, some forms should be sent via mail or fax. Plus, certain forms must be notarized or signed by several parties.
Step 4: Wait for Approval
Stand by while your license application is still pending since the waiting period can vary. While some agencies approve business licenses right away, others could take several weeks or even months to grant approval.
Feel free to reach out to the agency to follow up on your approval status after you have waited for a reasonable period of time. In case an agency contacts you regarding your incomplete application, send the requirements you lack immediately. After all, missing prerequisites can cause delays in the approval process.
Step 5: Maintain Your Business Licenses
Once you successfully gain your business licenses and permits, make sure to maintain each one so you can keep operating your business.
Most licenses are only valid for a set period of time, which is why you need to renew them before they expire. Fulfill all the renewal requirements so you can continue to be authorized to run your business.
What Is a Business License?
“Business license” is a broad term that refers to any kind of license or permit required to operate your business and provide your services in your location. Various types of business licenses are issued by federal, state, county, and municipal agencies.
A business license’s purpose may be to register your business with the government for tax purposes or to ensure you follow industry regulations.
Do You Need a Business License?
Whether you’re required to get any type of license to run your business depends on where you live (and where your business is based) and what kind of goods and services you sell.
Most states don’t actually require a general business license, a.k.a. business operating license, just to do business in that state. However, you may still need a business license from your city or county.
You may also need a license from a relevant state or federal regulatory agency to perform certain business activities, like agriculture or medicine.
If you run an online business, you register the business and obtain the required licenses in the state and city where you base the business. If you’re a digital nomad, speak with your lawyer and accountant about the best way to set up your business.
What Are the Types of Business Licenses?
There are different types of business licenses and permits that you can apply for, depending on the kind of business you are setting up.
Discover what these license types are and whom they are recommended for. Find out where and how to register each license and how much the application fees typically cost.
1. General Business License
A general business license is a government document that gives you permission to start a business in a certain jurisdiction. In general, it’s commonly issued in the form of a tax registration certificate.
You need to apply for a general business license with the city, county, or state agency that’s responsible for business registrations. Submit the license application form, fees, and other requirements to get this license.
Recommended For: Most business owners in the U.S.
Estimated Fee: Approximately $50 or higher. The exact amount depends on the state, county, or city.
2. DBA License
The “doing business as” (DBA) license allows you to operate your business under a different brand name than your legal business name.
While your business name is your personal name by default, if you establish a sole proprietorship or partnership, you have the option of selecting a fictitious or trade name to rebrand your business.
You can register your DBA name with the county clerk’s office or the state government. In addition to this, certain states require DBA name filings to be made public to protect the interests of consumers.
Take note that you don’t need to file a DBA if you are operating under your own name and if you own an LLC or corporation with a registered business name.
Read more: How to Come Up with a Business Name
Recommended For: Business owners who wish to operate a sole proprietorship or partnership under a trading name.
Estimated Fee: Ranging from around $5 to $100. The exact amount depends on the county or state.
3. Seller’s Permit
The seller’s permit is a kind of business license that grants you authority to collect sales tax on the taxable products and services you offer to customers.
Once you acquire a seller’s permit, you are responsible for remitting the taxes you collected to the state. You must submit an application to your state’s Department of Revenue to get a seller’s permit.
Take note that five states do not impose sales tax, including Alaska, Montana, Delaware, Oregon, and New Hampshire.
Recommended For: Business owners who provide taxable products and services to consumers.
Estimated Fee: Free in most states. Ranging from around $12 to $100 in some states.
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4. Federal Business License
The federal business license gives you permission to run a business that involves activities regulated by a federal agency. You should get a federal business license if your business is related to agriculture, broadcasting, investment consultancy, alcohol, and meat product preparation.
Government agencies that issue federal business licenses include the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Federal Communications Commission (FCC), Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB), and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Each agency has its own prerequisites, so you must contact the relevant agency to discover the requirements for your business.
Recommended For: Business owners who belong to certain industries, such as meat product preparation, alcohol, investment, agriculture, and broadcasting.
Estimated Fee: Depends on the business industry and issuing agency
5. Zoning Permit
A zoning permit allows you to operate your business in a particular location, given the type of venture you own and the industry you belong to. After all, different municipalities have their own rules regarding which kinds of businesses can run in certain spots.
You need to get a zoning permit for your business from your county or city zoning department. You are required to follow the zoning guidelines in your area to gain a zoning permit.
Recommended For: Business owners running a brick-and-mortar store, distribution center, or manufacturing facility.
Estimated Fee: This varies widely depending on the state and the size of the commercial property. Ranges from around $50 to $1,500.
6. Building Permit
The building permit gives you permission to construct a new building or to remodel an old building. You or your contractor must apply for a building permit from the building department of your city or town.
In order to get a permit, you will typically be required to submit your site, structural, and architectural plans. Plus, you might need to provide information regarding safety protocols, accessibility, electrical, plumbing, and occupancy.
Recommended For: Business owners who plan to start a new construction project or to make major changes to existing structures.
Estimated Fee: Widely varies based on the size, complexity, and location of the construction project. Ranges from around $400 to $2,200+.
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7. Occupational License
An occupational license grants you the authority to provide certain professional services through your business.
In order to get an occupational license, you need to prove to the board or other certifying bodies in your industry that you gained the necessary skills and knowledge in your field through proper training and education.
Some industries require you to take and pass a written or practical exam, while others expect you to complete training modules or educational courses. Keep in mind that the actual requirements will depend on the type of occupational license you are pursuing.
Recommended For: Business owners and team members who practice specialized occupations, such as medicine, healthcare, law, accounting, real estate, electrical work, plumbing, and cosmetology
Estimated Fee: Based on the type of occupational or professional license. Starts at $60.
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8. Health Permit
A health permit allows you to operate your business by verifying that you have met the safety standards of the health department. You need to get a health permit if your business is related to food preparation and distribution or if it involves direct body contact with customers.
If your business falls under these criteria, you must apply for a health permit with your county health department. You will typically be required to undergo facility inspections, as well as to complete certification courses based on your type of business.
Recommended For: Business owners of restaurants, food delivery services, beauty salons, massage parlors, and nail spas.
Estimated Fee: Widely varies based on the business industry, size, and location. Ranges from around $100 to $3,000+.
9. Special State License
A special state license gives you permission to sell certain types of products, such as alcohol, gasoline, firearms, and lottery tickets.
You need to apply for this type of license to prove that you have met state-regulated standards related to the sale of these items. Some examples of state agencies that issue special state licenses are the Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) and state gambling agencies.
The requirements differ based on the type of license you are applying for and the issuing agency you are coordinating with.
Recommended For: Business owners who offer goods like alcohol, lottery tickets, firearms, and gasoline for sale to consumers.
Estimated Fee: Depends on the business industry and issuing agency.
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How to Get a Business License? – Frequently Asked Questions
Learning how to get a business license makes it simpler for entrepreneurs like you to establish a business. Discover the answers to common questions about business licenses and permits.
Which Factors Should I Consider When Choosing a Business License?
There are different factors that you should consider when determining which business licenses and permits you should apply for.
The first factor is the structure type you are planning to adapt for your business. The second factor is the geographical location of your business. Last but not least, the third factor is the specific industry that your business belongs to.
Can You Run a Business Without Registering It?
You can run a business as a sole proprietorship (just you) or general partnership (you and one or more partners) instead of forming a business entity like an LLC or corporation. However, sole proprietorships and partnerships may still need to register DBAs and obtain business licenses from government agencies.
Read more about how to start an LLC.
How Much Does a Business License Cost?
Business license fees vary widely across states and industries. Depending on where your business operates and what kind of license you need, you could pay a fee in the area of $50 to $200. Many businesses can operate without an operating license, so you may not have to pay anything.
Bottom Line on How to Get a Business License?
Applying for business licenses is one of the first steps to starting your own legitimate business. We hope that this guide helped you figure out which types of business licenses and permits you need as an entrepreneur. Bookmark this page so you can quickly review how to get a business license.
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About the author
Dr. Gabriel O'Neill, Esq., a distinguished legal scholar with a business law degree and a Doctor of Juridical Science, is a leading expert in business registration and diverse business departments. Renowned for his academic excellence and practical insights, Dr. O'Neill guides businesses through legal complexities, offering invaluable expertise in compliance, corporate governance, and registration processes.
As an accomplished author, his forthcoming book is anticipated to be a comprehensive guide for navigating the dynamic intersection of law and business, providing clarity and practical wisdom for entrepreneurs and legal professionals alike. With a commitment to legal excellence, Dr. Gabriel O'Neill, Esq., is a trusted authority dedicated to empowering businesses within the ever-evolving legal landscape.