How to Apply for a Business License

If you've started a business, you probably need at least one license or permit—and maybe more, depending on your business and where it's located.

Find out more about business licenses

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Updated on: September 19, 2024
Read time: 3 min

Most small businesses need business licenses and permits. But specific licensing requirements depend on where you're located and the type of business you have. Some businesses just need a general county business license, while others have to be licensed by federal, state, and local agencies.

Because the requirements can vary so much, there's no simple answer to how and where to apply for a business license. But there are some general guidelines that will help you figure out which licenses you might need and where to apply for them. Here are some of the most common types of business licenses and permits.

General small business licenses

Most businesses must have a general business license. These licenses may be issued by your county or city, and they're often tied to a local business tax. General business licenses are in addition to any paperwork you filed to form your business—a corporation or an LLC is not considered a business license.

In addition, if your business is based in your home, you may need a home occupancy permit. These permits help ensure that your home is still a residence and that you're not violating zoning restrictions, causing parking or traffic issues, or installing improper signage or alterations.

To find out what's required in your area and how to apply, contact your local tax collector's office, county administrative offices, or city hall. You can also do a general internet search for the requirements in your area. Be sure to research both your city and your county because they may have different requirements. LegalZoom can help you obtain a business license and make sure all your bases are covered.

Seller's permit

A seller's permit is an additional license you need to run a business that collects sales tax. In most states, most goods sold at retail are subject to sales tax. As the seller, you'll collect the tax from your customers and send it to the state.

Your state's department of revenue website should have information about the sales tax collection process and how to apply for a seller's permit or sales tax permit. You can also do an internet search for "sellers permit in [the name of your state]."

 

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Industry-specific licenses

Federal, state, and local agencies impose additional licensing requirements on certain professions and industries. In general, these licenses ensure that your business is safe and that you have the proper training and/or skills to operate it. While you can get most types of business licenses by filling out a simple form, industry-specific licenses may involve training, exams, and inspections.

Federal agencies oversee licensing in a few industries. These include alcoholic beverages, agriculture, transportation, and logistics. The Small Business Administration has a helpful chart of all industries with federal licensing requirements, with links to the appropriate licensing agencies.

States and localities regulate a wider array of businesses, from hair salons and tattoo parlors to construction firms and insurance agencies. If you make or sell food, you'll need a license from your health department. Certain professions, such as law, medicine, real estate, and accounting, have their own licensing boards.

Your state's website may have a list of industry-specific licenses. You can also find out if you need a business license by talking to other people in your industry or searching online for licensing requirements for your occupation in your state, county, and city.

You may need other types of permits, too, including environmental or fire permits. Figuring out what you need and where you apply for a business license can be complicated. You can get help online, or you may consider talking to a small business lawyer. And be sure to keep track of reporting and renewal requirements for each license you get.

 

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This article is for informational purposes. This content is not legal advice, it is the expression of the author and has not been evaluated by LegalZoom for accuracy or changes in the law.

155 days ago
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Business License ,was very fast and…

Business License ,was very fast and helped complete all documents accurately

Marty Long
180 days ago
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The attention I received from your…

The attention I received from your advisor and the patience he showed with me were very helpful. He also gave me information about what the license fee included. Excellent customer service from you.

Isaias Fajardo
200 days ago
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Very professional and efficient staff

Very professional and efficient staff. They help me getting my company license. Adolfo is very helpful and supportive. I'm very happy to have him as my consultant.

Rahila Hussain
201 days ago
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Starting my LLC Was quick and easy

Starting my LLC Was quick and easy. After filling out the info which was really simple. I literally got my business license and EIN within an hour. I'm pretty sure that would be based on the state your getting licensed in but this transaction for me was quick.

Toya A
207 days ago
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Legalzoom filled my llc license and did…

Legalzoom filled my llc license and did great They've been fantastic keeping up with everything. If I did not have them, I would have already been penalized for my $800 llc yearly thing. Thing I have to pay every year for an l l c I would have gotten penalized for the other thing the boi, if it wasn't for a legalzoom notifying me of it.

Khadad Gonzalez
239 days ago
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I chose LegalZoom because they are very…

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Michael Scheffler
252 days ago
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"I had an amazing experience with…

"I had an amazing experience with LegalZoom in getting my business license for Ascent Real Estate Solutions. Their process was straightforward, and their customer support was incredibly helpful throughout. They made the entire process quick and stress-free, guiding me through each step. Highly recommend LegalZoom to anyone looking for a reliable and efficient way to handle business paperwork.

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