alert icon

New federal law: Most business entities must file a Beneficial Ownership Report to comply with the Corporate Transparency Act.

Order report

Save time finding the business licenses you need

We make it easy to find the right licenses, permits, and registrations to operate legally. Get a business license report for $99.

Brunette White woman wearing a blue ruffled tank top helping a brunette White man with a beard wearing a blue button up shirt packing a wine shipment after getting their business license through LegalZoom.

Why use LegalZoom to find business licenses?

With such complex licensing requirements to research, it can be hard to know where to start. Get specialized help so you can be confident you'll find the licenses, permits, and registrations you need to operate legally.

Savings

Learn what licenses you need for an affordable flat rate. Just answer a few questions about your business, and we'll let you know what licenses, permits, and registrations you may need.

Confidence

Know you have what you need for your business. We’ll identify the federal, state, and local licenses and permits that your business legally requires and deliver a personalized report.

Ease

Your report will include direct access to the necessary license and permit applications, simplifying and expediting the process to help you get compliant faster.

Find out what business licenses you need

Business License Report

$99

Find my business licenses

How to get your business licenses & permits in 3 easy steps

Knowing which permits, licenses, and registrations you need—and applying for them correctly—is key to running your business legally.

Tell us about your business

Answer a few simple questions about your business and where it operates so your report is personalized and as accurate as possible.

Receive your custom report

You’ll get a personalized report with helpful details about each of the licenses, permits, and registrations you may need.

Apply for your licenses

Your report includes links to apply for each license or permit, as well as helpful instructions on how best to do so.
Black woman with curly hair wearing a white t-shirt and a blue and white pinstriped apron working in a café and smiling because she got her business license from LegalZoom as she hands a woman with brown hair wearing a tan shirt her order.

What is a business license?

Nearly every business requires at least one license to operate.

For example, if you want to operate your business from home, you may need a home occupation permit. A restaurant might need a health department permit in addition to an alcohol and food service license—and may even want a music license to host shows. If you open a shop, you may need a seller's permit and a sales tax license.

Licenses and permits protect your business from penalties and risk of closure, as well as help customers feel reassured it's safe to do business with you.

Why get help with your business licenses?

Focus on what matters

Concentrate on running and growing your business instead of researching complex licensing requirements—let us take care of that part.

Avoid fines

Not having the right licenses and permits in place can result in penalties and fines, costing your business money and risking potential closure.

Enjoy peace of mind

Feel confident and secure knowing that your business is operating legally with the licenses, permits, and registrations for your specific needs.

Black woman with her hair pulled back with a headband, wearing a flowy orange blouse and flowy white pants. Looking at her laptop and getting her business license from LegalZoom.

What is a federal business license?

You need to register for a federal license if a federal agency requires one for your specific business activity.

For example, federal agencies issue industry-specific licenses to companies in certain sectors, like alcohol manufacturers and commercial fishing firms.

What is a state business license?

You may need to apply for a state business license if your state is responsible for regulating any of your business activities.

This varies between different industries and sectors, but state requirements can generally include seller’s permits and liquor licenses. You may be subject to certain environmental regulations that require you to submit a business license application.

What is a local business license?

You may need to apply for a local business license if some or all of your business activities are regulated at city, county, and local government levels.

Local authority rules vary, but business activities that are regulated at the local level typically can include zoning permits, building permits, fire alarms, and sales tax permits.
Man standing behind a professional camera setting up a photoshoot with two women after getting his business license thought LegalZoom.

How long does it take to get a business license?

The amount of time it takes to get a license can vary, depending on whether it is a local, state or federal license and also on what industry the license is for.

To help speed up the process, you can get a customized report on which licenses you may need. This can help you save time researching complex licensing requirements and get straight to applying.

How do I get a business license?

After you determine which licenses, permits, and registrations are required for your business, you'll need to apply on the authority's website. You may also need to provide business documents like your tax ID, financial information, business insurance details, and more.

With our service, you get a personalized report of which licenses, permits, and registrations your business needs. You'll also get direct access to the relevant applications and helpful instructions to help you save time and money.

Frequently asked questions

Ready to get started with business licenses?

Find my business licenses

What our customers are saying

As a first-time LLC owner, extremely impressed with how easy and straightforward LegalZoom made it for me.
Edward H., business license customer
I needed to get compliant and licensed fast for partnership programs. LegalZoom made sure I didn't miss a beat.
Jordan S., business license customer
LegalZoom was great to work with when forming my LLC. They made the process very easy and quick.
Lindsay W., LLC customer

Questions?

Ask an attorney

Get the right guidance with an attorney by your side.

Call an agent at (855) 787-1922

Mon–Fri: 5 a.m.–7 p.m. PT
Weekends: 7 a.m.–4 p.m. PT