How to get a business license, and whether you actually need one, will depend on where you plan to operate. Read on to find out if your state requires a business license, and the steps you’ll need to take in order to secure one.
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Where to get a business license
Whenregistering your businessand seeking the necessary licenses and permits, there are multiple jurisdictions to consider: federal, state, and local.
At the federal level, business licenses are only required in certain highly regulated industries, and are issued by different federal agencies. These include:
- Radio and television broadcasting:Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
- Transportation and logistics:US Department of Transportation (DOT)
- Alcohol:Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) and the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control
- Agriculture:US Department of Agriculture
- Aviation: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
- Firearms, ammunition, and explosives:Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF)
- 鱼and wildlife:US Fish and Wildlife Service
- Commercial fisheries:National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries Service
- Maritime transportation:Federal Maritime Commission
- Mining and drilling:Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement
- Nuclear energy:US Nuclear Regulatory Commission
On a state and local level, the process is different for each jurisdiction. Generally speaking, you’ll need to gather your business and personal information, fill out required forms, and pay associated fees.
What you need to get a business license
While the federal government only requires a business license in certain cases, all businesses andbusiness typescan get a federal tax ID, or employer identification number (EIN), for free onlineat IRS.gov.
To get your state business license, you generally need the following:
- Owner name and contact information
- Business name and contact information
- EIN
- Any required permits
- Any required forms or paperwork
- Associated fees (outlined below)
Each state has its own process and requirements for business licenses, which vary greatly. It’s always best to check directly with your local jurisdictions to determine what you need to get your business license.
Learn more:Sole Proprietorship vs. LLC: Which is the Better Option for Your Ecommerce Business?
How to get a business license
To obtain a business license, you’ll need to register with several local, state, and federal regulatory agencies.
1. File for an employer identification number (EIN)
You’ll first want tofile for your EINto make the process easier. This also creates a business entity that is separate and distinct from your personal identity.
2. Acquire a federal business license
As discussed above, businesses operating incertain industriesmust acquire a federal license. Businesses in qualifying industries need to contact a corresponding federal agency.
3. Inquire into local licenses
Once you have any federal licensing squared away, check with corresponding government agencies at the state and local level to inquire about state licensing. While each location has its own requirements, the process generally involves gathering your personal and business information, paying any fees, filling out any forms, acquiring permits, and submitting it all to the necessary parties.
Learn more:How to Start an LLC: Everything You Need To Know
How much does a business license cost?
There are no fees if you don’t need a federal business license. If you do, fees vary by industry and are paid to the issuing federal agency. State license and permit fees can range from free to as much as $5,000. Costs vary by state and business activity.
Alabama
Alabama requires two separate business licenses, each of which are non-refundable (except in the case of duplicates):
- Business privilege license
- Municipal business license(s)from your local jurisdiction(s): maximum $12
In Madison County, a business license costs anywhere from$37 to $77, while Mobile County businesses pay$130 for their first yearand 50% of that each year after. You can also transfer business licenses for a $1 fee.
Alaska
A business license inAlaskais $50 a year for new and renewal licenses. Licenses expire on December 31 each year, except in the case of licenses issued after October 1. A license issued after October 1 will be valid for the remainder of the year, as well as the following calendar year.
Arizona
InArizona, sellers must get a transaction privilege tax (TPT) and business license through the state’sLicense Compliance Program. TPT license fees vary per location jurisdiction, ranging from $1 to $50 annually.
Arkansas
InArkansas, fees range from$50 to $1,000per year, depending on the type of business. While not all businesses require a state license, there may be additional local requirements—check outAlaska’s Small Business Development Centerfor more information.
California
Californiadoesn’t require all businesses to have a license at the state level, but certain counties and cities do.Some industriesare state regulated and require a license from a corresponding board or division. Check theCalGoldpermit assistance tool to find specific license requirements and fees.
Colorado
Only certain businesses in Colorado require a license—the cost of a license forstate-regulated businessesvaries by industry. There may be additional license requirements depending on where the business is located, so check with your local municipality.
A business license in Aurora, for instance, is valid for two years and costs$26, plus a $17 application fee. InFort Collins, any entrepreneurial orhome-based businessmust also register as ahome business售价25美元,有效期为两年。
Connecticut
In Connecticut, fees are based on the type of business. Charitable solicitations, for example, don’t need to pay an initial licensing fee. Other types of businesses do—feesrange from $10 to $5,000.
Delaware
In Delaware, a business license costs$75 for the first year. A 75% discount is available to business owners who are 65 years of age or older and meet other eligibility requirements.
Florida
Business startup costs for Florida merchants range from$87.50 to just over $1,000, depending on yourbusiness type. Florida doesn’t have the same business licensing requirements and processes as many other states, but it does require a seller’s permit or sales-and-use tax permit.
Georgia
Georgia charges anon-refundable “investigation fee” of $100. Additional license fees apply to certain types of businesses. Breweries, distilleries, and wineries, for example, need to pay an additional $1,000. Retailers and wholesalers may also be required to pay additional fees, ranging from $50 to $1,000.
Hawaii
Hawaii requires merchants to get a general excise tax (GET) license to operate their businesses. This license has aone-time $20 fee.
Idaho
Most Idaho businesses do not need to obtain business licenses, though some municipalities have their own licensing requirements. For certain industries, Idaho offers aBusiness Wizardwith information on how to get a business license.
Illinois
Illinoisdoesn’t issue a general state business license, but certain regulated professions do require aprofessional licensefor operation. There may be a local city or county license requirement, depending on the location of business. In Chicago,additional fees for specific industriesmay also apply.Pop-up shops, for example, pay $25 for five days, $50 for 50 days, and other tiered pricing up to $125 for a year. Businesses can check with their local municipality orSmall Business Development Centerfor more information.
Indiana
Indiana requires businesses submit a Form BT-1 application for taxes—one for each business location. Retail shops must pay a non-refundable$25 fee for their Retail Merchants Certificate.
Iowa
Iowabusiness license requirements varybased on whether the business is regulated by an Iowa authority or licensing board. Most retail businesses need a sales tax permit. Registering a trade name in Iowa usually costs under $10. Businesses need to check with theirRegional Small Business Development Centersfor further assistance and information.
Kansas
Kansas-based businessesdon’t need to paya general business license fee to the state. Instead, licensing and fees are handled at the county and city levels.
Kentucky
Kentucky doesn’t have a statewide business license requirement.Certain types of businessesneed one or more special permits or licenses.
Louisiana
Louisiana also doesn’t have a statewide business license requirement. However, many cities have their own licensing requirements and fees. New Orleans, for example, bases fees on thegross sales of particular types of businesses.
Maine
General business licenses and permits are managed at the municipal level in Maine. In Portland, there’s a$45 business license application fee, and renewals cost $35 for the year. You can go to the licensing center on Maine’sBusiness Answerswebsite for requirements and fees for each city.
Maryland
Maryland doesn’t require a general business license. However, there are licensing and permit requirements depending on thetype of business. If you use a warehouse to store inventory, for example, a storage warehouse license will cost $30 to $150 each year, depending on the population size of the local municipality.
Massachusetts
In Massachusetts, licensing and permits are based on thetype of industry. To find out if your business needs a license, check with theDivision of Occupational Licensure.
Michigan
Business licensing in Michigan is heavily based on the type of business.Licensing fees vary widely.
Minnesota
Minnesotacharges an initial filing fee ranging from $30 to $200 if done by mail ($50 to $220 if done in person or online). There’s no annual renewal fee. Some cities and counties may have additional licenses and fees.
Mississippi
Mississippi has a$50 initial filing fee, plus a $25 annual report fee. However, there’s no official state-issued business license.
Missouri
Business license fees in Missouri are based on the amount of authorized capital a business has. Costsrange from $58 to $143.
Montana
The state ofMontanadoesn’t require a general license, although someindustriesmust file for a license with the Department of Revenue. Most cities and counties have their own rules regarding business licenses.Bozeman, for example, requires all businesses to be licensed, and the application fee is $25 ($150 for medical marijuana businesses). Business owners can check with theirlocal countyfor specific licensing requirements.
Nebraska
There isn’t a general license requirement in Nebraska, butcertain businessesmay have to file a license with the state. Certain cities require their own license, so business owners should reach out to their local government for specific local requirements.
Nevada
Nevada requires that all businesses have a State Business License that must be renewed annually. The renewal fee is$500 for corporations and $200 for all other business types. The fee and form are due on the last day of the anniversary month that the business license was originally filed. Additionally, Nevada requires that businesses obtain alocal licensewith the city/county in which they operate.
New Hampshire
New Hampshire doesn’t require businesses to have a general business license to operate. However, license requirements vary based onindustry type.
New Jersey
All businessesmust register for a business license in New Jersey. For-profit businesses and foreign non-profit corporations have to pay $125, while domestic non-profit corporations owe a discounted fee of $75.
New Mexico
New Mexico doesn’t have statewide business license stipulations. However, licensing may vary between cities. For example, Taos, NM requires a$35 registration fee.
New York
While businesses don’t have to pay for a state license with New York, many have to get a license at the local level. In New York City, you must file a Business Certificate (also called a Certificate of Assumed Name) form at the county clerk’s office, with fees ranging from$100 to $120.
North Carolina
In North Carolina, it costs$125 to file the Articles of Incorporationand $30 to reserve a corporate name. Other fees may also apply.
North Dakota
North Dakota doesn’t issue state business licenses. However,some businessesmay need to register based on their industry, withfees ranging from $0 to $5,000.
Ohio
Ohio doesn’t have general business license requirements but it does require any person or business who is making retail sales with “tangible personal property or taxable services” to register for a vendor’s license,which costs $25.Additional licensesand fees may also apply.
Oklahoma
Oklahoma doesn’t require a state-issued business license. There are additional licensing requirementsfor some industries.
Oregon
Like Oklahoma, there’s no state business license in Oregon, though some industries need to abide byadditional parameters. Some cities and counties also require a license.
Pennsylvania
Businesses in Pennsylvania must pay$125 to file their Articles of Incorporationwith the state. There’s also a $70 annual report fee.
Rhode Island
Initial filing fees in Rhode Islandrange from $150 to $230depending on the business structure. There’s also an annual $50 report fee ($60 for benefit corporations) and an annual $400 tax fee.
South Carolina
South Carolina doesn’t have a statewide business license. Licenses, permits, and regulations are all administered at thelocal level.
South Dakota
South Dakota doesn’t have a general business license fee, however, some businesses will need registrations/permits based onindustry.
Tennessee
In Texas, businesses have toregister to pay tax. All new businesses must register and pay a $15 fee. In-state businesses need either a minimal activity license (if you gross more than $3,000 but less than $10,000) or a standard business license (if you gross more than $10,000).
Texas
Texasdoesn’t have any general business licensing requirements or fees.
Utah
Utah requires all businesses to obtain a license from theirlocal municipality, each with its ownrequirements.
Vermont
Vermont charges a one-time fee of$125 for filing Articles of Incorporation. Businesses also pay an annual report fee of $45.
Virginia
Businesses inVirginiacan register withBusiness One Stop for $20
Washington
Most businesses in Washingtonneed to register for a business license. Processing fees range from$0 to $90.
West Virginia
West Virginia doesn’t have a general business license.Terms and requirements varyby business entity.
Wisconsin
Wisconsindoesn’t require a statewide business license. You’ll need to register with the state to ensure you’re properly collecting and paying sales tax.
Wyoming
Wyoming doesn’t have a state-issued business license but requires businesses topay an annual $25 registration fee.
Make your business legitimat
Registering your businessand getting the necessary licenses and permits is imperative to long-term success. Once you have those tedious steps out of the way, you can get back to the fun parts of launching and growing your business.
This post is for information only. Requirements are updated frequently and you should make sure to do your own research and reach out to a qualified legal and tax adviser, if needed. Businesses outside of the United States will have different steps and requirements.