Starting your own business is exciting, however, there may be a few more necessary steps to conduct legitimately in your location. This includes investigating and understanding the types of permits or licenses you might need.

Searching for this information is often a daunting task, and knowing where to start is key. In this Ultimate Guide to Obtaining a Business License, we’ve created a comprehensive guide to assist you in finding the right resource in your state —right away.

• Alabama
• Alaska
• Arizona
• Arkansas
• California
• Colorado
• Connecticut
• Delaware
• Florida
• Georgia
• Hawaii
• Idaho
• Illinois
• Indiana
• Iowa
• Kansas
• Kentucky
• Louisiana
• Maine
• Maryland
• Massachusetts
• Michigan
• Minnesota
• Montana
• Nebraska
• Nevada
• New Hampshire
• New Jersey
• New Mexico
• New York
• North Carolina
• North Dakota
• Ohio
• Oklahoma
• Oregon
• Pennsylvania
• Rhode Island
• South Carolina
• South Dakota
• Tennessee
• Texas
• Utah
• Vermont
• Virginia
• Washington
• West Virginia
• Wisconsin
• Wyoming

How to Get a Business License

Most states require you to have a Federal Employee Identification Number (FEIN) before you can apply for a business license or permit. You can determine the licenses and/or permits you may need at three different levels:

• Federal
• State
• Local

The SBA lists business and industries requiring a federal license to operate. Check your state, city, or county requirements as well.  Here's how to find your license and permit requirements in all 50 U.S. states.

Alabama

Most Alabama businesses will need a license or permit. You need to begin with your county probate office, but the Department of Revenue's website has a lot of information regarding business licenses and permits as well.

To apply: Begin with your county's probate office as you will obtain a business privilege license and store license through your county, and then can direct you to other licenses or permit you may need.

Alaska

Not every business in Alaska needs a business license or permit. However, if you do need one here’s where to start.

To apply: head to the Department of Commerce's website, specifically the Division of Corporations, Business, and Professional Licensing. All of the information you need to apply for a new license, renew a license, and more is all right there.

Arizona

Not every Arizona business needs a license or permit to operate a business in the state. Find out if you need one here.

To apply: Head to AZcommerce to identify and apply for the permits you need. Also, check out the Department of Revenue for more information on licensing and taxes,

Arkansas

Not every Arkansas business needs a business license or permit. However, if you do need one here’s where to start.

To apply: Visit the Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center (ASBTDC) for information on how to find the right licenses for your Arkansas business.

California

Practically every business in California will need a business license of some kind. The CalGold website has all of the information you need.  

To apply: The only place you need to go to determine which licenses and permits you need are on the CalGold website. Select the license or permit you need and apply.

Colorado

Apply for businesses licenses in the state of Colorado through their Department of Regulatory Agency (DORA). Here you’ll find a variety of licenses, registrations, and permits, which cover the following categories:

• Business or Professional License
• Electrical or Plumbing Permit or Inspection
• Financial Institution Charter
• Banks
• Transportation Permit

To apply: Find your business type from the complete list of Colorado state business permits and create a DORA account to proceed.

Connecticut

The state of Connecticut makes it easy to apply for business permits based on your business type through their Department of Consumer Protection website.

To apply: Select your industry from the alphabetical list, and follow the instructions for the particular business license or permit.

Delaware

You may need a particular license or permit to do business in Delaware, however, their OneStop business portal makes it easy to obtain your business license or permits, but you’ll need to create an account first.

To apply: Create an account, then select the “Licensing” option. Find your industry and follow the prompts.

Florida

Many types of businesses are required to obtain licenses or permits to operate legitimately in the state of Florida. Start with the Department of Business & Professional Regulation (DBPR) for a listing of industry licenses germane to your enterprise.

To apply: Select your Florida business type from the alphabetical DBPR list, and follow the instructions to apply.

Georgia

The state of Georgia makes it easy to apply for a business license through their business portal, ATLCORE where you’ll also find information on creating your business entity, renewing your license, and paying taxes.

To apply: Click on the appropriate action

• Apply for NEW Regulatory Permit
• Apply for a NEW Liquor License
• Other Business License/Needs

Hawaii

The State of Hawaii makes it simple to obtain licenses or permits for your business, through the Hawaii Department of Health website.

To apply: Select the industry type that matches your line of business. Follow the prompts to complete the application.

Idaho

A terrific one-stop shop, the state of Idaho provides an easy, step-by-step process for obtaining any business licenses or permits required by the state.

To apply: Begin the application process at Business.Idaho.gov’s Business Wizard portal. Choose your industry and follow the prompts to complete your application.

Illinois

Illinois also provides an easy means to apply for any business licenses or permits needed to operate in the “Land of Lincoln.”

To apply: Select your business type from the business type choices on the Registrations, Licenses, and Permits page on the illinois.gov website.

Indiana

Indiana does not have a single, comprehensive business license. However, all Indiana-based businesses are subject to regulatory requirements that may involve several state agencies. Find out if your business requires one, or more.

To apply: Go to the Indiana State Business Owner’s Guide and choose your business entity type and follow the instructions specific to your industry, and the appropriate agency to contact.

Iowa

In the state of Iowa, your business must register for a separate permit number for the following tax types:

• Sales Tax
• Consumer’s Use Tax
• Retailer’s Use Tax
• Withholding Tax
• Water Service Excise Tax
• Fuel Tax Permit

To apply: You’ll need to create an account with the GovConnect.iowa.gov business portal to apply for permits in the state of Iowa. You should obtain your documents within six weeks of receipt of your application.

Kansas

Kansas-based businesses may need to obtain a business license, however, it’s dependent upon the city or county where you operate.

To apply: Contact your city or county agencies to inquire about your business licensing requirements.

Kentucky

Kentucky does not have a statewide business license that applies to all businesses, but certain types of businesses are required to obtain special  licenses or permit to legally operate in the state of Kentucky

To apply: Determine if your type of business needs a special license or permit by searching the Commonwealth of Kentucky business portal. Choose your industry, and follow the instructions for obtaining your permits.

Louisiana

Many businesses are required to obtain a license or permit to operate in the state of Louisiana.

To apply: Head to the louisiana.gov business portal and search for your business license type. Follow the application instructions.

Maine

In the state of Maine, business licensing and permits are managed at the town or city level. Obtain contact information through your municipal website, or visit the Maine.gov Local Government portal.

Corporations must register with the State of Maine Bureau of Corporations. Certain professions and types of businesses require additional permits and licenses:

• Professional Licensing - see Resources by Profession
• Register online for Maine sales & use tax and/or income tax withholding
• Eating & Lodging Establishment Inspections & Licensing
• Liquor Licensing: Application and Renewal
• Motor Vehicle Mechanics, Inspection Stations & Sticker Sales
• Gaming Licenses
• Department of Agriculture, Conservation & Forestry, Quality Assurance & Regulations Division

Maryland

The state of Maryland and some local governments require many businesses and industries to have permits or licenses to operate. Local municipalities may also have their own requirements. Maryland simplifies the business licensing and permitting process, through its Maryland One-Stop business portal.

To apply: select the option relevant to your business entity type:

• Personal
• Professional
• Organizational

After you’ve selected your entity type, peruse the different permits that might apply to your business. You’ll also find information on permit fees, and any time limitations for your license.. Follow the instructions for obtaining your permits.

Massachusetts

The Division of Occupational Licensure (DOL) regulates licensing and permitting in the state of Massachusetts. If your business falls under any of the following categories, you’ll need a license to operate in the state:

• Health Care
• Building & Trades
• Professional Training & Career Development
• Environmental-related
• Real Estate
• Commercial Transportation
• RMV Professional Certifications & Credentials

To apply: Select your business’s category, and peruse the occupations listed to find the one that describes yours. Follow the instructions on how to apply.

Michigan

Not all Michigan state businesses are required to be licensed, however, to find out if your new venture requires a state license on the michigan.gov website.

To apply: Type in the search term on the Michigan State License Search portal for your occupation, or use the alphabetical listing of businesses and follow the instructions for obtaining your license or permit.

Minnesota

Many types of Minnesota businesses are required to obtain federal, state, or local licenses or permits to operate legally. Begin your search using Minnesota Elicensing, the state’s licensing web portal.

To apply:  Easy to use, this portal lets you access licensing information by:

• Licenses by topic
• Licenses by agency
• A-Z Index
• Search term

Once you’ve located and selected your business license type, you’ll find all the information including the agency, fees, and instructions on how to apply.

Mississippi

Mississippi does not have a statewide basic business license, however, businesses may need to register with the Mississippi Secretary of State or the Mississippi Department of Revenue for corporate income & franchise tax, sales tax, or payroll taxes.

Missouri

Any business that sells taxable goods or services needs a Missouri sales tax license. Businesses in certain professions or locations may also need other specific licenses, including:

• Agriculture
• Alcoholic beverages
• Aviation
• Firearms, ammunition, and explosives
• Fish and wildlife
• Commercial fisheries
• Maritime transportation
• Mining and drilling
• Nuclear energy
• Radio and television broadcasting
• Transportation and logistics

To apply: Choose the entity that matches your business and follow the instructions on how to apply, and pay fees.

Montana

The state of Montana does not have a standard state business license and, with no state sales tax businesses are not required to obtain a seller's permit. However many types of businesses are required to obtain permits in order to operate.

To apply: The Montana Small Business Licensing portal makes it easy for you to find and obtain the necessary licenses for your business, or look for local or municipal license requirements here.

Nebraska

There is no state-issued license in Nebraska, however many types of business are required to carry a license or permit to operate.

To apply: the Nebraska state OneStop Business Portal walks you through applying for any permit your business might need to operate. Use the Keyword search, to find your entity, and follow the link to the issuing agency – and instructions on how to complete the application.

New Jersey

The Division of Consumer Affairs maintains 51 Professional and Occupational Boards and Committees that oversee and regulate more than 750,000 individuals and businesses in New Jersey.

To apply: If you do not have a Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification number, you must compete a certification form. Once completed, contact the organization that oversees your business activity.

New Mexico

There is no general state of New Mexico business license, however, many cities require businesses to be licensed in order to operate. Rules for business registration vary depending on location and what the business does.

To apply: New Mexico businesses must register with the state's Taxation and Revenue Department (TRD), who will provide more information on licensing at the regional or city level.

Nevada

All businesses operating in the state of Nevada are required to obtain a business license, obtained through the Nevada Secretary of State. Your license is renewable on an annual basis.

To apply: Register online at the Nevada state SilverFlume business portal, or downland the forms to complete the process. Learn more about licensing your business in Nevada.

New Hampshire

There is no general state-level business license in New Hampshire, however, there are certain licenses/permits that NH State issues base on the nature of your business, including:

• Environmental permits
• Food services licensing
• Meals & rentals tax license
• Liquor license

To apply: Find all New Hampshire business types requiring a license on the New Hampshire state website. Select your business type and follow the instructions therein.

New York

There is no general state of New York business license, however, many cities require businesses to be licensed in order to operate. Rules for business registration vary depending on location and business type.

To apply: Begin the licensing or permitting of your business at the  New York state License Center. Navigate to the “All Business” section of the page. Here, you’ll find a comprehensive list of business services, including licensing and permits.

North Carolina

In North Carolina, you’ll need a Certificate of Registration before operating any kind of business in the state. Certain professions or industries are required to have specific state licenses or permits. Here’s how to apply for a business license in North Carolina:

To apply: Visit North Carolina Business & Occupational License Database for an overview of all the different state licenses needed to operate a business in North Carolina

North Dakota

North Dakota makes it easy to obtain a business license based on your industry. You’ll find all North Dakota license and permit requirements for federal, state, and local businesses on the ND business registration page.

To apply: Select your industry, and follow the prompts to license or register your business.

Ohio

In Ohio, you’ll first need to obtain a Certificate of Good Standing in order to obtain any necessary permits or licenses.

To apply: Follow the instructions for obtaining a Certificate of Good standing.

Oklahoma

There is no general license required to start a business in Oklahoma, however, you may be required to obtain permits or licenses specific to your business activity. Some counties and cities may also have local license requirements. Here’s how to apply for a business license in Oklahoma:

• Find a list of business license requirements in the state of Oklahoma, select your industry, then follow the prompts for license application.

Oregon

The state of Oregon doesn't require a general business license, however, many occupations and business activities may require special licenses, permits, or certifications from state agencies or boards. Here’s where to look for information on obtaining them in the state of Oregon:

To apply: Search Oregon state’s online license directory. This directory contains information about any licenses, permits, and certifications required to operate your business in Oregon. Additionally, if your business is located within these cities, you may require additional local or regional permits or licenses.

• Portland: For businesses in Portland, check with the Portland Bureau of Licenses for business license requirements within city limits.
• Salem: If you operate your businesses in Salem, check with Salem Permit Application Center for business license requirements.
• Eugene: For businesses in Eugene, check the Building and Permits Services for business license requirements.
• Medford: for businesses in Medford, check the Medford Finance Department for licensing requirements.

Pennsylvania

Not all Pennsylvania businesses need a license. However, many businesses are required to obtain permits or licenses from their local or regional government.

To apply for a business license in the following cities:

• Philadelphia: To operate your business in the city of Philadelphia, you’ll need a commercial activity license.
• Pittsburg: search for business permit requirements with the Department of Permits, Licenses, and Inspections.

Rhode Island

Rhode Island does not offer a general business license or permit for businesses operating in the state. Instead, there are several state agencies that issue these permits at the state, local, and federal levels, based on the location and the nature of your business.

How to apply:  The following agencies govern business licensing in the state of Rhode Island. Learn more about professional licensing in the state of Rhode Island at the RI Secretary of State:

• Contractors' Registration and Licensing Board
• Department of Health
• Department of Business Regulation
• Department of Labor and Training
• Public Utilities Commission and Division of Public Utilities and Carriers
• Department of Environmental Management

South Carolina

The state of South Carolina doesn't have a general business license; however, many cities require local licenses in order to operate. Businesses who sell products, and certain services, will need to register for a Retail License from the South Carolina Department of Revenue.

To apply: Find your business entity type, and follow the instructions for license or permit applications.

South Dakota

South Dakota makes it easy to obtain a business license or permit to operate legitimately within the state. In addition to basic licensing guidelines, various departments and locales may also have additional requirements for new businesses to follow.

To apply: Follow “Step 8” from the South Dakota new business process: Licensing and Registering Your Business. You’ll find a comprehensive list of agencies covering all types of South Dakota businesses requiring licensing.

Tennessee

If you are subject to a business tax in the state of Tennessee, you must register your business with the Tennessee Taxpayer Access Point (TNTAP).

To apply: Create an account on the TNTAP OneStop Portal, and complete the process for your enterprise electronically. Upon registration, and payment of permit fees, your local county clerk or city official will issue your Tennessee business tax license within seven to 10 business days.

Texas

The State of Texas does not require a general license, however, all entities transacting business in the state of Texas are required to register with the Texas Secretary of State or county clerk’s office. Your Certificate of Formation or assumed name certificate filed with the Secretary of State’s office acts as your business license.

However, many specific business activities require permits or licenses. To determine which state-level business license or permit is required for your business, refer to the 2022 Texas Business Licenses & Permits Guide, and ensure your permitting requirements are also met at the local level.

To apply: Contact your local county or city government for more information.

Utah

Most Utah-based businesses are required to register with the following departments:

• Utah Department of Commerce Division of Corporations (DOPL)
• Utah Department of Workforce Services (UDWS)
• Utah State Tax Commission
• Utah Labor Commission
• Internal Revenue Service

Your Utah business enterprise may also need to register with your local municipalities for additional permits or licenses.

Virginia

The state of Virginia makes it easy to register your business through their one-stop business portal.

To apply: Find information about the types of businesses required to obtain licenses or permits in Virginia, then create an account on the business portal.

Washington

If you’re ready to start your business in the state of Washington, you’ll also need to apply for a business license and other permits dependent upon your enterprise.

To apply: Create an account, and follow the prompts from the Washington State Business Licensing Wizard. Once registered, you’ll receive a list of agencies and local municipalities to contact about your business license, along with your Unified Business Identifier (UBI) number. Your UBI is unique to your business, and required for filing your taxes, or making changes to your business.

West Virginia

To operate your business in the state of West Virginia, you must register the business with the appropriate federal, state, county, and local city agencies.

To apply: You’ll need your Federal Employee Identification Number (EIN) to create an account on West Virginia’s OneStop Business Portal. Once you’ve completed your registration, your business registration is also completed with the following agencies:

• West Virginia Secretary of State (if applicable, see list below; expedite service* available),
• West Virginia State Tax Department, and
• WorkForce West Virginia (Unemployment Compensation).

Wisconsin

You must register or license your business in Wisconsin with the Register with Department of Revenue if any of the following apply to your business:

• Sole proprietorship
• Non-Wisconsin LLC or corporation
• Partnership
• Nonprofits

To apply: Create an account on the Wisconsin state Business Portal and complete the application with the Wisconsin Department of Revenue, you may also be required to obtain a Business Tax Registration for the following permits:

• Seller’s Permit
• Consumer’s Use Tax Certificate
• Use Tax Certificate
• Withholding Tax Number

Once completed, your application is submitted to the Department of Revenue for review. In most cases, you will receive an email containing your account number(s) that next business day. You will receive a registration packet, including the permit/certificate, within five to seven business days.

Wyoming

You’ll need to create an account on the Wyoming state business portal to begin the process of obtaining a license or permit for your business.

To apply: Once you've created an account, follow the prompts to obtain your license or permit.

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