How To Get A Business License And Permit For Your Business  

By: Josh S. Brown|LRL Writer

Learn the different types of business licenses and permits which can range from a basic to specific use. Below are the list of the most common types of licensing and permits, covering the different federal, state, and local government agencies you may need to acquire prior to opening or operating for business. Check with your local city and state for regulations and requirement levels for your type of business licenses and permits. 

Click here  Small Business Solutions: Business resources and eleven softwares all-in-one toolbox to help you protect and grow your business today.

The List Below Are Several Different Types Of   

Business Licenses And Permits:

 Business Licenses: You need a business license in order to operate legally just about everywhere. Requirements for a business license vary depending on the type, size, location, etc., of the business by state and municipality. If your business is located within an incorporated city's limits, a license must be obtained from the city; if outside the city limits, then from the county. Required documents and fees must be submitted for application to be considered.

A new business license is also required if the business changes location, ownership or name. Business license fees are based on the type of business being conducted. The issuance of a Business License is not necessarily the only permit, license, certificate and entitlement for use required by the city's ordinance and other laws. For example, you may be required to obtain a building permit, certificate of occupancy or use permit. The fee for a standard business license is about $75.00, this includes regular, outside contractor and home occupations. The standard license is valid until the end of each year.

Click the link for more information how to get business licenses and permits. Resources and website links to governtment agencies of 50 states that provides information for obtaining licenses and permits for your business.

Property Use Permits: If your business involves in doing any type of manufacturing process, you may need to obtain a land use permit from the city or county's zoning department. The Planning and Land Use Director may revoke any permit if the business type does not conform to the approved application. Many city or county departments regulate the business, but planning departments usually coordinate the process. Contacting the planning department where your business property is located is usually the best place to start.

Click the link for more information how to get business licenses and permits. Resources and website links to governtment agencies of 50 states that provides information for obtaining licenses and permits for your business.

Building Permits: A building permit is required for all construction, alterations or additions to any structure or grounds area. If you plan on expanding, renovating your existing building or build a new building for your business, most likely you will need to obtain a building permit from your city or county. A building permit is a license which grants legal permission to start construction of a project. Construction plans must be submitted and should contain sufficient detail to indicate the proposed construction and to determine compliance with the City and County Building Code, prior to approval of the work and issuance of the permit.

Click the link for more information how to get business licenses and permits. Resources and website links to governtment agencies of 50 states that provides information for obtaining licenses and permits for your business.

Certificate of Occupancy: Certificate of occupancy is required for lawful occupancy of the property. If there is no certificate of occupancy of the building, it is illegal for you to reside on the premises. There are penalties for allowing occupancy without certificate.

Once the building construction, additions or renovations are completed, a building inspector will then conduct an inspection of the building. If the inspector approves his walk-through, a Certificate of Occupancy is usually granted. If your property initially fails inspection, you will be given the opportunity to comply with the necessary code requirements prior to the issuance of the occupancy permit. This information can be obtained when application for Certificate of Occupancy is picked up from the Building Department. When all violations are corrected, a Certificate of Occupancy is issued.

Click the link for more information how to get business licenses and permits. Resources and website links to governtment agencies of 50 states that provides information for obtaining licenses and permits for your business.

Health Department Permits: If your business involves in food service, preparation and/or sale of food, certain requirements must be met from your City Health Department and State Laws to obtain an operating permit, in order to protect the health of the people served.

Health and safety issues to the food-service industry, as well as providing information to consumers on safe food handling practices, including hygiene, preparation and storage must be in compliance under the State and Health Department laws. Inspections are conducted to assure that food establishments, and food manufacturers and processors are preparing food that is safe to eat. In addition, some state licensing requirements are based on the type of product the business sells. For example, most states require special licenses before a business may sell liquor and lottery tickets.

Click the link for more information how to get business licenses and permits. Resources and website links to governtment agencies of 50 states that provides information for obtaining licenses and permits for your business.

 Professional/Occupational Licenses: Before you open for business, you must get the green light from your local, state and federal governments. By obtaining the necessary licenses and permits these will also help you legally identify your business.

Licensing requirements vary, however, most states requires you and/or the people who work for you to get license themselves. Some licenses are issued to the business, while other licenses are issued to the individual. Businesses such as offering services in a broad range of trades; including medical care, auto repair, real estate sales, tax services, cosmetology, legal representation, auto mechanics, barber shops, real estate brokers and agents. The business itself and/or the individual employees working for the business must apply for and obtain state licenses authorizing the practice of such a profession or occupation. Oftentimes, the applicant requires or must present certain skills or training before issuance of these licenses.

Click the link for more information how to get business licenses and permits. Resources and website links to governtment agencies of 50 states that provides information for obtaining licenses and permits for your business.

Employer Identification Number: Most business are required to obtain a federal employer identification number (or EIN; sometimes called a tax identification number) from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Your business may also need to acquire a similar tax identification number from your state's department of revenue or taxation. The first is the Application for an Employer Identification Number (EIN), Form SS-4, which is available free at www.irs.gov. All corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), and partnerships, as well as sole proprietors who will hire employees, must apply for EINs.

Although using an EIN is a good way to keep your business and personal affairs separate, the IRS doesn't like to give an EIN to a sole proprietor without employees. In that case, you will probably use your own Social Security number rather than a separate EIN.

Sales Tax Licenses and Numbers: For the selling of almost all products and services. In your state there may be a percent sales and use tax which applies to the retail purchase, retail site, rental, storage, and use of personal property and certain services. In other words, sales tax must be collected on just about every tangible item sold. A sales tax number is required for each business before opening. The number, plus instructions for collection, reporting and remitting the money to the state on a monthly basis, can be obtained from your state's treasury department or department of revenue.

Click the link for more information how to get business licenses and permits. Resources and website links to governtment agencies of 50 states that provides information for obtaining licenses and permits for your business.

Fictitious Business Name Permit: Also called "dba" or "doing business as" permit; required for almost all types of businesses.

Click the link for more information how to get business licenses and permits. Resources and website links to governtment agencies of 50 states that provides information for obtaining licenses and permits for your business.

Fire Department Permits: Especially for businesses that will attract large numbers of customers such as; nightclubs, bars and restaurants.

Click the link for more information how to get business licenses and permits. Resources and website links to governtment agencies of 50 states that provides information for obtaining licenses and permits for your business.

Special State-Issued Business License or Permits: If your business will involve the sale of the following types of products: Liquor, Lottery tickets, Gasoline and Firearms.

Click the link for more information how to get business licenses and permits. Resources and website links to governtment agencies of 50 states that provides information for obtaining licenses and permits for your business.

Special Federal Business License or Permits:If your business will involves the following (contact the agency identified in parentheses):

• Investment advising (Securities & Exchange Commission) 
• Drug manufacturing (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) 
• Preparation of meat products (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) 
• Broadcasting (Federal Communications Commission) 
• Ground transportation, i.e. trucking (U.S. Department of Transportation) 
• Manufacturing tobacco, alcohol, or firearms; or selling firearms (U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms) 

Click here  Small Business Solutions: Business resources and eleven softwares all-in-one toolbox to help you protect and grow your business today.

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