- DIFFERENT TYPES OF LICENSES YOU CAN GET REGISTRATION
- DIFFERENT TYPES OF LICENSES YOU CAN GET LICENSE
You should be able to find the pertinent contact information and applications on your city’s government website, such as this one. If you are creating a building or structure on a piece of land, you will almost certainly need a construction permit from your municipal government, based on local zoning laws. These include land use and construction, signage and building exterior, any business activity involving alcohol or cannabis, parking, natural resource use, and other industry-specific permits and licenses. Permit types will, of course, vary by state and local law, but there are a few areas where you can almost always expect to be applying and paying for a permit or license.
DIFFERENT TYPES OF LICENSES YOU CAN GET LICENSE
What are common business license and permit types? While local laws will vary, even more, there are some consistencies such as every state having an alcohol control board. You can find a general state-by-state directory here. Some states require retailers to register for a vendor’s license so they can remit state sales tax, for example. What types of state business licenses and permits do I need?Īs there are fifty different states, you can imagine the level of diversity among laws regarding permits and licenses. For the complete list, the SBA provides a helpful resourc e. If it seems like your industry is very niche or has a high level of liability, the odds are you will need to jump through some hoops. For instance, you’ll need to check out the federal government’s requirements if you’re manufacturing alcohol, transporting farm animals across state lines, or opening a commercial fishery or gun shop. The federal government in the United States generally only requires permits and licenses for very specialized industries. What types of federal business licenses and permits do I need? Keep in mind that if you’re running a home-based business, you might need to get permits and licenses that differ from those necessary to run a small business with a dedicated location outside of your home. Most likely, those would be three different applications, possibly involving you going to three different government departments to obtain them. Depending on your location, you may need a license to open a restaurant in your selected location, a license to serve alcoholic drinks on the premises, and a permit to build a patio area. The number and type of licenses and permits you’ll need depends on several different factors: the type of business you’re in, where it’s located, and your specific business needs.įor example, say you’re a restaurant that wants to serve alcohol and have an outdoor patio.
DIFFERENT TYPES OF LICENSES YOU CAN GET REGISTRATION
Often, a business license is granted at the city level and is a fee paid to get a tax registration certificate that then allows you to legally conduct business in that area. What types of local business licenses and permits do I need? It’s a good idea to reach out to the licensing agency and make sure you have the right form (that’s not outdated) and ask them about anything on the form that’s unclear. You can also be rejected if you fail to follow the instructions on the form.
You can be denied a business license if your application is incomplete, unsigned, or if you haven’t had it signed by the right people. Getting business licenses or permits goes beyond simply registering or declaring your business entity-like an LLC or corporation just because you’ve incorporated your business or formed an LLC doesn’t mean you’re done with the fees and paperwork. Is getting a business license the same as declaring my business entity? The term “business license” is a bit misleading as it makes it sound as if there is one license you apply for, sort of like a driver’s license, that you obtain and-voila! You’re legally in business. You might need to get multiple licenses to be in compliance. What is a business license?īusiness licenses are permits issued by federal, state, and local government agencies that allow individuals or companies to conduct business within the government’s geographical jurisdiction. You need to make your business an official legal entity, and take an in-depth look at what business licenses and permits you need at the local, state, and federal levels to be able to operate without fear of being hit with a fine-or worse, having to close down. This article is part of our “ Business Startup Guide ” – a curated list of articles that will get you up and running in no time!Įveryone has to deal with the nitty-gritty details of starting a business no matter your industry, getting started safely and legally involves at least a little red tape.