{"id":5454,"date":"2016-04-04T10:47:58","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:47:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/smallbusiness\/starting-a-business\/licenses-and-permits-overview.html"},"modified":"2026-05-20T14:02:00","modified_gmt":"2026-05-20T19:02:00","slug":"licenses-and-permits-overview","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/starting-a-business\/licenses-and-permits-overview.html","title":{"rendered":"Business Licenses and Permits: The Compliance Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Business Licenses and Permits: The Compliance Guide<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Amber Sheppard, Esq.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Catherine Hodder, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
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Editorial Note: We earn a commission from affiliate partner links on FindLaw. Commissions do not affect the editorial integrity of our legal content.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n \n

\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n

A business license or permit issued by government agencies allows a company to operate within a certain jurisdiction. To be compliant, entrepreneurs must acquire a general or specific license from federal, state, and local authorities based on their industry and location.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Many entrepreneurs don\u2019t know they may need several local, state, and federal\u00a0<\/span>licenses<\/span> and permits<\/a>\u00a0from government agencies<\/span>. Home-based businesses<\/span>, consulting firms, retail stores, and even daycares need local licenses and permits.<\/p>\n

You may need specific local or\u00a0state permits<\/a>\u00a0for certain regulated activities. As a small <\/span>business<\/span> owner<\/span>, you should know these licensing requirements<\/span> to avoid fines and legal issues.<\/p>\n

This FindLaw article explains the answers to small <\/span>business<\/span> permits<\/span> and licensing FAQs (frequently asked questions).<\/p>\n

Keep your business compliant.\u00a0Get a business license report from FindLaw’s trusted partner, LegalZoom<\/a>.<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

Who Issues Business-Related Licenses and Permits?<\/h2>\n

All levels of government issue business licenses<\/a> and permits. This includes federal agencies<\/span> and\u00a0state and local<\/span><\/a>\u00a0governments<\/span>.<\/p>\n

For example, imagine you are opening a New Orleans restaurant with a bar. You\u00a0formed your limited liability company<\/span><\/a>\u00a0already. Now, you must get all the necessary licenses and permits from the city. This will include a general <\/span>business license<\/span><\/a> and health permit<\/span> (to prepare and sell food). You also need a Louisiana liquor license<\/span> to sell alcoholic beverages<\/span>. You also need a\u00a0federal tax<\/span> I.D. number<\/a>\u00a0from the U.S. government.<\/p>\n

What Types of Licenses and Permits Does a Business Need?<\/h2>\n

The licenses and permits you need depend on the type of business<\/span> you operate and where you open.<\/p>\n

Below is an overview of some of the most common types of small business<\/span> licensing and permit requirements.<\/p>\n