{"id":5462,"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\/local-businesses-licenses.html"},"modified":"2026-05-15T15:43:00","modified_gmt":"2026-05-15T20:43:00","slug":"local-businesses-licenses","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/starting-a-business\/local-businesses-licenses.html","title":{"rendered":"Local Business Licenses: Requirements, Permits, and Compliance"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Local Business Licenses: Requirements, Permits, and Compliance <\/h1>\n\n
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\n By FindLaw Staff<\/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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A business license<\/span> is a legal permit issued by a government agency allowing a company to operate within a specific jurisdiction<\/span>. Entrepreneurs should contact local governments<\/span> for licensing requirements<\/span>.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n

If you are considering starting a business<\/a>, one of the most important (and potentially confusing) steps you will take is complying with local <\/span>licensing<\/span> and permit requirements<\/a> for starting and running your business. Local licensing<\/span> and permit requirements vary widely depending on your city or county, and the type of business<\/span> you will be operating. You\u2019ll be dealing with everything from tax registration to occupational licenses<\/span> and unemployment insurance.<\/p>\n

The following are examples of some of these requirements, with the type of <\/span>business<\/span> activity<\/span> to which they might apply identified in parentheses. For more information, visit FindLaw\u2019s Business License<\/span> and Permits<\/a> section.<\/p>\n

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

Types of Permits<\/h2>\n