{"id":5522,"date":"2016-04-04T10:48:01","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:48:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/smallbusiness\/starting-a-business\/starting-a-business-license-and-permit-checklist.html"},"modified":"2026-06-10T15:47:00","modified_gmt":"2026-06-10T20:47:00","slug":"starting-a-business-license-and-permit-checklist","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/starting-a-business\/starting-a-business-license-and-permit-checklist.html","title":{"rendered":"Starting a Business: License and Permit Checklist"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Starting a Business: License and Permit Checklist<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Natalie Moritz<\/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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If you\u2019re\u00a0starting a business, you may need several\u00a0licenses and permits\u00a0from federal, state, and local government agencies. Licensing and permit requirements can vary among jurisdictions. Contact your state and local government to determine the specific obligations of your new business.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n

Below is a checklist covering the different federal, state, and local\u00a0licenses and permits<\/a>\u00a0you may need before opening for business.<\/p>\n

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

Basic business operation license<\/strong>: This general business license<\/a> is from the city where your business will operate. It can also be from the local county or parish if your business will operate outside of any city\u2019s limits.<\/p>\n

Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN)<\/strong>:\u00a0This is also called a\u00a0tax ID number<\/a>. The\u00a0Internal Revenue Service<\/a>\u00a0(IRS) issues it. Almost all types of business require one. Your business may also need a similar tax identification number from your state\u2019s department of revenue or equivalent agency.<\/p>\n

Fictitious business name permit<\/strong>:\u00a0You may know this as a “DBA” or “doing business as<\/a>” permit. Any business that uses a business name different from the owner\u2019s legal name may need this.\u00a0Sole proprietorships<\/a>\u00a0often require a fictitious business name permit.<\/p>\n

Zoning permits and land use permits<\/strong>: These are necessary for some business types, especially manufacturing and certain\u00a0home-based business<\/a>\u00a0operations.<\/p>\n

Health department permits<\/strong>: These permits are necessary if your business prepares or sells food products.<\/p>\n

Sales tax license<\/strong>:\u00a0This state license is needed to sell almost all products and services. Check with your state\u2019s department of revenue for additional information and registration.<\/p>\n

Fire department permits<\/strong>: Businesses that attract large numbers of customers (like restaurants, nightclubs, and bars) will need this.<\/p>\n

Special state-issued <\/strong>business licenses<\/strong><\/a> or permits<\/strong>:\u00a0Some states require specific licenses and permits if your business sells any of the following types of goods:<\/p>\n