{"id":5535,"date":"2016-04-04T08:48:01","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T13:48:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/smallbusiness\/starting-a-business\/state-guide-obtaining-licenses-permits.html"},"modified":"2026-05-29T09:36:00","modified_gmt":"2026-05-29T14:36:00","slug":"state-guide-obtaining-licenses-permits","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/starting-a-business\/state-guide-obtaining-licenses-permits.html","title":{"rendered":"State Guide: Obtaining Licenses & Permits"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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State Guide: Obtaining Licenses & Permits<\/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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Business licenses<\/span> or permits issued by a state or local <\/span>government<\/span> agency<\/span> allow a business owner<\/span> to operate in a certain jurisdiction or industry.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n

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There are several tasks business owners<\/span> must complete to start their business. You will need to select a business structure<\/span> and business name<\/span>, and develop a business plan. Obtaining all the permits and licenses required for your business is also essential. Business licenses<\/span> and permits are issued at the local, state, and federal levels. Some businesses need multiple licenses, while others may only need one or two. Generally, a particular business\u2019s licensing and permit requirements<\/span> vary according to industry and location.<\/p>\n

Your type of business may also require federal licenses and permits. Business activities<\/span> and local government<\/span> licensing determine what you need. The\u00a0U.S. <\/span>Small Business<\/span> Administration<\/span><\/a>\u00a0(SBA<\/span>) offers many free resources and information, from local licensing<\/span> to\u00a0doing-business-as<\/a> registrations.<\/p>\n

Types of <\/span>Business Licenses<\/span> and Permits<\/h2>\n

The\u00a0permits and licenses<\/a>\u00a0your business needs<\/span> depend on the industry in which it operates. Knowing some of the common types of permits and licensing requirements<\/span> is helpful.<\/p>\n

Standard licenses and permits include:<\/p>\n