Set Up Your Business - in Minutes!
We have a DIY option you can use to save time and stress.We help you:
- Determine the best business structure
- File the right paperwork
- Stay compliant with the law
Prefer to work with a lawyer?Find one right now.
Created by FindLaw's team of legal writers and editors | Last reviewed September 23, 2022
This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw’s team of legal writers and attorneys and in accordance with our editorial standards.
The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors. 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.
If you are thinking about starting a business, you may need to obtain a number of licenses and permits from federal, state, and local government. Since licensing and permit requirements for small businesses can vary among jurisdictions, it is critical that you contact your state and local government to determine the specific obligations of your new business. Keeping this in mind, below is a quick checklist covering the different federal, state, and local licenses and permits you may need to acquire prior to opening for business:
We make business formation EASY. Learn about our DIY business formation services here.
If you run an online business, treat it like you would a brick-and-mortar. Chances are, you'll need to comply with all the same licensing and permitting requirements as a business with a storefront. Keep in mind, the only state licensing requirements you have to abide by those in the state where your web-based business is located. For example, if your online business is located in Nevada, but you sell to customers in Arizona, California, and Utah, you only have to follow Nevada's rules, not every state in where you sell.
Like a store with a physical location and online businesses, so too will you need to comply with licensing and permit requirements for your home-based business. This is especially true if you have customers who frequently come into your home.
Don't lose sleep trying to decipher the federal, state, and local laws surrounding business licenses and permits. Instead, contact an experienced small business attorney who can advise you about critical business laws you must comply with and help you fill out any applications and forms.
Just getting started? Use FindLaw's DIY forms to get a legal business entity set up in minutes.
Was this helpful?
Contact a qualified business attorney to help you navigate the process of starting a business.
We have a DIY option you can use to save time and stress.We help you:
Prefer to work with a lawyer?Find one right now.