How to Get a Business License

As any small business owner will tell you, a business license is needed to start your own business. Although it sounds simple enough, there are some conditions you need to be aware of before proceeding. In this guide, Seek Business Capital looks at some key factors that come into play so that you know what to expect when you try to obtain your business license. In addition, we’ll be looking at a few states and what they require for entrepreneurs to get their licenses. We have also compiled this small business licensing guide to aid in your quest to attain yours. We will discuss the type of business license, possible costs, and how to obtain a business license based on the state you work in.

Why Do You Need a Business License?

When starting a business , one of the most important steps in your process is to obtain all the business licenses required to operate your business legally. Business licenses and permits are designed to ensure consumer safety and operational transparency. Business management rules state that most small businesses require some form of permission or approval from government officials. Still, the requirements and costs vary depending on the type of business, location, and applicable government regulations.

What Is a Business License?

The term “business license” is very broad and can refer to many different types of licenses and permits. In short, a business license is a government-issued document that allows you to conduct business in a geographic area controlled by the issuing government agency. Therefore, the term “business license” can refer to a local business license that allows you to conduct business in your city, or it can refer to a seller’s license that allows you to sell products exclusively in your area.

Business Licenses by Type

The exact type of small business license you need ultimately depends on your industry and business location, which means you may need to obtain separate state, city, and county business licenses. If a committee, board, or association regulates your specific industry, you may need to apply for certification from these agencies before you can obtain a business license in your state or county. What’s more, you need to make sure that the local government has established specific licensing rules for your business. Moreover, if a federal agency regulates your business, you need to obtain a federal license. According to the SBA (Small Business Administration), if you work in any of the following industries, you must apply for a permit or federal business license:

• Firearms, ammunition, and explosives
• Radio and television broadcasting
• Transportation and logistics
• Maritime transportation
• Commercial fisheries
• Alcoholic beverages
• Mining and drilling
• Fish and wildlife
• Nuclear energy
• Agriculture
• Aviation

For more information on these industries, check with the SBA .

The Cost of Business Licenses

Just as the specific license you need varies by industry and state, the cost of your business license depends on these very same factors. However, you will usually have to pay processing fees or registration fees for your license. These extra fees are outside of the cost of the license itself. The cost of a business license can range from $50 to hundreds of dollars, depending on the company and location. If the license you need expires, you must also pay the appropriate license renewal fee. For example, the cost of applying for a business license in Alaska for one or two years is $50. Once your license expires, you will have to pay the same renewal fee. When you obtain a business license to open a daycare center in New Jersey, you must pay a three-year license fee of anywhere between $110 and $250, depending on the size of your center. After the license expires, you must once again pay the same amount to cover the renewal fee. Due to fluctuations in the cost of a business license and general license requirements, the SBA recommends that you contact the relevant issuing agency to understand exactly what you need to do and pay for the license.

Getting Your Business License in 4 Easy Steps

Here are some general steps for you to get your business license:

1. Learn about the regulations and laws in your area to determine the type of business license you need. This includes your state, city, and county. To find out which government regulations apply to your business, please contact the government agency in your country/region for help with this.
2. Apply with the requirements for a business license (for example, documents from your organization). Please note that you will likely have to pay a processing fee or filing fee to submit your application.
3. You may need to wait for your application to be approved, depending on your state. Once approved, however, you will receive a business license that allows you to work legally in your area.
4. When your license expires, you need to renew it according to your city, state, or county regulations.

Follow these steps to ensure that you have an easy experience obtaining your business license. Don’t forget that you can always contact your local government offices for further assistance if you get stuck and don’t know what to do next.

Business Licenses and Wait Time

Obtaining a business license can take several days to several weeks, depending on various factors, namely your identity and the specific permits you need. For example, if you are applying for a local license to operate a retail business, the process may be faster than applying for a state or state alcohol license. Although it is difficult to estimate how long it will take to obtain a business license, you can take steps to speed up the process. If your state or city provides an online application, please apply for a business license online first. This is faster than filling out the application form by mail or in person. This will also make it easier for qualified authorities to check your online application. You can then ensure that you have followed all instructions exactly and correctly and submitted all required documents when turning in your application. Please be aware that if your application has errors, the process will take longer.

A Look at Various State Requirements for Obtaining a Business License

Arizona Almost everything you need to know about obtaining an Arizona business license can be found on the Arizona Department of Revenue website . This website serves to assist Arizona companies in complying with major state tax and licensing requirements. California To learn how to obtain a California business license, please use CalGold as a reference source. Just select your city or county, enter your activity, and follow the instructions there. Florida For information about obtaining a Florida business license, please visit the State Department of Commerce and Professional Regulation website , a dedicated small business license online portal. List and follow the instructions there. Hawaii The Hawaii Business Express portal can automate the online registration process for your business. All you need is information from your eHawaii.gov account. Then, just follow the questions to find out which licenses and permits you need and how to apply for the business license you ultimately need. Idaho Check the Idaho.gov Licensing, Permitting, and Regulation website to find regulatory information and apply for a license online. Please note that Idaho does not have a state license, as all business licenses are issued locally. As such, only companies that require a specific license can apply through the online portal. You may also search Idaho.gov by company type to get information on buying a business license through a local agency. Illinois If you want to start a new business in Illinois, the First Stop Business Information Center of the Illinois Department of Commerce can help you prepare a business plan, establish a legal structure, and register your business. Use application resources to obtain licenses for registration, licensing, and authorization.

In Summary

As you can see, each state varies in what they require you to do to obtain your business license. Starting a small business is an exciting and rewarding venture, but essential steps are needed to make your vision a reality. Another part of the journey is securing a small business loan . If you are interested in seeing what kind of options you have to get a loan to start your own company, we encourage you to reach out to us. We also have extensive information on small businesses and what’s needed to make your company flourish, so be sure to check out our online resource for further guidance. Sources: Small Business Administration | SBA.gov CalGold Home Page | Calgold.ca.gov My Florida License Homepage | Myfloridalicense.com