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Where do I go to get a license?

Start Here: Applies to ALL businesses

TAKE THIS SHORT QUIZ TO FIND OUT WHAT YOU NEED:

Are you selling,
tangible
items ( e.g., clothing, or gifts) ?

Yes

No

Business Licenses, Permits, and Business Names

Business Licenses & Permits
Local Licenses and Permits
State Licenses and Permits
Federal Licenses and Permits

Business Name or DBA (Doing Business As)
Do I need to have a DBA?
What are the benefits to filing a DBA?
How do I go about getting a DBA?
Getting a Business Checking Account Under Your Business Name
How Do I Trademark My Business Name?

Wholesale or Retail License
What is a Wholesale or Retail License ?
Where do I get a Wholesale or Retail License ?

Employer Identification Number (EIN)
Why Do I Need an EIN?
How do I apply for an EIN?

Useful Links

Business License and Permits Checklist

Business Plan

Quiz


All of your licenses, permits, and business names can be handled by our filing service (including establishing your business and brand names) and you don't require the help of a lawyer. So before you start, it’s a good idea to get all your basic information so you can apply online. If you’re not sure about needing help on an issue, ask us about it first. Your small investment in taking the time to talk to us now can help you avoid later much bigger legal problems later on.


Licenses & Permits

Do I need any licenses?

The answer is yes. Without a business license or a DBA you may be conducting business illegally. Just about all businesses need a state, county or city license depending on the type of business or its location. There may be local, county, state, and or federal licensing requirements depending on the type of business you are in. The fees associated with getting a license from us are far less than hiring an attorney or even using competing services.

Local Licenses and Permits:

• 
  Your licensing requirements and will vary. You may need a permit before you can open for business. In some cases, after or before you obtain your business license, the space you own or lease is going to be inspected to determine if it is properly zoned for specific type of business you are going into.
  You may need a special license if you’re conducting business out of your house, a beauty salon for example requires a state license in addition to local permits.
  
  
  State Licenses:
  There are certain businesses and professions that require a state license. State licenses are often required for the following occupations:
  
  
  
• Accountants
• Building contractors
• Appraisers
• Cosmetologists
• Auctioneers
• Private investigators
• Real Estate agents
  
  
  
  Your state may require you to have special licenses if you sell certain products such as firearms, gasoline, liquor, lottery tickets, etc.
  
  
  Federal Licenses and Permits:
  For your small businesses, federal licensing is probably not a requirement. In businesses that are regulated by the government, federal licensing is required. Here are some examples:
  
  
• Broadcasting
• Manufacturing tobacco alcohol, or firearms
• Drug manufacturing
• Preparation of meat products
• Ground transportation
• Selling firearms
• Investment advising
  
  
  
  
  Where do I get a license?
  The best place to start is to click here to take a small test to see if you actually need one. Talk to one of our clerks, who should be able to tell you how to get a business license. You can also phone our clerks with questions.

How about if I am working from home?

• We will Investigate business license requirements covering small or home based businesses. Some residential neighborhoods have strict zoning restrictions that may prevent you from doing business out of your home. In many areas, attitudes toward home based businesses are becoming more acceptable.
  
  Useful Links:
  
  Lists of state government links.
• Find information on business licensing in your home state:
  Business Licensing
  How to legally establish your business
  
  Business Name or DBA (Doing Business As)
  What is a DBA?
  A “DBA” (also known as Doing Business As, or Fictitious Business Name) is the legal name, other than the owners name, you use to do business.
  
  Do I need to have a DBA?
  Local Licenses and Permits: The answer is yes and you definitely want to file one within 30 days of starting your business. Most states require that you get a DBA. Sole proprietors and general partnerships operating their businesses under a fictitious business name and or an assumed name need to apply for a DBA certificate. You will not be able to enforce any contracts you sign under your business name unless the name is legally registered by you. Another important point is that without registering your DBA other businesses will not know that you exist and other competing businesses may register the name before you do.
  
  What are the benefits to filing a DBA?
  Here are some of the more important benefits to filing a DBA:
  
  The name is legally registered under your personal name, preventing other businesses from registering it because the first that files it and uses it acquires some rights in the name.
  Allows you to open up a bank account under your business name.
  Allows you to accept checks written out to your business name.
  Your business will have a more professional image with a business name other than your personal name.
  Customers can identify and contact the company.
  
  
  What is the process of getting a DBA?
  
  Contact us and ask what the specific requirements and fees are. If required, we will often conduct a complimentary name search for the intended business name to make sure it’s not already taken. We have several resources available to conduct searches on your intended business name.
  
  Some states may require you to place a fictitious name legal notice in a local legal newspaper for specified period of time, normally, 4 weeks - we take care of that as well. The costs for this are usually small and are included with our services fee.
  
  Corporations are not required to file fictitious business names unless they do business under names other than their own. In such, case we file a dba under the corporation.
  
• Getting a Checking Account Under Your Business Name
  Most banks will not allow you to open a bank account unless you have shown them certificate of a filed DBA. You need a business checking account so that you can accept payments written out to your company name.
  
  Should I Trademark My Business Name?
  if you plan to do business nationwide, is always a good idea to trademark you business name. If you use the name nationwide for a period of time selling a specific product or providing a specific service, registering a trademark provides you with protection in case another business tries to use your business name or a name that is likely to be confused with your business name. We will run a search with the government or through our database service to determine if your name is taken.
  
  Useful Links:
  
  U.S. Patents and Trademark Office
  www.uspto.gov
• 
  Naming Your Business
• Your business name must reflect your type of product or service and be memorable.
  
  Wholesale or Retail License
  What is a Wholesale or Retail License ?
  Sometimes a Wholesale or Retail License is called a “certificate of resale” or a “certificate of authority.” This permit allows you to collect sales tax from your customers which you in turn pay to the state. Keep in mind that a Wholesale or Retail License is different from a business license. Is your business a retail or wholesale sales business? If the answer is yes then you probably need to register for and get a sales tax license or a Wholesale or Retail License. If you are selling both products and services it is important you keep sales organized separate. Sales of services are not usually taxed in most states but they are taxed in some states.
  
  How do I get a Wholesale or Retail License ?
  You can register for a Wholesale or Retail License through our service - Click Here.
  
  
  Employer Identification Number (EIN)
• 
  What is an EIN?
  An Employer Identification Number (EIN), also known as a Federal tax ID, is like your social security. This number allows you to identify your business on important government forms and official documents. Often times wholesale distributors require either a federal tax ID or a Wholesale or Retail License from a retailer that wants to buy goods wholesale.
  
  Do I need an EIN?
  You are required to have an EIN if you are an employer or a corporation. We recommend you get an EIN instead of using your social security number. Especially, when you do business by phone, or online, it is safer to give out your EIN than it is to give out your social security number.
  
  An EIN is required if:
  
  Your business has employees.
  Your business is a Corporation or a Partnership.
  You withhold taxes on income, other than wages, paid to a nonresident alien.
  You have a Keogh plan.
  You are involved with: trusts, IRAs, exempt organization business income tax returns, estates, real estate mortgage investment conduits, nonprofit organizations, farmers' cooperatives or plan administrators.
  If you provide health insurance for your employees, you may need a