Business Licenses
Why use GetGoLegal to find and manage business licenses?
With the complexity of licensing requirements, it can be challenging to know where to begin. Get expert assistance to ensure you identify the licenses, permits, and registrations necessary to operate legally.
Confidence
Rest assured that your business has everything it needs. We’ll identify the federal, state, and local licenses and permits required for your business and provide you with a customized report.
Speed
Gain access to the necessary license and permit applications, streamlining the process of navigating over 75,000 federal, state, and local jurisdictions, saving you both time and effort.
Ease
Receive notifications about updates to your license requirements and reminders for upcoming renewal deadlines to help you maintain compliance.
Business License Report and Management
$99/year
Includes:
How to get business licenses & permits with us in 3 easy steps
Knowing which permits, licenses, and registrations you need—and applying for them correctly—is key to running your business legally.
Tell us about your business
Answer a few simple questions about your business and where it operates so your report is personalized and as accurate as possible.
Receive your custom report
You’ll get a personalized report with helpful details about each of the licenses, permits, and registrations you may need.
Apply for your licenses
Your report includes links to apply for each license or permit, as well as helpful instructions on how best to do so.
What is a business license?
Almost every business needs at least one license to operate.
For instance, if you’re running a business from home, you might require a home occupation permit. A restaurant typically needs a health permit along with alcohol and food service licenses, and may also need a music license to host events. If you’re opening a retail store, you may need a seller’s permit and a sales tax license.
Licenses and permits safeguard your business from penalties and the risk of closure, while also giving customers confidence that it’s safe to do business with you.
Why get help with your business licenses?
Focus on what matters
Focus on growing and running your business, and leave the task of researching complex licensing requirements to our license specialists.
Avoid fines
Failing to obtain the necessary licenses and permits can lead to penalties and fines, costing your business money and putting it at risk of closure.
Enjoy peace of mind
Receive notifications about updates to your license requirements and reminders for upcoming renewal deadlines to ensure you remain compliant.
What is a federal business license?
You must register for a federal license if required by a federal agency for your specific business activity.
For instance, federal agencies issue industry-specific licenses to businesses in sectors such as alcohol manufacturing, retail, and commercial fishing.
What is a state business license?
You may need to apply for a state business license if a state agency oversees any of your business activities.
Requirements vary by industry and sector, but common state licenses for conducting business include seller’s permits and liquor licenses. Additionally, you may be subject to environmental regulations that require you to submit a business license application.
What is a local business license?
You may need to apply for a local business license if your business activities are regulated by city, county, or local governments.
Local regulations vary, but common business activities subject to local oversight include zoning permits, building permits, fire alarms, and sales tax permits.
How do I get a business license?
Once you’ve identified the licenses, permits, and registrations required for your business, you’ll need to start the process on the appropriate authority’s website. You may also need to provide business documents such as your official business name, tax ID, financial details, business insurance information, and more.
With our service, you’ll receive a personalized report outlining the licenses, permits, and registrations your business needs. Plus, you’ll get direct access to the necessary applications and clear instructions to help you save both time and money.
How long does it take to get a business license?
The time it takes to obtain a license can vary based on whether it’s a local, state, or federal license, as well as the industry it pertains to.
To streamline the process, you can receive a customized report detailing the business licenses you may need. This will save you time on researching complex licensing requirements and allow you to focus directly on applying.
Frequently asked questions
In most cases, you’ll need a general business license to legally operate and meet local, county, state, and federal requirements. However, obtaining a general business license is only the first step. Depending on your industry, location, and specific activities, you may need additional licenses and permits. On average, our business license customers require at least five different licenses to operate legally.
You should generally obtain all necessary general business licenses or permits before starting your business or opening to the public. Failing to do so could result in fines and other penalties. Once you have your permits, be sure to display them appropriately, keep copies for your records, and stay on top of renewal dates.
Licenses and permits are issued by all levels of government—city, county, state, and federal—so you may need to apply with multiple agencies and departments. Our service simplifies this process by identifying the permits required at each level of government and providing easy access to apply.
There are two main reasons: a business license helps safeguard public health and safety, and it ensures businesses can be held accountable for their actions. To meet these requirements, most businesses need multiple licenses, particularly in more regulated industries like transportation.
Most small businesses require at least six licenses, and figuring out which ones you need based on your business and location can be complex. Fortunately, our service simplifies this process for you.
Common examples include a home occupation permit, zoning permit, building permit, seller’s permit, fire and police permits, and health permit.
A seller’s permit, or sales tax permit, is a state-issued license that enables your business to collect sales tax on taxable sales. This permit is required for any business selling physical goods, whether in-person or online. With a seller’s permit, you can legally collect sales tax, which must be submitted to the state to adhere to tax laws.
It depends on the type of business you operate and your location. We can simplify this process by identifying the requirements based on your business information.
Our service to help you identify the licenses and permits you may need is available for $99 per year. However, the cost of individual business license fees and applications varies depending on your location, the type of business you run, and the specific permit required. While some licenses may be free, others can be quite costly. Remember, obtaining the necessary licenses is crucial to protect your business from fines, penalties, and the risk of closure.
The requirements depend on the type of business you operate and your location. In many areas, you may need a home occupation permit. Operating your business from home doesn’t automatically exempt you from needing specific licenses or permits, and it could even lead to additional requirements.
Whether you need a business license to sell online depends on your products, services, and location. Typically, online sellers need licenses such as a seller’s permit or a sales tax permit.
Business licensing requirements vary by state and city, and the sale or shipment of certain items may be subject to additional regulations.
If your Etsy shop is considered a business by the IRS, you will likely need business licenses from the state, county, and local government agencies in your area. Typically, online sellers require licenses like a seller’s permit or sales tax permit.
Business licensing rules vary by state and city, and certain items for sale may be subject to additional regulations. We can help you determine what your Etsy business needs.
Managing business licenses requires keeping accurate records of all licenses, tracking expiration dates, renewing them on time, and staying compliant with applicable regulations. It’s also important to stay informed of any changes to licensing requirements and take appropriate action to avoid penalties or interruptions to your business. Our Business License Report & Management service helps you meet these obligations and ensures your business remains in legal compliance.
GetGoLegal goes beyond simply helping you obtain a general business license. We provide a personalized report that identifies all the specific licenses and permits your unique business needs.
Our thorough approach ensures that you meet the legal requirements relevant to your industry and operations, giving you peace of mind and helping you avoid costly penalties. Our complete solution includes:
– Renewal reminders: Receive timely notifications before renewal deadlines to ensure you never miss one.
– Jurisdiction updates: Get updates and alerts on changes to your report based on jurisdictional shifts.
– Centralized management: Manage all your licenses and permits in one convenient location, streamlining your business operations.
Choose GetGoLegal for a customized, efficient, and reliable licensing solution that keeps your business compliant and running smoothly.