Business Licenses, Permits, and Business Names
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Business
Licenses & Permits
Local Licenses and Permits
State Licenses and Permits
Federal Licenses and Permits
Where do I go to get a license?
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.
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