How to Get a Business License

To get your business off to a good start, make sure you have all your licenses and permits in place. This not only means that you are covered for any legal comeback but also that you don’t have to worry about being shut down.

Getting permits and licenses can seem like hard work when you start your business but it’s an essential step in your business journey. When your business takes off, you won’t want to stop everything to wait for a license to arrive. Importantly, how to get a business license is the first thing successful entrepreneurs tackle.

Getting the right business license

A business license is a catch-all term that explains you have official permission to carry out a business activity. Who gives you that permission, and what you need permission for, varies depending on your location and your business type.

For example, a restaurant or food truck will need permits and licenses covering health, hygiene, and food preparation. Whereas an insurance broker will need to look into licensing that covers financial activities. They both might need site licenses and permits covering them for clients and customers.

What’s more, if you don’t have the right licenses and permits in place, you could find that your business liability insurance is invalid. Therefore, you must make sure you get the right type of license before you open your business.

Types of licenses you can get

The city, the county, the state, and the federal government can issue licenses. So you need to ensure you’re up to date with all of them. Importantly, you should stay on top of changes in legislation in case a new license is introduced.

Licenses and permits cover different aspects of your business.

• Licenses relating to your business premises, like fire safety and permits.
• Permits covering what your business does or sells. For example, health permits for businesses that sell food. Also, if you handle any hazardous products, you’ll need the right permits in place.
• General operating licenses for your type of business. These vary by state and business type.
• Licenses that deal with tax and other financial aspects of your business. For example, you need a Sales Tax Permit to collect any tax on your sales.

Which licenses do you need for your business?

The specific licenses and permits you need will vary depending on:

• What your business does
• Who it serves. For example, if you are working with vulnerable adults or children
• Where it’s located
• Whether your business is regulated by the state or federal government, or both

To make sure you get the right types of licenses and permits for your business, you will need to do some research. Contact your state or city authorities for regional licenses, or the U.S. Small Business Administration for advice about federal licenses.

If this sounds like a lot of work, then IncReg does this research for you, leaving you to grow your business.

What’s the difference between licenses and permits?

Often, you’ll see licenses and permits used like they are the same thing. But they are different and it’s important to know why.

Licenses: These you permission to do a business activity. For example, to broadcast on a radio station or transport goods by truck. You may not need to be inspected to get a license.

Permits: Often, you’ll get a permit after inspectors visit your business and check everything is in order. You’ll probably be inspected regularly to renew your permit.

How to get a business license

Getting all the business licenses and permits you need can be a complicated process. Usually, states don’t have a single office where you can get all your licenses at once. That means you’ll need to research the county, state, and federal rules separately.

The easiest way to make sure all your licenses and permits are taken care of is to contact IncReg.

If you’d prefer to go it alone, these are the steps you’ll need to take.

• Find out which types of licenses and permits you need. Contact your city, state, and federal licensing offices. You’ll need all the information about your business type so they can give you advice.
• Apply for your licenses. In many cases, you can do this online, but you may have to mail important proof. Make sure you allow time for processing.
• Check the deadline for renewal of all your licenses and permits. In many cases, you may not continue your business with an expired license or permit. Therefore, you must apply ahead of time to renew your licenses.

How much does it cost to get a license?

The cost of getting a license varies depending on your business type and where you’re located. Usually, licenses cost up to $200, although this can rise to $1000 or more for industry-specific licenses.

You’ll need to budget for all the licenses and permits your business needs. Renewals are usually cheaper than your first license application.

How long does it take to get your licenses?

Business owners want the fastest possible turnaround times. But the government doesn’t always work like this. Some licenses are approved and processed in a matter of days, others can take months. Before you start your business, you must find out how long it’s likely to take to get all your licenses together.

Use IncReg to get your business licenses and permits

IncReg’s team of business experts will handle your business licenses and permits with speed and efficiency. We’ll research all the licenses and permits you need. We’ll also get you the fastest processing time by ensuring your application is complete the first time.

Furthermore, we’ll also make sure you stay on the right side of the licensing office. IncReg’s business management services will handle your deadlines and renewals. That means you’ll always have the right licenses and permits for your business, leaving you to get on with the important things.