Business resources
Find the right licensing reference
Start with your state's authority catalog or explore a license-type guide. Coverage and fees vary; confirm current requirements with the issuing authority before applying.
State catalogs
Authorities and fees by state
License guides
Choose a license type and state
General Business License
The baseline operating license most cities and states require for any business operating within their jurisdiction. Often called a business tax certificate, business privilege license, or simply business license.
Seller's Permit (Sales Tax)
Required for businesses that sell tangible goods or taxable services. Authorizes you to collect sales tax from customers and remit it to the state Department of Revenue.
Health Permit
Required for any business preparing, storing, or serving food, including restaurants, food trucks, caterers, and many cottage-food operations. Issued by the local or state health department.
Professional License
Required for regulated professions including law, medicine, accounting, engineering, real estate, and many trades. Each profession has its own state board with distinct exam, education, and renewal requirements.
Contractor License
Required for general and specialty contractors. Most states require proof of insurance, a surety bond, and passing a contractor's exam. Threshold for needing the license varies by state.
Liquor License (State + Federal)
Required to sell alcohol on or off premises. State licenses come from the state ABC (alcohol beverage control) board; a federal TTB license is also required and depends on the state license being in place first.
Certificate of Occupancy
Required before opening a physical location to verify the building meets local code for the proposed use. Issued by the local building department after inspection. Often a prerequisite for many other licenses.
Zoning Permit
Confirms the operating address is zoned for the proposed business activity. Often required before applying for an occupancy permit. Variances are available but slow and costly.
Home Occupation Permit
Required in many cities for businesses operating out of a residence. Typically restricts signage, parking, employees on-site, and customer foot traffic. Cheaper than commercial occupancy.
EIN + State Tax Registration
Federal EIN (free, instant from IRS) is required for almost every license application. State tax registration (separate from sales tax) covers withholding, unemployment insurance, and franchise tax in some states.
These are public references. The existing License Finder remains the place for your business's specific requirements.