How to Get Commercial Licenses and Permits

Discover which licenses and permissions you need, how to apply for them, and how to keep your licenses current.

What you’ll discover:

1. Get the Required Licenses and Permits
2. Apply online or in person at the courthouse.
3. Make on-time payments and maintain records

Depending on the nature of your company, you may need to apply for licenses and permissions in order to operate lawfully. Some establishments, particularly restaurants and alcoholic beverage dealers, must get them at both the federal and state levels, and in other cases, at the county or municipal level, depending on local legislation. Discover which licenses and permissions you need, how to apply for them, and how to keep your licenses current.

1. Get the Required Licenses and Permits

The first step in obtaining company licenses is determining which ones you need. The SBA Business Licenses & Permits search tool is hosted by the Small Business Administration. To utilize it, just input your zip code and company type. It will then display both your state’s and your city’s criteria. This tool may also be used to access applications.

2. Apply online or in person at the courthouse.

If you need a specific license or permission, you may apply online or at your local courthouse. Applying online offers numerous obvious advantages to stepping into the courtroom with an application in hand: 1) Online processing is often quicker; and 2) most states and the federal government give savings to people who register or apply online. If you file online, remember your pin number so you can track the progress of your application.

3. Make on-time payments and maintain records

Most business licenses and permits have costs attached to them. These fees are sometimes yearly, and sometimes they are just once a year. To retain your status, be sure you pay on time, and keep a record of your payment. It’s easiest to do it online since you’ll obtain an email receipt. If you want to send your payment, you may photocopy your check or money order and include information about the kind of license you applied for. You’ll have a record of your money if it gets lost in the mail this way.