The most comprehensive guide to business permits and licenses across 50 cities and all 50 states.
A foundational permit required by most municipalities to operate any business within their jurisdict...
businessArticles of Organization filing required to legally establish a Limited Liability Company with your ...
businessRegistration of a business name that differs from your legal name or LLC name. Required in most stat...
businessAn Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS used for federal tax purposes, payroll, and bus...
businessA permit required to legally operate a business from a residential property. Ensures compliance with...
businessRequired for businesses involving food, water, waste, or personal health services. Demonstrates comp...
health-safetyCertifies that your business meets fire safety codes and has proper fire prevention measures in plac...
health-safetyRequired for any construction, renovation, or alteration to a building. Ensures work meets building ...
health-safetyCertifies that a building or space is safe and ready for occupancy. Required before moving into a ne...
health-safetyVerifies that your business use is permitted in the zoning district where your property is located. ...
zoningAuthorization to display exterior signage for your business. Ensures compliance with municipal sign ...
zoningPermits a use that is not normally allowed in a zoning district but can be approved with conditions....
zoningAuthorization to sell alcoholic beverages (beer, wine, and spirits). One of the most heavily regulat...
alcohol-tobaccoAuthorization to sell only beer and wine products, excluding spirits. A less restrictive alternative...
alcohol-tobaccoRequired to sell tobacco and nicotine products including cigarettes, cigars, and vaping products. In...
alcohol-tobaccoState credential required to practice licensed professions such as accounting, law, engineering, or ...
professionalState or local credential required to perform construction work. Demonstrates competency, knowledge ...
professionalRequired to practice cosmetology including hair, makeup, nail, and skin services. Requires classroom...
professionalRequired to work as a real estate agent or broker. Involves coursework, exams, and sponsorship by a ...
professionalRequired to design, install, or repair plumbing systems. Typically requires apprenticeship, classroo...
tradeRequired to install, repair, or maintain electrical systems. Involves extensive apprenticeship and d...
tradeRequired to install, repair, or maintain heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. Require...
tradeRequired for anyone handling food in a commercial kitchen. Demonstrates basic food safety knowledge ...
food-serviceRequired for restaurants, cafes, and other food preparation establishments. Covers facility requirem...
food-serviceAuthorization to operate a mobile food vending business. Requires health permits, mobile unit regist...
food-serviceRequired to prepare and serve food at off-site locations for events. Requires food handler certifica...
food-serviceRequired to legally sell retail goods and collect sales tax. Essential for any retail business opera...
retailRequired to operate a pawn shop or secondhand goods business. Involves background checks, inventory ...
retailRequired to operate commercial vehicles for transportation services. Demonstrates training and compe...
transportationAuthorization to operate a taxi, limousine, or rideshare service. Includes vehicle registration, bac...
transportationRequired to host live music, DJs, or other forms of entertainment at your business. Ensures noise co...
entertainmentRequired to host special events such as festivals, concerts, or large gatherings. Covers public safe...
entertainmentRequired to sell goods or services in public spaces, farmers markets, or temporary locations. Allows...
retail