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How to Apply for a Business License

Contributor
By eHow Contributing Writer
(30 Ratings)

The types of licenses you'll need to run your business depend on your industry and the state in which you operate.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  • Trade Magazines
  • Attorney
  1. Step 1

    Go to the appropriate government agencies to see which licenses you need. Be aware that there are licensing requirements at all levels of government - federal, state, regional, county and city.

  2. Step 2

    Acquire any necessary specialized licenses such as those needed to sell food and liquor or to handle hazardous materials.

  3. Step 3

    Find out if your profession requires a license. Lawyers, dentists and doctors, mechanics and real estate agents all require a professional license before they open up shop. You may, too.

  4. Step 4

    If you are buying an existing business, see if the licenses are transferable. Some expire once ownership changes hands. Licenses take time to be transferred, so find out how it works where you are.

Tips & Warnings
  • Check with the state chamber of commerce, local trade associations and professional groups for information on licenses and state registration.

Comments  

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buslic01 said

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on 1/24/2008 www.BusinessLicenses.com has been endorsed by Fortune, CNN, and Entreprneur. They enable you to get any business license, permit, and tax registration online on the federal, state, county, and municipal levels. You can get DBA’s, Seller’s Permits, Business Licenses, etc. You can also call them at 1-800-679-3611.

buslic01 said

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on 1/24/2008 www.BusinessLicenses.com has been endorsed by Fortune, CNN, and Entreprneur. They enable you to get any business license, permit, and tax registration online on the federal, state, county, and municipal levels. You can get DBA’s, Seller’s Permits, Business Licenses, etc. You can also call them at 1-800-679-3611.

sellperm said

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on 12/13/2007 hey well you can also go to fbnua.com answer a couple of questions and they will take it from there=0)

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on 11/27/2007 In addition to a business license, you may need a dba if you are doing business in a name other than your own last name, a federal and state tax id if you will hire employees, and a seller's permit if you will sell taxable tangible items. Get all at this site www.businessnameusa.com . They can obtain all documents you need in a short time

buslic01 said

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on 10/16/2007 There is a great online resource for getting your business license or permit. www.businesslicenses.com enables you to get your business license, permit, and tax registration online for every state, county, and city in the U.S.

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