Copy of Business License Search Food Business in California

When you apply for a business license, keep in mind that there are instances with certain types of businesses and certain locations that require additional paperwork for permits. We discuss both the types of licenses and permits below. If you'd like to research your license and permit requirements yourself, you can get started with what will tell you the basic requirements for your state and industry.

What Licenses Does My Business Need?

There are two categories of business licenses, namely federal and state. This is just the first step in operating legally in both your jurisdiction and in the country.

The federal government often requires a license to be obtained when you have a very specialized industry or one with a high level of liability. Some examples include serving alcohol, running a fishery, opening a gun shop, or transporting live animals across state lines.

The state government always requires a license to operate within your particular locale and rules can differ based on whether your LLC or corporation is inside city limits or not. For example, you'll need to research whether you can have particular types of home businesses, especially when living in the city or a multi-family dwelling.

How Do I Know What Permits My Business Needs?

Permits are an additional requirement for many businesses and are needed in the following circumstances.