Most businesses need some form of license or permit to operate legally. However, licensing and permitting requirements vary widely based the type of business you are operating, its location and what your state or local laws and regulations require. In other words, you should seek professional advice from a trusted advisor to clarify that your specific local, professional or other types of licenses and permits are met.
To help you identify the types of licenses or permits your business may need, simply select a state from the list below. In addition to these links, the SmallBusiness.com WIKI has links to additional state resources (scroll to bottom). Note also: Your local jurisdiction (and, in some cases, multiple jurisdictions, e.g. city, county, etc.) may have permitting and licensing requirements that may seem redundant, but are required; another reason to seek advice from a professional advisor familiar with starting and running a businesses in your state and local jurisdiction.
Help keep this list up to date | States often update their sites with new features that require them to change the web address of specific resources. Try searching “business license” on the error page of a state website if this happens to you. Also, we appreciate it when users alert us to bad links by emailing them to us at [email protected]. Thank you.
| Alabama | Kentucky | Ohio |
Also on the SmallBusiness.com/WIKI | Links to small business resources in U.S. states
Also on the SmallBusiness.com/WIKI | SmallBusiness.com WIKI Local Hub
Also on the SmallBusiness.com/WIKI | Guide to Starting a Business