Business License
Business License
City Government Business License
Depending upon your entrepreneurship endeavor, you may need to secure businesses licenses to operate in your city, county, or state. Your type of business determines which government jurisdiction issues your license. For instance, if you want to open a barbershop, you will apply for a state business license. If you’re opening a restaurant, you will have to apply for a city business license. Below are general procedures for applying for a business license.
How to get a business license
- Look up your city, county, or state government website. Many government offices have a place dedicated where you can download the application online, or they will direct you to the appropriate department. For example, if you are looking to apply for a California business license, you can start with the Secretary of State’s California Business Portal, which either provides you with the application for your business license or directs you to the appropriate county or city level.
- Make sure you actually need a business license and determine what level of government should issue the approval. Your city’s government website can assist in determining this answer.
- Become familiar with other requirements, regulations, and zoning laws associated with your business and its location.
- Obtain the proper business license application form either online or at city hall.
- When completing the application, make sure you include your business tax ID number, and your personal information as the owner. Also include the type of business and the physical location of your business.
- Pay for your business license. A check will be required with your completed application. If you are completing the process online, there may be an option to use a credit card as payment.
- The business location must be located within the city limits and meet zoning requirements.
- You should complete an application for your state’s sales/use tax permit and state business license from your state’s department of taxation.
- Bring a completed license application and all other necessary items to your city’s business services division 30 days before opening your doors.
- Pay your business license fees (usually one fee for the license plus a processing fee).
- Completely fill out the proper application forms, typically available from your local city government website.
- Pay the application fee.
- Ensure that signatures of the applicant and property owner must appear on the application.
- If you live in an apartment or condo, you must submit the addresses of your immediate adjacent neighbors.
- Upon receiving tentative approval, the city will notify your neighbors or tenants by mail informing them of your application. Your neighbors or tenants will have a specific time to file an appeal if they desire.
- The ability to operate and advertise under your business name.
- Establishes exclusivity of your business name within your state.
- The ability to establish a bank account under your business name.
- The ability to accept checks written to your business.
- The portrayal of a more professional image.
There are some other requirements you may have to consider upon applying for a small business license in your city.
If you work and operate your business from home, you may still be required to apply for home occupation permit, or home business license. Upon tentative approval, you will then have to apply for a standard business license. Here is the procedure for securing a home business license:
Do you need a DBA? In most cases, counties require sole proprietors or general partnerships using a fictitious or assumed name to apply for a DBA. The application needs to be registered in the county the business is located.
The benefits of establishing a DBA are:
Your city, county, and state governments can provide excellent resources to help your business open its doors.