Not legal advice. General information only. License requirements differ in every city and county — verify with your local city hall or county clerk before opening your doors.
City & County Business License Checklist
Works anywhere in the U.S. Your city: Your county:
Local licenses & permits
- ☐ City business license / occupational license (most cities require one — often $25–$100/yr)
- ☐ County business license (some counties require one too)
- ☐ Zoning check — is your business type allowed at your address? (critical if working from home)
- ☐ Home occupation permit (if running the business from your house)
- ☐ Health department permit (food, salons, childcare, etc.)
- ☐ Fire department inspection (restaurants, retail, venues)
- ☐ Sign permit (if putting up business signage)
- ☐ Special permits for your trade (electricians, plumbers, contractors — usually state-level)
State-level registrations
- ☐ LLC / corporation filed with the Secretary of State
- ☐ Selling goods? Register for your state's sales tax (you'll collect and remit it)
- ☐ Hiring employees? Register for state employer withholding + unemployment insurance
- ☐ Workers' comp insurance (required in most states once you have employees)
- ☐ Fictitious name / DBA registration (if operating under a name other than your LLC's)
How to find the right office
- Search "[your city] business license" — most cities have an online application.
- Call your city clerk or county clerk — a 5-minute call beats guessing.
- Check your state's business portal for a "new business checklist" — many states publish one.
- Ask the AI legal assistant on our Business Law page what licenses your business type typically needs.
Typical total local cost: often $0–$150 for a simple service business. Keep copies of every license with your business records.