Where to Apply for a Business License

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If you want to start a new business, you have to secure a license or permit. Depending on the type of business you’re planning to operate, you may also need to secure specialized permits and licenses.

Inquire at the concerned government agency, Chamber of Commerce, and other organizations before you prepare the needed documents.

Where to Apply for a Business License?

Once you decide to start any kind of business, it is important that you apply for a business license. Now, the question is where. Depending on the country where you live, you can get the license from a government agency. Licensing requirements usually vary among cities, states, and countries. To determine the requirements, you will have to inquire directly at the office concerned. Most of today’s government agencies maintain official websites that you can also check out. This will make it easier for busy business owners like you to apply for the license from the comforts of your own home.

Some businesses handle hazardous chemicals or materials while others are into liquor and food. These types of businesses require special permits aside from the standard business license. Aside from the government agency, you can also receive assistance from trade associations, professional groups, and the Chamber of Commerce. These organizations can provide info on state registrations and licenses. Whether you’re starting a business from scratch or you’re purchasing an existing business, you should check for the licensing requirements.

Some Things to Look Into

There are business owners who think that licensing is transferrable. Well, in some cases, the license can be transferred but there are still requirements that you have to comply with. This will depend on the type of business and the expiry date of the license. Aside from businesses, professionals also need a license like mechanics, doctors, dentists, lawyers, and many others. Check the years that the license will cover and pay for the licensing fee. The fee can be cheap but there are also expensive ones especially those businesses that are large scaled and involve hazardous materials. It would be a great idea to seek the help of a lawyer so that you can comply with legal requirements quickly.

Next time you’re asked – where to apply for a business license, you will know what to answer. Have you made your choice? Will you apply for the license online or will you go out of your way and visit the local government agency concerned? Oftentimes, it’s better to secure the license from the physical office when you have time. For people who want flexibility and convenience, you have an alternative. Thanks to modern technology and the internet, you can now reach government agencies without leaving home. Apply for a business license in advance because it may take several weeks before you can get the license or permit. Prepare the documents and other paperwork needed in advance as well.

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24 Comments

Kavita Solunke said on July 27, 2010
where do i apply for a business license in Hounslow, Middlesex, London, UK
collis mcdonald said on August 18, 2010
My interest is starting my own cab services, can u send me emails on how to get license and what other requirements needed. Thank you.
Arun Tiwari arun_2006_4u@yahoo.co.in said on October 21, 2010
This website is good for people who wants to do Business. I m impressed with your work. Thanks for your Advices and knowledge center. Well This is Arun Tiwari from Surat (Gujarat, India). My city is famous for Silk Sarees and Diamonds. I read your Saree Business Article too. I want to export sarees to other states in India. I m new person in this Business. I dont have enough Idea about it. Please Help me. and which kind of documents I have to collect for License and with whom I have to meet and where ?is there need of License? my Email ID is arun_2006_4u@yahoo.co.in Surat, Gujarat, India
calvin said on January 11, 2011
i want to open a mini butcher in pretoria locations, using a container do i need some form of papers for that?
Amit Prajapati said on January 26, 2011
Hello, I m Amit Prajapati i have small business of computer sales and service now i want to do some thing big like computer and electronics scarp and recycling i m from kalol near by ahmedabad gujarat, gandhinagar india. please help me how i can get license for it and what is process for it
naveen rana said on May 20, 2012
i want to start ssi for water packing in rural hilly area of uttrakhand Pleas advise me where i should to issue license and other governmental procedure and support from government.
ranjeet said on September 16, 2012
i am pursuing for small garment export business in city, Surat .plz. guide me for registration of it
vipin mishra said on February 24, 2013
how to get the business license to open a saree wholesale shop in surat. where i go for the registration. please help me out of this. my mail id is vipin.mishra1007@gmail.com
Hemant Patel said on December 4, 2013
Which all certification required for boosting up IT Staffing business.
Welkome said on December 26, 2013
I'm at Mp, I want to start business of motor spares and panel beating. so where to get the business license? Help me please, I'm at witbank
K.RAMESH said on March 10, 2014
i want to start chemical business how to get the business license? please help me
vijay Kumar D. said on April 9, 2014
Hello, I m Vijay from Baroda. i want to start CFL lights business in Vadodra(gujrat) from my home. how to get the business license? please help me.
Chaurushi said on April 18, 2014
i want to establish my own barber shop in surat, gujarat, India. kindly explain the procedure for obtaining Shop license and help me to establish my shop as soon as possible. Also i want to understand the merits and demerits of obtaining such license.
Ganesh S Pulgamwar said on July 24, 2014
I would like to start a business of small scale soybean oil mill in Gadchiroli state mahahastra. Pls help, sir i will request to u sent me the mail as early as possible
Dilbag Singh said on August 5, 2014
Hi, I am from Karnal Haryana. I want to start a business from 15-20 lacs. I am looking for solar project, crackers, and many more. Please suggest me.
sanjay said on September 11, 2014
i want to open contractor business so how to get license for contractor. i am done TEB course civil arch & estimating and drafting for two years course then i am working in Narmada main canal14
Chetan KUmar said on September 29, 2014
Hi Team, I want to obtain a liquor business license in of the Tyre 2 city in Karnataka. can some one please help me applying for license. Thanks, Chetan Kumar, +919008722095
Hitesh Patel said on November 10, 2014
Respected Sir, i have already apply for license for my Networking Business from last 10 months. But my lawyer not good working.
mallikarjun said on January 22, 2015
Hello, I am mallikarjun from bagalkot districtjamakhandi . i want to start liquor business license in bagalkot districts. how to get the business license? please help me.
jitendra kumar said on April 8, 2015
cement brick making business rural area mathura uttar pradesh pin 281504. sir i want to start new business of making cement bricks so how to register my business. can i get government subsidy for this business if yes please tell me a procedure for this. Thanks & Regards, Jitendra Kumar
Rajkishore said on April 13, 2016
Hi, I want to enter in diamond trading business. For this what are the necessary document i need to go ahead. Please guide me with post license procedure also.
Sharanu Nagur said on January 29, 2017
Hi i want to start the Liquor shop business For this what are the necessary document i need to go ahead. Please guide me with post license procedure also.
prashanth said on December 27, 2017
I want apply trade license in surat kindly guide me
bhavani said on July 6, 2018
Hi if anyone required trade license plz contact me immediately, phno: 9108341286 and we provide all tax-related services through all over PAN India through online

Where to Apply for a Business License