What Is a Business License? Guide to Small Business Licenses in Each State

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Editor’s note: Lantern by SoFi seeks to provide content that is objective, independent and accurate. Writers are separate from our business operation and do not receive direct compensation from advertisers or partners. Read more about our Editorial Guidelines and How We Make Money.
What Is a Business License?
Types of Small Business Licenses
General Business License
Seller's Permit
Doing Business As (DBA) License
Zoning Permit
Home Occupation Permit
Commercial Sign Permits
Health Permits
Liquor License
Occupational or Professional License
Getting a Business License in Each State
How Much It Costs to Get a Small Business License
Getting a Small Business License
1. Finding out the Type Business Licensing You Need
2. Preparing All the Required Business Documents
3. Filing an Application in Your State for the Appropriate Business License
4. Getting the License and Keeping up With Renewal Requirements
How Long Does It Typically Take to Get a Small Business License?
The Takeaway
Photo credit: iStock/AzmanL
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About the Author
Susan Guillory is the president of Egg Marketing, a content marketing firm based in San Diego. She’s written several business books, and has been published on sites including Forbes, AllBusiness, and Cision. She enjoys writing about business and personal credit, financial strategies, loans, and credit cards. Follow her on Twitter @eggmarketing.
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