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Licenses & Permits

You may need licenses and permits before opening shop, depending on the type of business, where you plan to operate and a number of other factors. Almost all businesses will need a business license. But you might also need a property use permit or a liquor license, to give a couple examples. The "Licenses & Permits" resources in FindLaw's Small Business section will help point you in the right direction.

Overview - Primer on the types of licenses and permits required for various businesses.
License and Permit Checklist - Checklist of business licenses and permits you may need.

State Guide - Links to state-specific resources for business licenses and permits.
Federal Start-Up Requirements - Rundown of federal small business regulatory requirements.
State and Local Start-Up Requirements - Overview of common state and local licensing requirements.