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Do I Need a Business License?

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Do I Need a Business License?

Answer four quick questions. Get a checklist of what to check for your state, city, county, and industry — with links to the full guides.

1Business

2Location

3State

4Details

What are you starting?

Food truck, cart, or mobile foodSells prepared food from a vehicle or stand Home bakery or cottage foodBaked goods, jams, or other food made at home Selling products onlineEtsy, Amazon, Shopify, or your own site Home-based serviceCleaning, freelance, consulting, tutoring, etc. Retail store or restaurantA physical storefront customers walk into Contractor or mobile/on-location serviceYou go to the customer — trades, mobile grooming, etc. Something else / not sure yetGeneral business, still figuring it out

Which platform mainly?

Etsy Amazon Shopify / my own site / other

Where will the work actually happen?

My homeKitchen, garage, home office, spare room A commercial locationRented storefront, kitchen, studio, or office On the road / at client locationsVehicle, client's home, various sites Entirely onlineNo physical work location

Which state is the business in?

This is the state where the business operates — usually where you live or lease space.

A few quick details

Will you sell or ship physical products?Goods, food, or merchandise — not just services

Yes No

Will you hire any employees?Not counting yourself or contractors

Yes No

Operating under a name other than your own?e.g. "Maple Street Cleaning" instead of your legal name

Yes No

✓ CHECKLIST

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This is a starting checklist based on common requirements, not a guarantee. Requirements, forms, and fees vary by exact address and change over time — verify every item with the actual agency before applying or paying anything.

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Business License Guide

Plain-English business license guides for U.S. states, DC, counties, cities, and common business types. Not a government website. Always verify requirements with the official agency before applying.

Do I Need a Business License?

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