City business license guide
Last updated: April 30, 2026
If you want to start or run a business in Irving, Texas, the first thing to know is that there is not one simple license that covers every business. Irving does not appear to use one general city business license for all businesses. The local steps depend on your address, business activity, building, signs, food service, fire issues, and whether customers or workers come to the site.
This guide explains the city, county, state, and federal checks that may apply. It is a practical map, not legal advice. Confirm important details with the official office before you sign a lease, pay a contractor, order signs, or open to customers.
Bottom line for Irving business owners
For many Irving storefronts, offices, restaurants, salons, warehouses, clinics, studios, and other commercial tenants, the key city item is the Certificate of Occupancy. Irving’s official forms page says a Certificate of Occupancy is required for any commercial space occupied by a tenant. Other city permits may apply for building work, signs, banners, health permits, temporary food events, temporary uses, fire items, or contractor work.
Texas also does not have one general statewide business license. The state says many business activities still need local, state, or federal permits. That means your job is to sort the layers, not chase one magic form.
Quick start: what to check first
- Describe the business plainly. Write what you will sell or do, where you will do it, and whether customers, food, vehicles, alcohol, children, employees, signs, or building work are involved.
- Check the address. Before signing a lease, use the City of Irving Planning FAQs and contact Planning about zoning for the exact location.
- Ask about a Certificate of Occupancy. If you will occupy commercial space, start with Irving fees and forms and the My Government Online portal.
- Check trade name rules. If you use a name other than your legal name, check Dallas County and Texas Secretary of State assumed-name rules.
- Check taxes and industry rules. Sales tax, employer accounts, TDLR, TABC, health, childcare, or federal permits may apply.
Irving business license facts box
| City | Irving, Texas |
|---|---|
| Main city office | City of Irving Inspections Department for occupancy, permits, inspections, health permits, and many building-related items. |
| Zoning office | City of Irving Planning Department for zoning, land use, home occupation questions, platting, and zoning verification. |
| General city business license? | No general city business license was found in the official sources reviewed. Irving uses specific approvals such as Certificate of Occupancy, permits, zoning checks, health permits, and other use-based approvals. |
| Commercial tenant step | Certificate of Occupancy. Irving’s forms page says it is required for any commercial space occupied by a tenant. |
| County layer | Dallas County may matter for assumed names, some food and mobile food items, property records, and business personal property tax issues. |
| State layer | Texas Comptroller, Texas Secretary of State, Texas Workforce Commission, and state licensing agencies may apply. |
What does this mean for me?
Do not ask only, “Do I need a business license?” A better question is, “What approvals do I need for this business activity at this address?” A home-based online seller, a food truck, a barber shop, and a restaurant may have very different steps.
An LLC, DBA, seller’s permit, Certificate of Occupancy, and professional license are different things. If those terms are getting mixed together, review BLG’s guide to business license vs LLC vs DBA vs seller’s permit before you call an agency.
City, county, state, and federal license layers
Getting one item does not cancel the others. A Texas LLC does not replace Irving zoning approval. A Dallas County assumed name filing does not replace a Texas sales tax permit. A sales tax permit does not mean your space is approved for your use.
| Layer | What it may cover | Where to start |
|---|---|---|
| City of Irving | Certificate of Occupancy, zoning, building permits, inspections, signs, fire, health permits, temporary use permits, and some contractor registrations. | Start with Irving Inspections, Planning, and the permit forms page. |
| Dallas County | Assumed name records, some food and mobile food health items, property records, and business personal property tax issues. | Start with the Dallas County Clerk and Dallas County Health and Human Services if your business type fits. |
| State of Texas | Entity filings, sales and use tax, employer accounts, professional licenses, alcohol licenses, childcare rules, and other state permits. | Start with the Texas Business Permit Office, Texas Comptroller, Secretary of State, and the agency that regulates your trade. |
| Federal | EIN, federal industry permits, payroll tax duties, and BOI rules for some foreign entities. | Start with the IRS, SBA license guide, FinCEN, and the federal agency for your industry. |
| Private platforms | Marketplace rules, payment processor rules, insurance rules, lease rules, and vendor account rules. | Read the platform terms, but do not treat them as government permits. |
City of Irving approvals to check
Certificate of Occupancy
If you will occupy commercial space in Irving, start with the Certificate of Occupancy process. This can apply to a storefront, office, warehouse, restaurant, salon, studio, gym, clinic, or similar space. Do not assume a prior tenant’s approval works for you. The city’s Certificate of Occupancy inspection information says the business activity must match the application description and zoning district.
The same city inspection information lists common items that may come up, such as parking, exits, address numbers, electrical panels, fire extinguishers, emergency lights, and other fire code items. The list is not complete. Ask the city about your exact space.
Zoning and home occupation rules
Before you sign a lease or buy property, check whether your use is allowed at the address. The City of Irving Planning Department handles zoning, land use, and development standards. The city’s Planning FAQs also explain zoning verification letters. As of this review, the city lists a $50 fee per parcel and a typical review of five business days or less, though review can take up to 10 business days.
For a home business, Irving says the business may be allowed only if it meets Customary Home Occupation rules, including no unusual traffic, no on-site employees, and no nuisance to neighbors. BLG’s home occupation permit guide can help you prepare questions for Planning.
Building, signs, health, fire, and temporary uses
If you remodel, add walls, change plumbing, add electrical work, install HVAC, build a sign, add a fence, or finish out a suite, check permit rules before work starts. Irving Building Inspections handles building, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, and irrigation inspections. The city says most permit applications, payments, plan uploads, and inspection requests go through My Government Online.
Irving’s forms page also lists permits or applications for signs, banners, health permits, temporary food events, temporary use permits, contractor registration, and other site or construction items. Do not assume your landlord, contractor, sign vendor, festival host, or franchise office has handled these.
Food businesses should check both city and county rules. Irving lists city health permit items, and Dallas County Health and Human Services says county food establishments are inspected for sanitation standards. Mobile food unit permits are by appointment only with Dallas County. If you operate a food truck or cart, use BLG’s food truck license guide as a checklist, then verify with Irving and Dallas County.
If you will sell or serve alcohol, check with Irving Planning and the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission. Alcohol rules can affect zoning, distance limits, signs, health, police, fire, and state licensing.
Dallas County, Texas, and federal steps
Dallas County assumed names
If you use a business name that is not your legal name, you may need an assumed name certificate, often called a DBA. The Dallas County Clerk’s assumed name procedures explain how to file in person or by mail. The county FAQ says assumed name records inform the public who is doing business under a name, but they do not protect the name.
For LLCs, corporations, and other registered entities, also check the Texas Secretary of State name filing FAQs. Texas changed some assumed-name filing rules in 2019, so confirm whether your filing belongs with the county clerk, the Secretary of State, or both.
Texas registrations and licenses
The Texas Governor’s Office Business Permit Office says Texas does not require a general business license, but many specific activities require permits or licenses. Texas.gov also has a starting a business in Texas page that points business owners to state and local steps.
If you form an LLC, corporation, nonprofit, or other entity, use the Texas Secretary of State and official filing tools such as SOSDirect. Entity formation is not the same as a city approval.
The Texas Comptroller handles sales and use tax. The Comptroller says you should apply if you are engaged in business in Texas and sell, lease, or rent taxable goods, provide taxable services, or owe use tax on taxable items. Use the Comptroller’s online tax registration system when that applies. For more state-layer context, see BLG’s Texas business license guide.
If you will have employees, check the Texas Workforce Commission employer registration page. If your trade is regulated, check the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation licenses and programs. Alcohol, childcare, food, health care, and similar industries may have separate state agencies.
Federal basics
Many businesses need an Employer Identification Number. The IRS says to apply after forming your entity if you are forming one, and the IRS online EIN tool can issue an EIN during the same session. Use the IRS EIN page directly unless you choose outside help.
The SBA says federal licenses and permits depend on business activity and the federal agency that regulates it. Check the SBA licenses and permits page for federally regulated fields. As of this review, FinCEN says U.S.-created companies and U.S. persons are exempt from BOI reporting under its interim final rule, while some foreign entities registered to do business in the United States may still have duties. Check the FinCEN BOI update before relying on old guidance.
Costs you can plan for
Do not build your budget from old blog posts. Fees can change, and your business may need permits another business does not need. Ask for the official fee page or portal screen before paying.
| Item | What is known from official sources | What to confirm |
|---|---|---|
| Irving Certificate of Occupancy | Required for any commercial space occupied by a tenant. | Confirm current fee, inspection needs, and timing in the city portal or with Inspections. |
| City permits | Irving posts a permit fee schedule and application list. | Confirm the right permit and fee for building, sign, health, banner, or temporary use items. |
| Zoning verification letter | Planning FAQs list $50 per parcel and typical review of five business days or less, with possible review up to 10 business days. | Confirm before ordering, especially for lease or lender use. |
| Dallas County assumed name | The county FAQ lists $24, plus 50 cents for each partner after the first, and $2 if a deputy takes the acknowledgment. | Confirm payment method and whether county, state, or both filings apply. |
| State or professional licenses | Costs depend on the license and agency. | Confirm with the Texas Comptroller, TWC, TDLR, TABC, HHS, DSHS, or your board. |
Real-world examples
Home-based online seller
An Irving resident sells handmade items online from home. The owner should check home occupation limits, storage, traffic, employees, signs, and Texas sales tax. Private marketplace rules are separate from city permits. BLG’s guide on online business licenses can help frame the first questions.
Restaurant taking over a retail space
The owner should not rely on the last tenant’s approval. A restaurant may need zoning review, a Certificate of Occupancy, building permits, health approval, fire items, signs, sales tax, employer accounts, and possibly alcohol licensing.
Mobile food unit serving in Irving
The operator may need Dallas County mobile food health steps, Texas sales tax, food safety steps, and city rules for parking, serving, events, temporary food, or temporary use. Ask both Irving and Dallas County before booking sites.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Calling every item a business license. The real item may be a Certificate of Occupancy, zoning approval, permit, tax account, DBA, or state license.
- Signing a lease before checking zoning. A space can be costly if your use is not allowed.
- Using the last tenant’s approval. Your activity may be different.
- Putting a contractor’s permit in your own name without understanding the risk. Ask the city who should pull the permit.
- Skipping Dallas County DBA checks. A trade name filing is not the same as forming an LLC and does not protect a brand.
- Skipping sales tax because the business is small or online. Texas rules can still apply.
- Assuming a state license clears the city layer. State licenses do not replace zoning, occupancy, fire, or building review.
Phone and email scripts
Use these short scripts when you contact an agency. Replace the bracketed parts with your details.
City Planning script
Hello. I am planning a [business type] at [address or general area] in Irving. The business would [short activity description]. Is this use allowed in the zoning district, and should I request a zoning verification letter before I sign a lease?
City Inspections script
Hello. I want to occupy [suite/address] for a [business type]. Do I need a Certificate of Occupancy, and should I also check building, fire, health, sign, or temporary use permits?
Dallas County assumed name script
Hello. I am starting a business in Irving under the name [business name]. I am a [sole proprietor/general partnership/LLC/corporation]. Should I file an assumed name with Dallas County, the Texas Secretary of State, or both?
Texas Comptroller script
Hello. My Irving business will [sell products/provide services/lease items/sell online]. Does this activity need a Texas Sales and Use Tax Permit or another Texas tax account?
Save the date, office name, person you spoke with, emails, portal receipts, permit numbers, and inspection results.
A compact compliance checklist
- Write your business activity in plain words.
- List every place you will work: home, commercial suite, mobile unit, event site, warehouse, or online platform.
- Check Irving zoning for the exact address.
- Ask whether a Certificate of Occupancy is required.
- Check building, fire, health, sign, banner, and temporary use permit needs.
- Check whether contractors or trade workers must register or pull permits.
- Check Dallas County assumed-name rules.
- Check Texas sales tax and employer account rules.
- Check state professional or industry licenses.
- Get an EIN from the IRS if your business structure or hiring plans require it.
- Save official records and recheck before opening.
What to do if this does not work
If you cannot get a clear answer, narrow the question. Give the address, business activity, square footage, number of employees, customer visits, food or alcohol details, and whether building work is planned.
- Ask which department owns the next step: Planning, Inspections, Fire, Health, Code Enforcement, or another office.
- Ask for the official form name or portal path.
- Ask whether the answer changes for a home, mobile, online, or commercial business.
- Ask for the answer by email if you need a record.
- If a landlord or vendor gives different advice, ask for the official source.
Important: Do not open, sign a long lease, order permanent signs, or start construction based only on a guess. Confirm with the official agency that controls the rule.
Official resources for Irving businesses
- City of Irving Certificate of Occupancy
- City of Irving fees and forms
- City of Irving online permit instructions
- City of Irving Unified Development Code
- Dallas County Clerk assumed name FAQ
- Dallas County Health and Human Services Environmental Health
- Texas Department of State Health Services retail food establishments
- Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission licenses and permits
- IRS EIN application page
About BusinessLicenseGuide.com
BusinessLicenseGuide.com is a plain-English guide for small-business owners who need help sorting licenses, permits, registrations, tax accounts, and local approvals. We are not a government agency, law firm, CPA firm, or filing service. Our goal is to help you ask better questions and find the right official source faster.
FAQ
Does Irving, Texas require a general business license?
Irving does not appear to use one general city business license for every business. A commercial tenant usually needs a Certificate of Occupancy, and some businesses may also need zoning, building, fire, health, sign, temporary use, or industry permits. Check with Irving Inspections and Planning for your exact address and activity.
What is the main city approval for a storefront or office in Irving?
For most commercial spaces, start with the City of Irving Certificate of Occupancy. Irving’s fees and forms page says a Certificate of Occupancy is required for any commercial space that will be occupied by a tenant. The business activity must match the application and the zoning district.
Can I run a business from home in Irving?
A home business may be allowed if it meets Irving’s Customary Home Occupation rules. The city says the business must not create unusual traffic, use on-site employees, or create a nuisance for neighbors. Confirm with the Planning Department before you rely on a home address.
Do I need a Dallas County DBA?
You may need an assumed name certificate if you use a business name that is not your legal name. Sole proprietors and partnerships usually check with the Dallas County Clerk. Entities such as LLCs and corporations should also check Texas Secretary of State assumed-name rules before filing.
Do I need a Texas sales tax permit for an Irving business?
You may need a Texas Sales and Use Tax Permit if you are engaged in business in Texas and sell, lease, or rent taxable goods, provide taxable services, or owe use tax on taxable items from out-of-state suppliers. Confirm with the Texas Comptroller before your first taxable sale.
What should I check before signing a lease in Irving?
Check zoning, parking, building condition, Certificate of Occupancy requirements, sign rules, health or fire needs, and whether your planned use needs construction permits. Ask the city about your exact address, suite, business activity, hours, and any alcohol, food, vehicle, daycare, or outdoor activity.
Disclaimer
This article is informational only. It is not legal, tax, financial, insurance, employment, safety, zoning, licensing, or professional advice. Rules, fees, forms, links, office procedures, and policies can change. Confirm important details with the official city, county, state, or federal agency, or with a qualified professional. BusinessLicenseGuide.com does not guarantee approval, eligibility, compliance, savings, income, speed, or results.
Updates
Last updated: April 30, 2026
Next review: August 30, 2026
This guide was reviewed for Irving, Dallas County, Texas, and federal business startup sources available on the update date. Recheck official links before filing because forms, fees, portals, and agency procedures can change.