Simple steps to get your business license in North Carolina

North Carolina does not require all businesses to obtain a single general license. Many types of enterprises, however, need to obtain specific licenses in order to operate in the state. Whether your company requires a license is determined by the products and services you provide. In addition, the state of North Carolina has various occupational licensing boards that supervise certain occupations that require a license in order to practice in the state. Occupational licensing requirements vary by occupation, but they typically require the applicant to complete certain educational or examination criteria. Even if your business does not require any state licenses, many cities and local municipalities have their own licensing requirements that must be met.

Is it necessary for me to register my company?

Certain business entities, such as corporations, limited liability companies, and limited liability partnerships, must also register with the North Carolina Department of State in order to operate in the state. While sole proprietorships and partnerships are exempt from state registration, businesses that do not operate under an individual's legal name and instead use a trade name must register with the county where they are located.

What are the local licensing requirements?

While the particular requirements vary by location, most cities need all enterprises to obtain a municipal Privilege License in order to operate. Certain firms and individuals must also obtain additional city licenses in order to operate in specific places. Massage therapists, for example, must be licensed by the state, but the city of Raleigh additionally requires them to be particularly licensed by the city, and if they are running a massage company, they must also get a special permit in addition to the municipal Privilege License. In order to lawfully conduct business in a city, some jurisdictions require enterprises operating out of a home office to get a home occupation permit.

What information do I need to include in my application for a business license?

The information you must supply will vary depending on the type of license you are seeking for, but you must generally provide:

• Business start date
• Name of the company, address, and phone number
• Type of business (corporation, LLC, LLP, general partnership, sole proprietor)
• Your business goal

Applicant's name and contact information.

You will almost always be required to show documentation that you have met all other state and city business requirements, such as registration and zoning permits.

Obtaining a business license can provide your company with numerous advantages, both now and in the future. A company license, for example, can:

• in the perspective of your clients, make you appear trustworthy and authoritative;
• help separate your corporate taxes from your personal taxes;
• allows you to apply for business loans, grants, and other types of financial assistance;
• assist you in establishing new locations;

if you're leasing an office, a retail store, or another company site, satisfy your landlord.

If you're just starting your business, it's a good idea to see if you need to get a license or certification. In the next part, we'll show you how to do that.

How to obtain a North Carolina business license?

Go to the official website of the state of North Carolina.

The good news is that most businesses may apply for a business license in North Carolina entirely online. To begin, go to NC.gov and look for the page titled "Starting a Business in North Carolina."

Click the Licensing section after scrolling down the page.

Look through the NCBOLD industry lists to find the license you need

You may need a different license than a business owner in another industry. North Carolina doesn't have a one-size-fits-all type of business license. In addition, certain businesses in North Carolina are required to apply for environmental permits or obey zoning regulations. These limitations are based on your business type and location, so it's critical to understand what's expected of a business in your field.

Get to the North Carolina Licensing page, click on the NCBOLD link. You'll notice a long list of different business types, so type your industry's keyword into the search bar to get straight to your results.

Follow instructions on your license application

Each industry has its own license requirements, fees, and application process, so be sure to read the instructions carefully.

Call Business Link NC

Call Business Link NC at 1-800-228-8443 if you're having trouble finding your business license type or have any other questions regarding the application process.

Costs of a business license in North Carolina

The cost of a business license varies depending on your sector and location. Navigate to your specific industry on NCBOLD's website to find out how much your NC state business license will cost. There should be a clear summary of how much your license will cost. These costs may change, however we identified license costs in North Carolina for the following business types:

• Landscape Contractor: $75 application fee; $60 new licensing fee
• $20 for the application and $20 for a new license for an esthetician.
• $100 for the application; $130 for a new license for a plumbing contractor (Class I).

As you can see, getting a business license does not have to cost thousands of dollars, which is great news if you're starting a business in North Carolina on a budget!

North Carolina Business Licenses and Insurance

Before applying for a company license, you may be asked to show proof of business insurance, depending on your industry.

The reason for this is because some industries (particularly those that entail work with clients or client properties) might be risky. Business insurance proves that you're safeguarding your company against financial claims that may come as a result of those risks (for example, if an employee damages a client's property by accident).

Furthermore, if you have employees, you may be required to have a workers compensation policy before applying for a state business license in North Carolina. Getting your business license should not be impeded by the lack of insurance.