Business Operation License

• Your business requires a general business operation license to legally open its doors. This license is either obtained through the city government where your business is physically located or through the county government if your business is located outside city limits. You must also obtain a fictitious name or "doing business as" permit through the county or city government. This permit formally registers the name of your business for legal purposes.
  
  

Tax-Related Licenses

• A federal identification number is obtained through the Internal Revenue Service. This number is required for federal tax filing purposes if your business intends to hire employees. A similar identification number is usually required from your state's department of taxation or revenue. You must also obtain a license to collect sales tax from department of permits and licensing in your state. This license is necessary if your business intends to sell goods and services within the state. Your state's departments of commerce, treasury or revenue may also oversee the tax licensing process.
  
  

Business Specific Licenses

• A license or permit specific to the nature of your business may be necessary. For example, a restaurant intending to sell alcoholic beverages may need a state license to both purchase and sell alcoholic beverages within a given state. Your business may also require a federal license to do business if your products are federally regulated. For example, if your business intends to sell firearms you must obtain a license from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives to legally conduct business. Failure to do so is considered a serious criminal offense.
  
  

Health and Safety Permits

• If your business is intended for a high level of human occupancy, such as a bar or night club, you must obtain a certificate of occupancy from a local fire marshal. This permit certifies the number of occupants your establishment can accommodate before the population becomes a direct threat to safety. If your business processes food products or prepares meals for customer consumption, your facilities must pass health and safety inspections from local and state officials. Successful completion of these inspections grants you the necessary license to sell food or drink prepared on the premises.