MO Business License Basics
If you own a business in Missouri you are required to have a license to operate. There are various types of Missouri business licenses and permits that are required by various government entities at federal, state and local levels. An operating license is the basic type of business license that most all businesses will be required to have.
Each level of government has specific regulations and requirements that need to be met before a business can get a license. If you don’t know the licensing rules in Missouri and follow them it could result in expensive fines and putting your business at risk.
Types of Business Licenses in Missouri
Federal Business Licenses – The U.S. government has a number of agencies that regulate and supervise business activities. If your business takes part in any one of these federally regulated activities you will have to get a federal business license.
Activities that will be required to get a federal business license include:
- Alcohol manufacturing, importing and sales
- Agriculture
- Firearm dealing, importing and manufacturing
- Ammunition and Explosives dealing, importing and manufacturing
- Aviation
- Wildlife related activity
- Mining
- Drilling
- Commercial fishing
- TV and radio broadcasting
- Trucking
State Business Licenses – Nearly all Missouri businesses will need to obtain some kind of state business license so as to legally operate. At the very least a business will need to get a professional or occupational license. Missouri business licenses are typically used for tax purposes.
Local Business Licenses – Local Missouri governments and municipalities also grant business licenses. All businesses will be required to get some good type of local business license in order to operate in Missouri.
Permits – Permits are more specific to a certain type of business within an industry. Permits have a wide variety of purposes from parking to product sales.
How to Get a Missouri Business License
The steps you have got to take to obtain a business license in Missouri will vary depending on which kind of business license you need. It doesn't matter what type of license you are hoping to get you will need to fill out application form(s) and supply details about your business.
If you are starting a business or expanding your business you will have numerous forms to fill out. Be prepared to supply your Employer Identification Number (EIN).
The SBA (Small Business Administration) has great online tools for helping business owners decide exactly what type of Missouri business licenses they should get, links to websites, applications and instructions. If you’re just starting a business and need guidance on licensing, the SBA is the best place to find out more.
Maintaining Your Missouri Business License
Once you get your Missouri business licenses and permits you must still maintain them yearly to keep them current. The guidelines below are recommended if you want to ensure your business license is in good standing.
- Make copies of your business licenses and permits.
- Monitor when licenses and permits must be renewed.
- Follow the regulations for displaying your business license.
- If you want to change or expand your business make sure you verify whether you need additional permits or business licenses.