NC Business License Basics
If you own a business in North Carolina you are required to have a license to operate. There are many different types of North Carolina 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 must be met before a business can get a license. If you don’t understand the licensing rules in North Carolina and follow them it could result in expensive fines and putting your business in jeopardy.
Types of Business Licenses in North Carolina
Federal Business Licenses – The U.S. government has a number of agencies that regulate and supervise business activities. If your business takes part in one of these federally regulated activities you will need 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 activities
- Mining
- Drilling
- Commercial fishing
- TV and radio broadcasting
- Trucking
State Business Licenses – Nearly all North Carolina businesses will need to obtain some type of state business license in order to legally operate. At the minimum a business should get a professional or occupational license. North Carolina business licenses are typically used for tax purposes.
Local Business Licenses – Local North Carolina governments and municipalities also grant business licenses. All businesses will be required to get some good sort of local business license in order to operate in North Carolina.
Permits – Permits are more specific to a certain type of business within an industry. Permits have a wide selection of purposes from parking to product sales.
How to Get a North Carolina Business License
The steps you will need to take to obtain a business license in North Carolina will vary depending on which type 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'll 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 figure out exactly what type of North Carolina business licenses they need to get, links to websites, applications and instructions. If you’re just starting a business and need help with licensing, the SBA is the best place to find out more.
Maintaining Your North Carolina Business License
Once you get your North Carolina business licenses and permits you must still maintain them yearly to keep them current. The guidelines below are recommended in order to ensure your business license is in good standing.
- Make copies of your business licenses and permits.
- Monitor when licenses and permits need to be renewed.
- Follow the regulations for displaying your business license.
- If you intend to change or expand your business be sure to verify whether you need additional permits or business licenses.