OK Business License Basics
If you have a business in Oklahoma you'll need a license to operate. There are various types of Oklahoma 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 expected 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 understand the licensing rules in Oklahoma and follow them it could lead to expensive fines and putting your business in jeopardy.
Types of Business Licenses in Oklahoma
Federal Business Licenses – The federal 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 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 activity
- Mining
- Drilling
- Commercial fishing
- TV and radio broadcasting
- Trucking
State Business Licenses – Many Oklahoma businesses will need to obtain some kind of state business license to be able to legally operate. At the very least a business will need to get a professional or occupational license. Oklahoma business licenses are typically used for tax purposes.
Local Business Licenses – Local Oklahoma governments and municipalities also grant business licenses. All businesses will be required to get some good type of local business license to be able to operate in Oklahoma.
Permits – Permits are more specific to a certain kind of business within an industry. Permits have a wide variety of purposes from parking to product sales.
How to Get a Oklahoma Business License
The steps you will need to take to obtain a business license in Oklahoma will vary depending on which kind of business license you need. Regardless of what type of license you are trying to get you will have to fill out application form(s) and supply detailed information about your business.
If you are starting a business or expanding your business you'll have numerous forms to fill out. Be ready 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 Oklahoma business licenses they need to 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 get more info.
Maintaining Your Oklahoma Business License
Once you get your Oklahoma 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 have 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.