OR Business License Basics
If you have a business in Oregon you'll need a license to operate. There are many different types of Oregon 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 know the licensing rules in Oregon and follow them it could result in expensive fines and putting your business in jeopardy.
Types of Business Licenses in Oregon
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'll 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 Oregon businesses must obtain some kind of state business license to be able to legally operate. At the minimum a business will have to get a professional or occupational license. Oregon business licenses are typically used for tax purposes.
Local Business Licenses – Local Oregon 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 Oregon.
Permits – Permits are more specific to a certain kind of business within an industry. Permits have a wide selection of purposes from parking to product sales.
How to Get a Oregon Business License
The steps you have got to take to obtain a business license in Oregon will vary depending on which kind of business license you have to get. No matter what type of license you are attempting 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 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 figure out exactly what type of Oregon 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 perfect place to find out more.
Maintaining Your Oregon Business License
Once you get your Oregon business licenses and permits you must still maintain them yearly to keep them current. The guidelines below are recommended if you wish to ensure your business license is in good standing.
- Make copies of your business licenses and permits.
- Keep track of when licenses and permits need to be renewed.
- Follow the regulations for displaying your business license.
- If you would like to change or expand your business make sure to verify whether you need additional permits or business licenses.