Business Licenses in Londonderry

Londonderry, NH Business License Basics


If you have a business in Londonderry, NH then you need a license to operate. There are many different types of Londonderry 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 New Hampshire and follow them it could result in expensive fines and putting your business at risk.

Types of Business Licenses in Londonderry, NH

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 of these federally regulated activities you will need 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 – The majority of Londonderry businesses will have 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. New Hampshire business licenses are typically used for tax purposes.

Local Business Licenses – Local Londonderry governments and municipalities also grant business licenses. All businesses will be required to acquire some type of local business license in order to operate in Londonderry.   

Permits – Permits are more specific to a certain kind of business within an industry. Permits have a wide array of purposes from parking to product sales.

How to Get Londonderry Business License

The steps you will need to take to obtain a business license in Londonderry will vary depending on which kind of business license you need.  It doesn't matter what type of license you are trying 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 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 Londonderry 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 perfect place to find out more.

Maintaining Your Londonderry Business Licenses

Once you get your Londonderry business licenses and permits you must still maintain them year after year to keep them up to date. 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 must be renewed.
  • Follow the regulations for displaying your business license.
  • If you intend to change or expand your business make sure you verify whether you need additional permits or business licenses.