Business Licenses in Aloha

Aloha, OR Business License Basics


If you have a business in Aloha, OR then you need a license to operate. There are many different types of Aloha 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 has 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 lead to expensive fines and putting your business in jeopardy.

Types of Business Licenses in Aloha, OR

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 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 activities
  • Mining
  • Drilling
  • Commercial fishing
  • TV and radio broadcasting
  • Trucking

State Business Licenses – Nearly all Aloha businesses must obtain some kind of state business license in order to legally operate. At the minimum a business should get a professional or occupational license. Oregon business licenses are typically used for tax purposes.

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

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 Aloha Business License

The steps you will need to take to obtain a business license in Aloha will vary depending on what sort of business license you have to get.  Regardless of what type of license you are hoping 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 Aloha 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 learn more.

Maintaining Your Aloha Business Licenses

Once you get your Aloha 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 want 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 would like to change or expand your business make sure you verify whether you need additional permits or business licenses.