Starting a new business is an exciting venture, but it’s essential to understand the various licenses required to operate legally within North Carolina. Forming an LLC in North Carolina requires licenses, as different industries and locations have specific regulations. This article will provide a comprehensive guide to North Carolina Business Licenses, helping you navigate the process and ensure your new venture complies with all necessary requirements. By understanding the permitting landscape in North Carolina, you can ensure that your business is fully prepared to succeed while avoiding potential legal pitfalls.
Webinarcare Editorial Team will help you easily obtain a business license in North Carolina. You must be guided by all the factors gathered in this article.
On this page, you’ll learn about the following:
What is a Business License in North Carolina?
A business license is a legal authorization, permit, or document that allows a business to operate within a specific jurisdiction, such as a city, county, or state. North Carolina business licenses are issued by North Carolina Secretary of State and ensure businesses comply with applicable laws, regulations, and standards in their respective industries.
A business license protects public health, safety, and welfare by ensuring businesses operate responsibly and lawfully. Acquiring a business license often involves registering the business, paying applicable fees, and meeting specific requirements or qualifications for the type of business.
Business licenses can vary greatly depending on the location and nature of the business. Some common types of business licenses include:
1. General Business License: This is a basic license required for most businesses to operate within a specific jurisdiction, such as a city or county.
2. Professional and Occupational Licenses: These licenses are specific to certain industries or professions, such as healthcare, construction, real estate, or cosmetology, and are typically issued by state licensing boards or agencies.
You must have a professional and occupational license to form North Carolina General Partnership and offer your service.
Here are some examples of Professional and Occupational Licenses:
- Medical License: Physicians, surgeons, and other healthcare professionals must obtain a medical license to practice medicine in a specific state. The North Carolina medical board issues this license after verifying the applicant’s education, training, and examination results.
- Realtor License: To become a realtor in North Carolina, you must obtain a real estate license to buy, sell, or lease properties on behalf of clients. North Carolina has its own real estate commission or board responsible for issuing licenses and regulating the industry.
- Contractor License: General contractors, electricians, plumbers, and other construction professionals must often have a contractor license to work in North Carolina.
- Cosmetology License: Professionals in the beauty industry, such as hairstylists, estheticians, and nail technicians, must obtain a cosmetology license to provide services. North Carolina Boards of Cosmetology oversee licensing and regulations for this industry.
- Certified Public Accountant (CPA) License: Accountants who wish to become a CPA in North Carolina must designate and provide specific services, such as auditing financial statements and obtaining a CPA license from North Carolina’s Board of Accountancy.
- Architect License: Architects must obtain a license to practice architecture in North Carolina. This typically involves meeting education and experience requirements and passing the Architect Registration Examination (ARE).
- Attorney License: North Carolina Business Attorneys must obtain a license to practice law in a particular jurisdiction, typically by passing the state’s bar examination and meeting other requirements set by the North Carolina bar association.
3. Health and Safety Permits: North Carolina businesses involved in food service, hospitality, or other industries directly impacting public health and safety may require specific permits from local health departments or regulatory agencies.
4. Environmental Permits: North Carolina businesses that involve activities that may impact the environment, such as waste disposal, air or water emissions, or hazardous materials handling, may require permits from local, state, or federal environmental agencies.
5. Sales Tax License: North Carolina businesses that sell goods or services may be required to collect sales tax from customers and remit it to the appropriate tax authority. A sales tax license is typically required to collect and remit sales tax legally.
North Carolina business owners must research the specific licensing requirements for their business in their jurisdiction and obtain all necessary licenses and permits to operate legally and avoid potential fines, penalties, or legal troubles.
Requirements For Getting Business Licenses in North Carolina
If you start an LLC or any other type of business, you must wait until your North Carolina business registration is complete. Once you have completed the necessary steps to register your business in North Carolina, you must be prepared with the required documents to apply for business licenses.
- Name of your company
- Phone number and company address
- Employee Identification Number (EIN)
- Your company’s legal structure (Corporation, Partnership, or LLC)
- Your business strategy, which includes revenues and costs
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How to Get a Business License in North Carolina
To get a business license, you must follow the guidelines below, including determining if your North Carolina business requires a license or permit, identifying the appropriate licensing agencies, researching license and permit requirements, completing and submitting license applications, and maintaining license and permit requirements.
Step 1: Determine The Required License or Permit
The first step in obtaining a business license is determining if your business needs one. Some businesses may not require a license or permit, while others may need multiple licenses depending on their industry and location. Some businesses typically require some form of licensing or permit:
- Professional services, such as medical, legal, and accounting
- Food establishments, including restaurants, bars, and catering businesses
- Retail businesses, including stores, shops, and online retailers
- Construction and contracting companies
- Manufacturing and industrial businesses
State Licenses
The licenses that you must get first are the licenses within the state. North Carolina state licenses require individuals or businesses to engage in certain activities or professions legally. The state government issues these licenses and serves as proof that the license holder has met certain qualifications and standards set by the state. The types of licenses vary depending on the profession or activity, including but not limited to healthcare professionals, contractors, real estate agents, and drivers.
State licenses assure the public that the license holder has undergone the necessary training and education to perform their duties safely and competently.
Federal Licenses
Federal licenses in North Carolina are granted by federal agencies and are required for certain activities and industries that fall under federal jurisdiction. These licenses ensure compliance with federal laws and regulations and are necessary for individuals or businesses engaged in the following services.
- Agriculture: License issued by The U.S. Department of Agriculture
- Aviation: License issued by The Federal Aviation Administration
- Alcohol & Tobacco: License issued by The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau
- Ammunition, Explosive, & Firearms: License issued by The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.
- Commercial Fisheries: License issued by The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Fisheries Service
- Mining & Drilling: License issued by The Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement
- Nuclear Energy: License issued by The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission
- Radio & Television (Broadcast): License issued by The Federal Communications Commission
- Transportation by Sea: License issued by The Federal Maritime Commission
- Wildlife & Fisheries: License issued by The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Obtaining a federal license in North Carolina involves meeting specific criteria and adhering to federal laws and regulations, which can vary depending on the activity or industry.
City-Based License
City-based licenses in North Carolina are granted by local municipalities and are required for certain activities or businesses operating within the city limits. These licenses ensure businesses comply with local regulations and ordinances and typically cover business operations, health and safety, zoning, and permits.
City-based licenses vary depending on the location and the nature of the business, but examples may include restaurant licenses, liquor licenses, taxi licenses, and street vendor licenses. Obtaining a city-based license in North Carolina involves submitting an application, paying the necessary fees, and meeting specific requirements set by the local government.
Home-Based License
Home-based licenses in North Carolina are required for individuals or businesses that operate from their residential property. These licenses regulate and permit activities conducted within a residential setting, such as home-based businesses or rental properties. Home-based licenses ensure these activities comply with local regulations, building codes, zoning requirements, and health and safety standards.
The specific requirements for obtaining a home-based license in North Carolina can vary depending on the type of activity and the local municipality but typically involve submitting an application, paying any necessary fees, and meeting specific criteria set by the local government.
Professional License
Professional licenses in North Carolina are mandatory for individuals pursuing specific careers or professions that require specialized knowledge, skills, and expertise. The state government grants these licenses and serves to regulate and ensure the competency and ethical practice of professionals in fields such as law, medicine, engineering, teaching, and accounting.
To obtain a professional license in North Carolina, individuals must meet education, experience, and examination requirements specific to their profession. These licenses assure the public that they receive services from qualified professionals and protect consumers from potential harm or malpractice.
Step 2: Identify the North Carolina Licensing Agencies
Once you’ve determined that your business requires a license or permit, you must identify the appropriate North Carolina agencies responsible for issuing these documents. In North Carolina, numerous agencies oversee licensing and permitting, including:
- North Carolina Secretary of State: This office is responsible for issuing licenses for many professional services, including legal, medical, and accounting.
- North Carolina Department of Health: Food establishments, healthcare providers, and other businesses related to health and safety may require licenses from this department.
- North Carolina Department of Revenue: If your business sells goods, you may need a sales tax license or permit from this department.
- North Carolina Department of Labor: Businesses that involve construction or contracting may need licenses from this department.
- Local City or County Governments: Depending on your business’s location, you may also need to obtain licenses or permits from your local government.
Step 3: Research License and Permit Requirements
After identifying the appropriate agencies, research the specific requirements for each license or permit your business needs. This may involve reviewing the North Carolina agency’s website, contacting their office directly, or consulting a legal or business professional. Some common requirements for obtaining a business license or permit include:
- Completing an application form
- Providing proof of insurance or bonding
- Passing background checks or inspections
- Paying application fees
Some licenses or permits may have ongoing requirements, such as annual renewals, inspections, or reporting.
Step 4: Complete and Submit License Applications
Once you’ve gathered all the necessary information and documents, complete the application forms for each required license or permit. Be sure to carefully follow the instructions provided by each North Carolina agency, as incomplete or incorrect applications can lead to delays or denials.
In addition to the application forms, you may also need to submit supporting documentation, such as:
Proof of Business Registration
You can find it on the North Carolina Secretary of State’s website. There should be a search feature specifically for businesses. This will often be labeled “North Carolina Secretary of State Business Registration Search“. In the search feature, enter the name of the business you are looking for, and once it appears, you will now have proof of your business registration.
Employer Identification Number (EIN)
Aside from opening a bank account, you must have an Employer Identification Number in North Carolina to file and submit for a business license. An EIN, also known as a Federal Tax Identification Number, is used by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to identify your business for tax purposes. You’ll need an EIN to open a business bank account, file taxes, and hire employees.
The application of an EIN in North Carolina can be through the following:
- Apply Online- The online EIN application is the preferred method for customers to apply for and obtain an EIN.
- Apply by Fax- Taxpayers can fax the completed Form SS-4 application to the appropriate fax number), after ensuring that the Form SS-4 contains all of the required information.
- Apply by Mail- The EIN application Form SS-4 can be filed via mail. The processing time frame to receive the mail is four weeks.
- Apply by Telephone-International Applicants – International applicants may call 267-941-1099 (not a toll-free number) from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. (Eastern Time) Monday through Friday to obtain their EIN.
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Proof of Insurance, Bonding, or Worker’s Compensation Coverage
To have a business license, you need proof of insurance, bonding, or worker’s compensation. You need to obtain a certificate or policy document as additional documents for your proof of insurance. Also, there is a database of businesses with worker’s compensation coverage or require businesses to register their insurance or bonding information. Visit your North Carolina Department of Labor, Department of Insurance, or another relevant agency website for information about the business’s coverage.
Professional Certifications or Licenses
As I have mentioned, if you will form a general partnership and offer your service, you must have professional certifications or licenses.
Submit your completed applications and the North Carolina business license fee, which ranges from $50 – $300. The processing times for license and permit applications can vary, so plan accordingly and allow ample time for approval.
Step 5: Maintain License and Permit Compliance
Once you’ve obtained the necessary licenses and permits for your North Carolina business, it’s essential to maintain compliance with all requirements. This may include:
- Keep your North Carolina licenses and permits current by renewing them on time, typically annually.
- Reporting any changes to your business, such as a changing North Carolina LLC address. You may amend your North Carolina Articles of Organization if you change anything in your North Carolina business.
- Maintaining proper insurance, bonding, or worker’s compensation coverage.
- Complying with any inspection, reporting, or record-keeping requirements.
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Additional Considerations
In addition to the steps outlined above, there are a few additional considerations to keep in mind when navigating the North Carolina business licensing process:
- Licenses and permits are often industry-specific, so research your business type’s requirements.
- Some businesses may need licenses or permits from multiple agencies at the state and local levels. Be sure to research and comply with all necessary requirements to avoid complications.
- If your business operates in multiple locations or across state lines, you may need to obtain licenses or permits for each jurisdiction in which you operate. You can form North Carolina Foreign LLC.
- Stay informed about licensing and permitting requirements changes, as regulations can change over time.
FAQs
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Conclusion
Obtaining the necessary licenses and permits is crucial in starting a new business in North Carolina. Following the steps outlined in this guide and consulting with the appropriate agencies or professionals, you can ensure that your business complies with all state and local requirements. This will protect your business from legal issues and help establish your reputation as a responsible and trustworthy business operator.