The federal government handles your EIN and federal taxes. Almost everything else about getting legal to operate happens at the state and local level, and the rules differ a lot from one state to the next. Below is what to check, then the official links for every state.
1.Register the business
Sole proprietors can often start under their own name, but an LLC or corporation is formed with the state, usually through the Secretary of State. Using a name other than your own may also mean filing a trade name (DBA) with the state or county.
2.State and local licenses and permits
Some states have a general business license; many do not. Your city or county may still require one, plus zoning approval if you work from home. Check both levels.
3.Sales tax registration
If you sell taxable goods or services, you usually need a seller's permit from the state tax agency before your first sale. A few states have no statewide sales tax, though local rules can still apply.
4.Industry-specific licenses
Food, alcohol, childcare, construction trades, cosmetology, health care, real estate and many other fields need a professional or occupational license. These come from state boards, not the general business office.
How federal, state and local registration fit together
Federal licenses, plus how to find state and local ones
Free federal tax ID number, applied for directly with the IRS
Official state filing office or business portal
State licensing guidance
State programs, guides and contacts
Free one-on-one advising
Official state filing office or business portal
State licensing guidance
State programs, guides and contacts
Free one-on-one advising
Official state filing office or business portal
State licensing guidance
State programs, guides and contacts
Free one-on-one advising
Official state filing office or business portal
State programs, guides and contacts
Free one-on-one advising
Official state filing office or business portal
State licensing guidance
State programs, guides and contacts
Free one-on-one advising
Official state filing office or business portal
State licensing guidance
State programs, guides and contacts
Free one-on-one advising
Official state filing office or business portal
State licensing guidance
State programs, guides and contacts
Free one-on-one advising
Official state filing office or business portal
State licensing guidance
State programs, guides and contacts
Free one-on-one advising
Official state filing office or business portal
State licensing guidance
State programs, guides and contacts
Free one-on-one advising
Official state filing office or business portal
State licensing guidance
State programs, guides and contacts
Free one-on-one advising
Official state filing office or business portal
State licensing guidance
State programs, guides and contacts
Free one-on-one advising
Official state filing office or business portal
State licensing guidance
State programs, guides and contacts
Free one-on-one advising
Official state filing office or business portal
State licensing guidance
State programs, guides and contacts
Free one-on-one advising
Official state filing office or business portal
State licensing guidance
State programs, guides and contacts
Free one-on-one advising
Official state filing office or business portal
State licensing guidance
State programs, guides and contacts
Free one-on-one advising
Official state filing office or business portal
State licensing guidance
State programs, guides and contacts
Free one-on-one advising
Official state filing office or business portal
State licensing guidance
State programs, guides and contacts
Free one-on-one advising
Official state filing office or business portal
State licensing guidance
State programs, guides and contacts
Free one-on-one advising
Official state filing office or business portal
State licensing guidance
State programs, guides and contacts
Free one-on-one advising
Official state filing office or business portal
State licensing guidance
State programs, guides and contacts
Free one-on-one advising
Official state filing office or business portal
State programs, guides and contacts
Free one-on-one advising
Official state filing office or business portal
State licensing guidance
State programs, guides and contacts
Free one-on-one advising
Official state filing office or business portal
State licensing guidance
State programs, guides and contacts
Free one-on-one advising
Official state filing office or business portal
State programs, guides and contacts
Free one-on-one advising
Official state filing office or business portal
State licensing guidance
State programs, guides and contacts
Free one-on-one advising
Official state filing office or business portal
State licensing guidance
State programs, guides and contacts
Free one-on-one advising
Official state filing office or business portal
State programs, guides and contacts
Free one-on-one advising
Official state filing office or business portal
State programs, guides and contacts
Free one-on-one advising
Official state filing office or business portal
State licensing guidance
State programs, guides and contacts
Free one-on-one advising
Official state filing office or business portal
State licensing guidance
State programs, guides and contacts
Free one-on-one advising
Official state filing office or business portal
State licensing guidance
State programs, guides and contacts
Free one-on-one advising
Official state filing office or business portal
State licensing guidance
State programs, guides and contacts
Free one-on-one advising
Official state filing office or business portal
State licensing guidance
State programs, guides and contacts
Free one-on-one advising
Official state filing office or business portal
State programs, guides and contacts
Free one-on-one advising
Official state filing office or business portal
State licensing guidance
State programs, guides and contacts
Free one-on-one advising
Official state filing office or business portal
State licensing guidance
State programs, guides and contacts
Free one-on-one advising
Official state filing office or business portal
State licensing guidance
State programs, guides and contacts
Free one-on-one advising
Official state filing office or business portal
State licensing guidance
State programs, guides and contacts
Free one-on-one advising
Official state filing office or business portal
State programs, guides and contacts
Free one-on-one advising
Official state filing office or business portal
State licensing guidance
State programs, guides and contacts
Free one-on-one advising
Official state filing office or business portal
State programs, guides and contacts
Free one-on-one advising
Official state filing office or business portal
State licensing guidance
State programs, guides and contacts
Free one-on-one advising
Official state filing office or business portal
State licensing guidance
State programs, guides and contacts
Free one-on-one advising
Official state filing office or business portal
State licensing guidance
State programs, guides and contacts
Free one-on-one advising
Official state filing office or business portal
State licensing guidance
State programs, guides and contacts
Free one-on-one advising
Official state filing office or business portal
State licensing guidance
State programs, guides and contacts
Free one-on-one advising
Official state filing office or business portal
State licensing guidance
State programs, guides and contacts
Free one-on-one advising
Official state filing office or business portal
State licensing guidance
State programs, guides and contacts
Free one-on-one advising
Official state filing office or business portal
State licensing guidance
State programs, guides and contacts
Free one-on-one advising
Official state filing office or business portal
State programs, guides and contacts
Free one-on-one advising
This is not legal advice. These links point to official government sources, but rules change and they vary by city, county and industry. Confirm the requirements for your exact business with the agency involved, or talk to a lawyer or accountant.
Links last checked October 9, 2026.