Business license lookup.
Pick your state + industry to see which federal, state, county, and city licenses you may need. Results are guidance, not legal advice; confirm with applicable agencies.
Three things that make Business license lookup useful in the real world.
Not a calculator that ships you to a paywall after the result.
Pick state + city + industry
We surface the federal, state, county, and city licenses that actually apply to you.
Renewal dates auto-tracked
License renewal cycles drop into your compliance calendar alongside corporate deadlines.
Apply through partner network
Hand off the application to a partner that handles your state, or DIY with our guide.
Licenses are stacked.
Federal
Required for specific industries: alcohol (TTB), broadcasting (FCC), aviation (FAA), transportation (FMCSA), agriculture (USDA). Most businesses do NOT need federal licenses. File.Business does not service firearms (ATF FFL) per AUP.
State
Sales tax permit (if selling taxable goods). Professional licenses (lawyers, doctors, accountants). Industry-specific (food, daycare, contractor). Each handled by relevant state agency.
County
Many counties require a general business license ($25-$300/year). Health permits for food service. Environmental permits if applicable.
City
Most cities require business tax certificate ($50-$500). Zoning permit if operating from non-home address. Signage permit. Home occupation permit for home-based businesses.
Need help with licenses?
We map federal/state/county/city requirements for your specific business and file each one. $99 per license. Ongoing renewals tracked.
On the $129/yr Compliance Annual Filings plan, we cover state late fees.
When you autofile your annual report through the $129/yr plan and we miss the deadline, we pay the state's late fee. The guarantee applies to that specific plan and the filings it includes. Other File.Business services are billed at the prices on this page.