Business License Renewal: A Step-by-Step Guide
A business license renewal may seem like a daunting task, but it’s essential to running a business legally. A delay in renewing your permit can result in fines, legal troubles, or even the dissolution of your business.
In this step-by-step guide, you will learn how to renew a business license to ensure your business keeps operating in compliance with all government regulations.
How to Renew a Business License
Below are a few basic steps you can take to renew your business permit and avoid penalties.
Step 1: Review State Requirements
Each US state has its own set of requirements for business license renewal. Below are links to each state’s licensing requirements.
Step 2: Gather All Necessary Information
When applying for renewal, ensure you have all the information you need to guarantee compliance with all applicable laws and regulations. Applications submitted incorrectly or incompletely can result in longer processing times, license lapses, fines, and other consequences.
Step 3: Apply Online
Applying online is the best option as it saves time and hassle. Check to see if your state offers online applications.
Business License Renewal Best Practices
Here are three best practices for business license renewal:
1. Resist the temptation to delay the renewal application process, as it can lead to late penalties, including legal and financial consequences and even the revocation of your license
2. Make sure you are familiar with updated license requirements before you submit an application
3. Avoid depending entirely on issuing authorities to send you reminders, as they are typically overwhelmed and unable to keep track of everything
Legal entity management platform like Filejet can help you automatically renew your permit as well as provide you with automated reminders if you prefer to do it yourself.
State-by-State Business License Renewal
Following is a website link for business license renewal in each U.S. state.
Alaska
Alabama
Visit MyAlabamaTaxes.com. Step-by-step instructions are also available.
Arizona
Arkansas
Arkansas does not issue a state-level business license other than a seller’s permit. Local governments may have their own requirements. A 2023 Forbes article provides additional information on current licensing requirements in the state.
You can also locate your local government office through the Arkansas local government portal.
California
Colorado
Connecticut
Delaware
Washington, D.C.
Florida
Georgia
Hawaii
Idaho
Illinois
Illinois doesn’t issue a state-level business license, although a seller’s permit is likely to be required to sell products in the state. Cities often require licenses of many types. A searchable directory of local governments may be found on the state website. Information on specialty licenses is also available.
Indiana
Iowa
Iowa doesn’t offer a general business license. Instead, you can search for and apply/renew a specifically relevant business license. Specialty license information may also be found on the Iowa Professional Licensing Bureau website.
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maryland
For specialty licenses, also see the Maryland Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing.
Maine
Business licensing in Maine is handled locally. An online directory of local governments is available. Information on professional and other special licenses may also be found online.
Massachusetts
Michigan
Individual Michigan cities may require business licensing and renewal. Businesses can find Detroit license renewal information here.
Minnesota
Mississippi
Missouri
Montana
Nebraska
Nevada
New Hampshire
New Jersey
In addition, professional and other special service licenses can be renewed on the New Jersey Consumer Affairs website.
New Mexico
A 2023 Forbes article provides additional information on current licensing requirements in the state.
New York
North Carolina
North Dakota
Ohio
Oklahoma
Oregon
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
South Carolina
South Dakota
Tennessee
Texas
Utah
Vermont
Virginia
West Virginia
Wisconsin
There is no general business operating license at the state level in Wisconsin. Specialty licenses, tax registrations, and local operating licenses are required, and most businesses will need to complete the Business Tax Registration to obtain and maintain a seller’s permit. The city of Milwaukee has an extensive list of permits and licenses, as do other localities.
Wyoming
A typical business license is not necessary in Wyoming. An annual report may be required, and online filing is available. Some businesses are required to get specific sales tax licenses according to their business operations. A 2023 Forbes article provides current information on these licenses.
