North Carolina doesn’t require you to have a general state business license for your LLC. However, if you’re starting a business in North Carolina you may need more specialized state licenses or permits if you engage in certain types of businesses. You may also need local licenses or permits for your business from your county, city, town, or village and, in some cases, federal licenses and permits as well.
A business license gives you the right to conduct business within a certain location. You may need one or more business licenses to operate your business in North Carolina.Ìý
However, in North Carolina, the state does not have a single business license that all businesses must obtain. Instead, whether you need a business license will depend on your location, occupation, and your business’s nature. Some North Carolina LLCs will need more than one business license, while others won’t need any.Ìý
If you engage in certain industries, for example, broadcasting, you may also need to get a license from the federal government.
In addition to licenses, you may also need permits to operate your business. In North Carolina, you may be required to get environmental permits for your business to show you are in compliance with local zoning regulations. Whether you need any permits and which you may need depends on your location and the type of business you are operating.Ìý
Certain types of businesses, for example, commercial fishing or running a restaurant that sells alcoholic drinks, will also need federal licenses in addition to any required by the state or your local government.Ìý
North Carolina issues almost 950 types of business and occupational licenses and permits. Cities, counties, and towns also may require licenses and/or permits.Ìý
To find out what licenses and permits you need and how to register for them, you can:
If you operate your business without getting the required licenses and permits, you may have to pay fines or fees. Your business could also be suspended or shut down. In some cases, you might be charged with a misdemeanor.
Although North Carolina does not require you to get a state-issued general business license, you may have to get one from your city, town, or village. Check with your municipal clerk or your city’s website for more information on how to obtain a local general business license. You can also call an EDPNC small business advisor for help at (800) 228-8443.
Every county, city, town, or village has its own requirements for licenses and permits. For example, , requires:
Your county’s clerk can help you find out what county licenses or permits you may need. You can find their contact information in the .Ìý
In North Carolina, the Seller’s permit is called the “Certificate of Registration.” You need to submit the Certificate of Registration to receive a Sales and Use Tax Number that you will use when you make tax payments to the state.
You must get a Certificate of Registration from the North Carolina Department of Revenue if your business does any of these:
You can obtain a North Carolina Certificate of Registration online or by mail. When you apply for the certificate, you’ll need to include:
To register online, go to the North Carolina Department of Revenue’s.
To register by mail:
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