Licenses & permits, demystified.
Skip the rabbit holes. Founder tells you exactly which licenses your business actually needs based on your industry and state.
Common licenses by industry
Trucking
- • USDOT Number (FMCSA)
- • Motor Carrier (MC) Authority
- • BOC-3 (process agent)
- • IFTA & IRP registration
- • State trucking permit
- • Heavy Vehicle Use Tax (Form 2290)
Restaurant / Food
- • Food service license (county health dept)
- • Food handler / manager certification
- • Liquor license (if applicable)
- • Sales tax permit
- • Sign permit
- • Music licensing (BMI/ASCAP)
Gym / Fitness
- • General business license
- • CPR/AED certification (staff)
- • Music license
- • Health department permit (if pool/sauna)
- • Insurance: GL + professional liability
Online Retail / E-commerce
- • State sales tax permit (every state you nexus in)
- • Resale certificate
- • Home occupation permit (if home-based)
- • DBA if using a brand name
Construction / Contractor
- • State contractor license (varies by trade)
- • Surety bond
- • Workers' comp insurance
- • Building permits per project
Salon / Barber
- • State cosmetology / barber license
- • Salon establishment license
- • Booth rental permit
- • OSHA-compliant ventilation
Don't see your industry? Ask the advisor — it covers 200+ business types and every state.