Do I need a business license for my LLC?

Whether you need a business license depends on your industry, location, and business activities — not on your entity type. Most businesses need at least a general business license from their city or county, and many industries require additional state-level professional licenses or permits.

Common license requirements: general business license (most cities, $50-$400/year), sales tax permit (if selling physical goods, usually free), professional license (for regulated industries like healthcare, legal, accounting, real estate), home occupation permit (if operating from home, $0-$100), health department permit (for food businesses), and federal licenses (for alcohol, firearms, broadcasting). The LLC formation itself does not include any business licenses — these must be obtained separately from your local city/county clerk and state licensing board. Check your state's Secretary of State website and your city's business licensing department for specific requirements.