The best magazine
- 1). Use state government resources. Because most business licenses issue from the state government, locate a business license by searching through state government resources. For example, in California, business licenses come from the state's office of the secretary of state; finding a business license in California involves using the search tool on the secretary of state's website or contacting her office for assistance. In Florida, however, the state has a separate department dedicated to licensing and regulation of businesses; finding a business license there involves using search tools and directories managed by that department. Check with your state government web portal or call the state office that manages commerce, licensing or business regulation within your state.
- 2). Search through local government resources. Many cities and towns regulate businesses through licensing or permits; because they manage this process at the local level, you can take advantage of local resources to find a business license. For example, the city of Portland, Oregon, has a web portal that allows you to look up business licenses for all businesses in the city. You may also call Portland's City Hall to find a license, if you prefer not to use the web-based tool.
- 3). Use federal resources. The U.S. federal government has developed a site that helps consumers and business owners navigate the licenses or permits needed to operate a business. Even though you may not need to apply for a license, these same tools on Business.gov will allow you to search for licenses in your state--the site links to every state and local licensing entity, allowing you a simple search.
Source: ...