Connecticut Business License
You can obtain a Connecticut business license online or in person.
We provide the information and resources you'll need to get federal, state, and local licenses and permits for your small business, including the seller’s permit.
Recommended: Visit our How to Start a Business guide for more help with planning, starting, and maintaining your business.
Connecticut Business License:
Hire a Professional Service
For a small fee, you can hire someone else to research and file for licenses that your business might need.
How to Get a Business License in CT
You can get a business license online or in person by applying with the correct licensing or regulatory agency for your business.
Business licensing requirements generally depend on your business’s activity and location (zoning requirements).
There are three main licensing jurisdictions:
- State
- Local
- Federal
State of Connecticut Business Licensing
The main state-level permit or license in Connecticut is the sales and use tax permit, also sometimes called a seller’s permit.
You must obtain a sales and use tax permit if you:
- Sell, rent, or lease goods
- Sell a taxable service
- Operate a hotel, motel, or lodging house
Visit Connecticut's Taxpayer Service Center website or a local state government field office to obtain a sales and use tax permit.
Certain professions require additional state licensing. Check with the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection for more information to see if your business needs another license or permit.
Local Connecticut Business Licensing
In Connecticut, you may need other licenses or permits from your local government depending on your business activity or location.
For example, a pawnbroker in the City of New Haven must obtain a local-level broker license in order to do business.
Contact your local Connecticut city or town clerk’s office for more information.
Steps for Obtaining a Business License in Connecticut
Sales and Use Tax Permit
You can register for a Connecticut sales and use tax permit online with the Connecticut Taxpayer Service Center website or in person at one of the state government’s field offices.
Apply Online or in Person With the Connecticut Department of Revenue Services
Fee: $100
Office Addresses:
Main Office
450 Columbus Blvd.
Hartford, CT 06103
Bridgeport Office
10 Middle St.
Bridgeport, CT 06604
Norwich Office
401 W. Thames St., Building #700
Norwich, CT 06360
Waterbury Office
55 W. Main St., Suite 100
Waterbury, CT 06702
Fax: (907) 465-2974
Other Connecticut Business Licenses
The processes and fees to acquire other Connecticut licenses that your business may need vary. The Department of Consumer Protection provides general information as well as links to information about specific professions that require licenses.
Contact the Department of Consumer Protection and your local government office for more information.
Renewal
The Connecticut Sales and Use Tax Permit expires every two years and is automatically renewed and mailed to you at no cost as long as your account is active. Be sure to keep your business’s address up to date.
Check with the relevant government office for information about renewing any other licenses your business has.
Federal Business Licenses and Permits
You can get a business license by applying with the correct licensing and regulatory agency for your business. Business licensing requirements depend on your business’s activity and location (zoning requirements).
If your business conducts activities that are regulated by the federal government, you will need to apply for the appropriate business license or permit.
Choose a business activity below to learn how to apply:
Agriculture
Alcoholic beverages
Aviation
Firearms, ammunition, and explosives
Fish and wildlife
Commercial fisheries
Maritime transportation
Mining and drilling
Nuclear energy
Radio and television broadcasting
Transportation and logistics
Recommended: Consider having a professional service help you research and apply for business licenses and permits.
CT Business License FAQ
What is a business license?
A business license is a permit issued to businesses by a government office that allows the business to operate in a particular area. They can be issued by federal, state, or local governments. There are typically different licensing requirements for different businesses and different locations.
What are the types of business licenses?
There are many types of business licenses. These include licenses at the local, state, and federal levels, licenses related to sales tax and other taxes, and specific licenses for various professions. There are also environmental licenses, zoning permits, and more.
Is there a national business license?
Most businesses don’t need a federal business license, but some industries, including broadcasting, investment advising, and drug manufacturing, do have federal regulations and licenses.
Is an EIN the same as a business license?
No. An employer identification number (EIN) is issued by the IRS to identify and keep track of businesses, but it does not license them to operate.
Is an LLC considered a business license?
No. An LLC is a type of business structure. While you are required to register as an LLC, it is not a business license.
Who needs a business license in Connecticut?
Any business that sells taxable goods or services needs a Connecticut Sales and Use Tax Permit. Businesses in certain professions or locations may also need separate licenses.
What licenses do I need to open a business in Connecticut?
Most businesses will need a sales and use tax permit, or seller’s permit. There are additional licensing requirements for businesses in certain professions or locations.
What is a seller’s permit?
A seller’s permit is the common name for a license or permit that allows you to sell products or services. This is called a sales and use tax permit in Connecticut.
How much does a Connecticut business license cost?
There is a $100 registration fee for a Connecticut sales and use tax permit. Costs for other Connecticut licenses vary.
How do I get a Connecticut business license?
You can register for a Connecticut sales and use tax permit online or in person at one of the state government’s field offices. The processes for obtaining other licenses vary.
Do I have to renew my Connecticut business license?
The Connecticut Sales and Use Tax Permit expires every two years and is automatically renewed and mailed to you at no cost as long as your account is active. Renewal requirements for other licenses vary.