Idaho Business License: Who Needs One & How to Apply (2025)

What Is a Business License in Idaho?

A business license is a permit issued by a local, state, or federal body in order to allow businesses to perform a specific business activity and/or operate legitimately.

So, if there isn’t a “general business license” in Idaho, what exactly is there?

Well, Idaho — like the vast majority of states — imposes different requirements depending on where you’re located and what you actually do.

For example:

• A restaurant in Boise will need a food establishment permit from Central District Health, and an alcohol beverage license from the City of Boise Clerk’s Office if serving alcohol.
• An accounting firm in Meridian will need a CPA license from the Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses and register the business entity with the Idaho Secretary of State.
• A retail clothing store in Nampa will need a Seller’s Permit from the Idaho State Tax Commission to collect and remit sales tax, register the business with the Idaho Secretary of State, and obtain any necessary building permits from Nampa’s Building Department for store renovations. 
• An outdoor adventure guide company in Idaho Falls will need an Outfitter License ($400) and Guide Licenses ($105 each) from the Idaho Outfitters and Guides Licensing Board.

Do I Need an Idaho Business License?

Well, the answer to this will ultimately depend on your business’s situation. You can have a look at our table below in order to get a general idea:

Idaho Business Licensing at a Glance

Jurisdiction	Business Licenses	Who Needs It & Where to Apply
Local	Health Permits, Zoning Permits, Occupancy Certificates, Industry-Specific Permits, etc.	Varies by location Contact your local county office to determine local requirements.
State	Seller’s Permit	Businesses selling goods or services or conducting business activities in Idaho. Apply via Idaho State Tax Commission.
	Professional Licenses	Required for regulated professions (e.g., healthcare, contractors, real estate, etc.) Apply via the Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses (DOPL).
	Industry-Specific State Licenses	Businesses in regulated industries (e.g., food establishments, liquor, childcare, environmental permits). Apply through the relevant Idaho agency.
Federal	Industry-Specific Licenses	Businesses involved in federally regulated activities such as agriculture, aviation, firearms, alcohol, broadcasting, or wildlife. Apply through the relevant federal agency (e.g., USDA, FAA, ATF, FCC, FWS)

*While this table is meant to give you a general idea, it’s by no means exhaustive. For all your licensing needs, we suggest either going with a professional licensing service or consulting with a business attorney.

How to Get a Business License in Idaho

The process of obtaining a business license in Idaho will depend on the permit in question, but generally involves completing the following steps:

1. Form a Business Structure & Obtain an EIN

We recommend formalizing your business before acquiring a business license in order to avoid potentially having to repeat this process again later down the line. 

This also gives other benefits depending on the business model, such as:

• Personal liability protection
• Improved legitimacy 

Note: You should obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN) after forming your LLC. You can have a look at our How to Get an EIN overview for more information. 

2. Apply for the Right Business License in Idaho

This step will depend on the business license in question.

Idaho Local Business Licenses

Many Idaho cities and counties require local business licenses or permits to be obtained. This can be in addition to the common state-wide licenses talked about above.

Here are some common local permits you may need:

• Industry Permits: This includes health permits required for restaurants, food trucks, and businesses handling food products. Food establishment permits are regulated by Idaho’s seven health districts rather than individual cities. (e.g., if your restaurant is located in Boise, you would need a food establishment permit from Central District Health). 
• General Business License: Some Idaho cities require a general business license for all businesses operating within city limits, regardless of type. (e.g., the City of Eagle requires all businesses to obtain a $25 annual business license from the Eagle City Clerk’s Office).
• Zoning Permits: You may need this to ensure that your business’s location is zoned appropriately and complies with local laws. (e.g.,if you were based in Boise, you would check zoning compliance with the City of Boise Planning and Development Services).
• Sign Permits: These can be required before installing business signage. (e.g., if you were based in Boise, you would need to obtain a sign permit from Boise’s Planning and Development Services).
• Building Permits: Required for construction, renovation, or structural changes to business facilities. This includes new construction, additions, and major renovations. (e.g., if your business is constructing a new building in Boise, you would need building permits from Boise’s Building Division).
• Home-Based Business Permits: Many Idaho cities and counties require home occupation permits for businesses operating from residential properties. These permits ensure the business use is compatible with the residential neighborhood and doesn’t create traffic, parking, or other issues. (e.g., Idaho Falls offers a free home occupation permit through their Planning Division.)

To find your local county or city’s official contact information and licensing requirements, you can visit the Idaho Association of Counties or the Association of Idaho Cities.

Idaho State Business Licenses

Below we’ve included the most common business licenses that are required on a state level. 

Idaho Sales Tax Permit 

You can register for an Idaho sales tax permit online through the state’s Business Registration System or by mail.

Apply for an Idaho Sales Tax Permit

Apply Online With the Idaho Business Registration System

Apply Online

– OR –

Apply by Mail

Download Form

Fee: $0

Mailing Address:
Idaho Business Registration
P.O. Box 36
Boise, ID 83722-0410

Idaho Professional Licenses

If you’re interested in a professional license, you’ll need to head over to the relevant state commission, as this is not handled on a local level. We’ve provided the licensing boards of a few of the most common professions below to get you started:

• Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses (DOPL): This is Idaho’s main professional licensing agency that oversees the majority of professional licenses in the state. DOPL handles licensing for healthcare professionals, construction trades, business services, and occupational licenses. They provide online services for applications and renewals.
• Idaho Real Estate Commission: Regulates real estate agents, brokers, property managers, and appraisers. All real estate professionals must be licensed through this commission to practice in Idaho.
• Idaho Contractors Board: Oversees licensing for construction contractors, including general contractors, specialty contractors, and public works contractors. This board ensures contractors meet competency and financial responsibility requirements.
• Idaho State Board of Medicine: Licenses physicians, physician assistants, and other medical professionals. The board also handles disciplinary actions and maintains professional standards for medical practice.
• Idaho Board of Nursing: Regulates registered nurses, advanced practice registered nurses, and nursing education programs. This board ensures nurses meet competency standards and maintain continuing education requirements.
• Idaho Board of Accountancy: Licenses Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) and regulates public accounting firms. The board requires passing the CPA exam, meeting education requirements, and completing supervised experience.
• Idaho State Bar: Handles the licensing and regulation of attorneys practicing law in Idaho. All lawyers must be members of the Idaho State Bar and meet continuing legal education requirements.

For more information on how to go about getting licensed, you can have a look at StateRequirement’s in-depth licensing guides. 

Industry-Specific State Licenses

Some Idaho businesses require additional licenses based on the specific industry they operate in.

Here are some common examples of industry-specific state licenses in Idaho:

• Liquor License: Required for businesses that manufacture, distribute, or sell alcoholic beverages. Beer and wine licenses are regulated by the Idaho State Police Alcohol Beverage Control Division, while distilled spirits require licensing from the Idaho State Liquor Division.
• Motor Vehicle Dealer License: Required for businesses selling five or more vehicles per year. Regulated by the Idaho Transportation Department. Licenses are available for retail dealers, wholesale dealers, and specific vehicle types (motorcycles, ATVs, etc.).
• Child Care License: Required for facilities caring for seven or more children for compensation. Regulated by the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare. Requires background checks, health and safety training, and facility inspections.
• Outfitter and Guide License: Required for businesses providing guided outdoor recreation services including hunting, fishing, river rafting, and wilderness activities. Regulated by the Idaho Outfitters and Guides Licensing Board.
• Food Processing License: Required for businesses that manufacture, process, or package food products beyond basic cottage food operations. Regulated by the Idaho Department of Agriculture. Includes licenses for food processors, canneries, meat processors, and dairy processors with varying requirements based on the type of food processing operation.
• Cannabis License: Required for businesses involved in the cultivation, processing, or sale of hemp and CBD products (recreational marijuana remains illegal in Idaho). Regulated by the Idaho Department of Agriculture for industrial hemp licensing. 

Idaho Environmental Permits

If your business’s industry will mean that it could negatively impact the environment, there’s a good chance you’ll need some sort of license or permit from the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality. 

Examples of industries regulated here include:

• Hazardous waste 
• Cyanidation 
• Landfills 
• Building construction or modification 
• Automotive coating 
• Cabinet making 
• Concrete batching 
• Storm water 
• Wastewater 

Federal Business Licenses for Idaho LLCs

If your business is in a federally regulated industry (which is uncommon), it’ll need to acquire the appropriate business license from the right body before starting to operate. 

A full list of industries regulated at a federal level can be found below:

• Agriculture: Overseen by the U.S. Department of Agriculture
• Alcoholic Beverages: Overseen by the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau and the Local Alcohol Beverage Control Board
• Aviation: Overseen by the Federal Aviation Administration.
• Firearms, Ammunitions, and Explosives: Overseen by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
• Fish and Wildlife: Overseen by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
• Commercial Fishing: Overseen by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Fisheries Service.
• Maritime Transportation: Overseen by the Federal Maritime Commission.
• Mining and Drilling: Overseen by the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement.
• Radio and Television Broadcasting: Overseen by the Federal Communications Commission.
• Transportation and Logistics: Overseen by the U.S. Department of Transportation

Idaho Business License Renewal

Depending on your business license, you may need to renew it periodically — usually within one or two years. 

Your Idaho general excise tax tax license does not need to be renewed. 

Several of the local permits will also need to be renewed annually; this includes health department permits, signage permits, and fire department permits, which generally all need to be renewed annually.

Having said that, this will depend on both your location and the license in question.

Idaho Business License FAQs

Quick Links

• Idaho State Tax Commission
• Idaho Business Portal
• Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses (DOPL)
• Association of Idaho Cities
• Idaho Association of Counties