Louisiana Business License: Who Needs One & How to Apply (2025)
As of 2025, Louisiana doesn’t impose a general business license requirement; instead, business licensing is regulated on a local, state, and federal level.
This means that whether or not you need a Louisiana business license will depend on your business’s location and industry.
This article will cover:
What Is a Business License in Louisiana?
A business license is a permit issued by a local, state, or federal body that allows businesses to perform a specific business activity and/or operate legitimately.
So if there isn’t a “general business license” in Louisiana, what exactly is there?
Well, Louisiana — like the vast majority of states — imposes different requirements based on where you’re located and what you actually do.
For example:
- A restaurant in New Orleans will need a restaurant occupational license and a Certificate of Occupancy, and Sign Permit from the city of New Orleans.
- A professional accounting firm in Baton Rouge will need a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) Firm Permit from the State Board of CPAs of Louisiana.
- A retail clothing store in Shreveport will need an Occupational/Business License as well as a Certificate of Occupancy from the city of Shreveport, a city/county sales tax registration through the Caddo-Shreveport Sales and Use Tax Commission, and a state sales tax certificate from the Louisiana Department of Revenue.
- A home security business in Lafayette will require an Alarm Business/Monitoring Company Registration and a Certificate of Occupancy from the Lafayette Consolidated Government.
Note: These examples are simplified to illustrate common licensing requirements and do not list every permit that may be needed. Operating without proper licensing can result in penalties including fines, business closure orders, and legal complications. Always research the specific requirements for your business type and location.
Do I Need a Louisiana Business License?
Well, the answer to this will ultimately depend on your business’s situation. Have a look at our table below in order to get a general idea:
Louisiana Business Licensing at a Glance
| Jurisdiction | Business Licenses | Who Needs It & Where to Apply |
|---|---|---|
| Local |
| Varies by location Contact your local municipality to determine local requirements. |
| State | Sales Tax Permit | Businesses selling tangible personal property, digital property, or certain taxable services Apply through the Louisiana Department of Revenue. |
| Professional Licenses | Required for regulated professions (e.g., healthcare, construction, real estate, etc.) Apply through the relevant board or commission. | |
| Industry-Specific State Licenses | Businesses in regulated industries (e.g., food service, liquor, child care, environmental). Apply through the relevant agency (e.g., Alcohol Tobacco Control, Department of Environmental Quality, etc.). | |
| 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.
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How to Get a Business License in Louisiana
The process of obtaining a business license in Louisiana will depend on the permit in question, but generally involves completing the following steps:
1. Form a Business Structure & Obtain an Employer Identification Number (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 based on the business model, such as:
- Personal liability protection
- Improved legitimacy
- Larger access to loans and corporate fiinancing
Recommended Business Structure
We generally recommend almost all small business owners form a limited liability company (LLC). This offers personal liability protection, is extremely affordable, and offers a ton of flexibility when it comes to how it can be taxed and managed.
You can use a formation service for just $29 (excluding the $100 state fee).
Note: You should obtain an 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 Louisiana
This step will depend on the business license in question.
Louisiana Local Business Licenses
Many Louisiana 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 licensing is handled by the state as well as local governments (e.g., if you’re based in Caddo County, you’ll obtain a retail food permit through the county’s Sanitarian – Public Health Inspector).
- Zoning Permits: You may need this to ensure your business’s location is zoned appropriately and complies with local laws (e.g., if you’re based in Shreveport, you’ll obtain this through the city of Shreveport Permits & Inspections Division).
- Sign Permits: These may be required before installing business signage (e.g., if you’re based in New Orleans, you’d apply through the city of New Orleans for signage permits and/or building permits).
- Certificate of Occupancy: This is required for most businesses before they can legally occupy a building or space. It verifies the structure meets building codes and is safe for the intended use (e.g., if your business is in Lafayette, you’d obtain this through the Lafayette Consolidated Government).
- Home-Based Business Permits: Some municipalities require special permits for businesses operating from residential properties — particularly those that may generate traffic or impact neighbors. (e.g., a home-based business in New Orleans must obtain a home-based business occupational license through the city of New Orleans’ One Stop App).
To find your local county or city’s official contact information and licensing requirements, check in with your Louisiana parish.
Louisiana State Business Licenses
Below we’ve included the most common business licenses that are required on a state level.
Louisiana Sales Tax Certificate
You can register for a Louisiana sales tax certificate by applying for a Louisiana tax account number online.
Apply for a Louisiana Sales Tax Permit
Apply Online With the Louisiana geauxBIZ Portal
Apply OnlineFee: $0
Louisiana Professional Licenses
If you’re interested in a professional license, you’ll need to head over to the relevant state commission because this isn’t handled on a local level. We’ve provided the licensing boards of a few of the most common professions below to get you started:
- State Board of CPAs of Louisiana: Oversees the licensing of Certified Public Accountants (CPAs), including individual licenses and accounting firm permits.
- Louisiana Real Estate Commission: Regulates real estate brokers and salespeople along with continuing education requirements.
- Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners: Licenses physicians (M.D.s and D.O.s), physician assistants, and other medical professionals.
- Louisiana State Board of Nursing: Oversees licensing for Registered Nurses (RNs) and Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs).
- Louisiana Board of Pharmacy: Regulates pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, and pharmaceutical facilities.
- Louisiana Board of Cosmetology: Licenses cosmetologists, estheticians, manicurists, and related beauty professionals.
For more information on how to get licensed, have a look at StateRequirement’s in-depth licensing guides.
Industry-Specific State Licenses
Some Louisiana businesses require additional licenses based on the specific industry in which they operate.
Here are some common examples of industry-specific state licenses in Louisiana:
- Liquor License: Required for businesses that manufacture, distribute, or sell alcoholic beverages. Regulated by the Louisiana Office of Alcohol and Tobacco Control. Louisiana offers various permit types, including on-premises consumption, off-premises sales, and manufacturer permits.
- Motor Vehicle Dealer License: Required for businesses that sell, offer to sell, or advertise for sale five or more motor vehicles in a calendar year. Regulated by the Louisiana Motor Vehicle Commission or the Louisiana Used Motor Vehicle Commission.
- Child Care License: Required for child care centers and home-based providers caring for seven or more children on a regular basis for at least 12.5 hours per week. Regulated by the Louisiana Department of Education.
- Food Processing Permit: Required for businesses that manufacture, process, or package food products for wholesale or retail distribution. Regulated by the Louisiana Department of Health’s Bureau of Sanitarian Services.
Note: This is not a complete list. Licensing requirements vary by industry and business model. For more, visit the state’s list of relevant agencies.
Louisiana 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 Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality.
Examples of industries regulated here include:
- Automotive dealerships, paint, and body shops
- Cement and asphalt
- Oil and gas
- Wastewater
- Stormwater
- Waste management
- Gasoline stations
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Federal Business Licenses for Louisiana 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
Louisiana Business License Renewal
Depending on your business license, you may need to renew it periodically — usually within one or two years.
If your business is actively reporting sales, your Louisiana sales tax certificate will automatically renew. Otherwise, you must renew within 45 days of the certificate’s expiration date.
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.
Louisiana Business License FAQs
Louisiana doesn’t require a general business license that applies to all businesses. However, depending on your location and industry, you’ll likely need specific permits or licenses at the local, state, or federal level. Most businesses need at least a sales tax permit if they sell taxable goods or services.
This depends on your business type and location. Common requirements include: a sales tax permit, local permits (e.g., health, zoning, and occupancy), professional licenses (for regulated professions), and industry-specific licenses (e.g., liquor, child care, and motor vehicle dealer). Contact your local municipality and review the Louisiana professional licensing agency requirements for your specific industry.
The Louisiana sales tax permit is free to obtain. Other license costs vary significantly. For example, local permits may range from $30 to $500, professional licenses can cost $50 to $300+, and specialized licenses like liquor permits or motor vehicle dealer licenses can cost hundreds to thousands of dollars, including required bonds and insurance.
The Louisiana sales tax permit is perpetual and doesn’t need to be renewed — as long as you report your sales activity and make tax payments on time. Other state and local permits or licenses will require varying renewal processes.
Generally, no. You must obtain all required licenses before beginning operations. Operating without proper licenses can result in fines, legal action, and difficulty obtaining licenses in the future. Some licenses allow provisional operation while applications are pending so you should check with the specific agency.
Yes, home-based businesses need the same licenses as traditional businesses and they must comply with local zoning laws. You’ll need a sales tax permit if selling taxable goods/services, any required professional licenses, and you must ensure your residential area is zoned for business use or obtain the appropriate permits.