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

As of 2025, New Jersey does not impose a general business license requirement; instead, business licensing is regulated on a local, state, and federal level.

This means that whether you need a New Jersey business license or not will depend on your business’s location and industry.

This article will cover:

What a Business License Is
Who Needs a Business License
How to Get a Business License
Business License Renewals
Frequently Asked Questions

Woman holding open sign after getting her business license

What Is a Business License in New Jersey?

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 New Jersey, what exactly is there?

Well, New Jersey— 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 Newark will need a health department permit from the Newark Department of Health and Community Wellness.
A barbershop in Jersey City will need a Cosmetologist & Hairstylist License from the New Jersey State Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling
A retail store selling taxable goods in Paterson will need a Certificate of Authority for Sales Tax from the New Jersey Division of Taxation
A business that wants to install signage in Elizabeth will need a sign permit from the City of Elizabeth Department of Planning and Community Development.

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 New Jersey 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:

New Jersey 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 municipality to determine local requirements.
State	Certificate of Authority for Sales Tax	Businesses selling taxable goods or services, or purchasing items for resale. Apply via New Jersey Division of Revenue.
	Professional Licenses	Required for professions regulated by the Division of Consumer Affairs (e.g., cosmetologists, contractors, healthcare professionals, etc.) Apply via the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs.
	Industry-Specific State Licenses	Businesses in regulated industries (e.g., food, liquor, environmental, vehicle dealers. etc.) Apply through the relevant New Jersey 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 New Jersey

The process of obtaining a business license in New Jersey 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 depending on the business model, such as:

Personal liability protection
Improved legitimacy
Larger access to loans and corporate finance

We generally recommend almost all small business owners to 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.

Want to make sure your LLC is formed correctly? Northwest can handle your New Jersey LLC formation with first year free registered agent service and excellent customer support.

Note: You should obtain an EIN after forming your LLC. See our How to Get an EIN overview for more information.

2. Apply for the Right Business License in New Jersey

This step will depend on the business license in question.

New Jersey Local Business Licenses

Many New Jersey 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:

Health Permits: Restaurants, food trucks, and businesses handling food products need health permits from their local health department (e.g., if your restaurant is in Jersey City, you would apply through the Jersey City Department of Health and Human Services).
Zoning Permits: Required to ensure your business location complies with local zoning ordinances. Each municipality has different zones for commercial, residential, and mixed-use properties (e.g., if your business is in Paterson, you would work with the City of Paterson Division of Planning and Zoning).
Sign Permits: Before installing any business signage, you must obtain a permit from your local zoning office. Requirements vary significantly by municipality regarding size, placement, and illumination (e.g., in Madison Borough, both temporary and permanent signs require approval from the Planning/Zoning Office).
Fire Safety Certificates: Businesses open to the public typically need fire certificates to ensure compliance with safety codes. These are issued after fire department inspections verify proper exits, alarms, and safety equipment are in place (e.g., businesses in Trenton would contact the Division of Technical Services for fire code compliance).

To find your local county or city’s official contact information, you can visit the State of New Jersey’s Municipal Directory.

New Jersey State Business Licenses

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

NJ Certificate of Authority for Sales Tax

To collect sales tax in New Jersey, you’ll need to obtain a Certificate of Authority; this can be done online through the Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services.

Apply Online

Fee: None

Keep in mind that you’ll need a NAICS code in order to apply. For more information on this, you can have a look at our New Jersey Sales Tax guide.

Tip: Your business does not need to pay sales and use tax when purchasing goods for resale. For more information on this, visit the New Jersey Division of Taxation’s Sales and Use page.

New Jersey 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:

New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs: Regulates more than 100 professions, including healthcare workers, cosmetologists, private investigators, and other licensed trades.
New Jersey State Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling: Oversees cosmetologists, hairstylists, barbers, manicurists, skin care specialists, hair braiders, and beauticians.
Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors: Issues licenses for electrical contractors and journeyman electricians.
State Board of Examiners of Master Plumbers: Issues master plumber licenses required to perform plumbing work in the state.
New Jersey Real Estate Commission: A division of the New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance, issues licenses to real estate brokers and salespersons, real estate schools, and course instructors.
State Board of Medical Examiners: Licenses physicians, physician assistants, and other medical professionals practicing in New Jersey.
New Jersey State Board of Accountancy: Regulates certified public accountants (CPAs) and public accounting firms operating in the state.
New Jersey State Board of Architects: Issues licenses to architects and certificates of authorization to architectural firms.
Board of Nursing: Licenses registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and advanced practice nurses in New Jersey.

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 New Jersey businesses require additional licenses based on the specific industry they operate in. These industry-specific state licenses are tied to the type of goods or services your business provides, with the most common examples including:

Motor Vehicle Dealer License: Required for businesses buying, selling, or dealing in motor vehicles. Regulated by the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission.
Child Care License: Required for child care centers serving six or more children under the age of 13. Regulated by the Department of Children and Families, Office of Licensing.
Liquor License: Required for businesses that manufacture, distribute, or sell alcoholic beverages. Regulated by the Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control.
Wholesale Food and Cosmetic License: Required for businesses that wholesale food products or cosmetics. Regulated by the New Jersey Department of Health.

Note: This is not a complete list. Licensing requirements vary by industry and business model. For more, consult the relevant state agency.

New Jersey 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 New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection.

Examples of industries regulated here include:

Air Pollution Control Permits: For businesses that emit pollutants into the air (e.g., paint shops, dry cleaners, manufacturers).
Water Discharge Permits: Required if your business discharges wastewater into surface or groundwater.
Hazardous Waste Generator Registration: Mandatory for facilities that generate, store, or transport hazardous materials.
Underground Storage Tank Certification: Required for installing or operating fuel or chemical storage tanks underground.
Flood Hazard Area and Wetlands Permits: Needed for construction or land development in environmentally sensitive areas.

Federal Business Licenses for New Jersey 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

New Jersey Business License Renewal

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

This is not required for a sales tax permit, but is required for practically all professional licenses.

Several of the local permits will also need to be renewed annually; this includes health department permits, signage permits, and fire department permits (though this will depend on both your location and the license in question).

New Jersey Business License FAQs

New Jersey 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.

If your business will be selling taxable goods or services, you will need to obtain a Certificate of Authority for Sales Tax from the New Jersey Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services.

You might also need local permits, such as zoning or health permits, and a state license if your business is in a regulated industry.

A seller’s permit is a state-issued license that allows a business to collect sales tax from customers on taxable goods or services. In New Jersey, this is called a Certificate of Authority for Sales Tax.

Most New Jersey licenses are not transferable to new owners. When a business changes ownership, the new owner must apply for fresh licenses, including health permits, professional licenses, and liquor licenses, even if the previous owner had all permits in good standing.