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

What Is a Business License in North Carolina?

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 North Carolina, what exactly is there?

Well, North Carolina — 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 Charlotte will need a Food Facility Health Permit from the Mecklenburg County Environmental Health Department and a Sales and Use Tax Certificate of Registration from the North Carolina Department of Revenue. If serving alcohol, they’ll also need an ABC Permit from the North Carolina Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission.
• A licensed electrician starting a business in Raleigh will need their professional license from the North Carolina State Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors and a Sales and Use Tax Certificate of Registration from the North Carolina Department of Revenue. They’ll also need to register for business property tax with the Wake County Tax Administration.
• A retail clothing store in Greensboro will need a Sales and Use Tax Certificate of Registration from the North Carolina Department of Revenue and a Business Permit from the City of Greensboro.
• A food truck operating in Durham will need a Mobile Food Unit Permit from the Durham County Department of Public Health, a Street Vendor Registration from the Durham Planning Department, and a Sales and Use Tax Certificate of Registration from the North Carolina Department of Revenue.

All in all, it depends on what you do, and where you’re located. There is no “business license” that you will need to obtain just to operate no matter what, and while most businesses will need some form of business license to operate, this will not be the case for everyone.

Do I Need a North Carolina 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:

North Carolina Business Licensing at a Glance

Jurisdiction	Business Licenses	Who Needs It & Where to Apply
Local	Business License, Zoning Permit, Home Occupation Permit, Sign Permit, Building Permit, Health Permit (for food service)	Varies by location. Contact your local municipality.
State	Sales and Use Tax Certificate of Registration	All businesses engaging in taxable activities in North Carolina. Apply online with the North Carolina Department of Revenue for free.
	Professional Licenses	Required for regulated professions like healthcare providers, contractors, real estate agents, and others.  Apply through the NC Business and Occupational License Database or relevant state licensing board.
	Industry-Specific State Licenses	Businesses in specific industries need additional state licenses. For example, restaurants serving alcohol need permits from the NC ABC Commission.
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 North Carolina

The process of obtaining a business license in North Carolina 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 
• Larger access to loans and corporate finance

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 North Carolina

This step will depend on the business license in question.

North Carolina Local Business Licenses

Many North Carolina 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:

• General Business License: While North Carolina doesn’t have a state-level general business license, some cities and counties require local business licenses. Whether you need one depends entirely on your location (e.g., if your business is based in Greensboro, you would apply for a Business Permit from the City of Greensboro).
• Industry Permits: Many businesses need permits based on their specific industry. The most common are health permits for food service establishments, which ensure compliance with food safety regulations. These are typically issued by your county health department after an inspection (e.g., if your business is based in Mecklenburg County, you would apply for permits through Mecklenburg County’s Environmental Health Department).
• Zoning Permits: Zoning permits confirm that your business location is properly zoned for your intended use. These are crucial for ensuring your business type is allowed in your chosen location. You’ll need to check with your local planning department before signing a lease or purchasing property (e.g., if your business is based in Winston-Salem, you would apply through the Winston-Salem GeoCivix Portal).
• Sign Permits: If you plan to display any signage for your business, most cities require a sign permit. This ensures your sign meets local size, placement, and safety requirements (e.g., if your business is based in Raleigh, you would need a Sign Permit from the City of Raleigh).
• Certificate of Occupancy: A certificate of occupancy verifies that your building meets all building codes and is safe for its intended use. This is typically required before you can open your business in a commercial space (e.g., if your business is based in Charlotte, you would obtain this through Mecklenburg County Code Enforcement).
• Home-Based Business Permits: If you’re running a business from your home, many municipalities require a home occupation permit. These permits ensure that home businesses don’t negatively impact residential neighborhoods (e.g., if your business is based in Durham, you would apply for a Home Occupation Permit from the Durham Planning Department).

To find your local county or city’s official contact information and licensing requirements, you can visit the North Carolina Municipal Directory

North Carolina State Business Licenses

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

North Carolina Certificate of Registration

The North Carolina Certificate of Registration is required for all new businesses. Applying for this certificate registers your business for sales and use taxes, withholding taxes, motor vehicle lease, and subscription tax. 

OPTION 1: Apply Online With the North Carolina Department of Revenue

Apply Online

– OR –

OPTION 2: Apply by Mail

Download Form

Fee: None

Mailing Address:
N.C. Department of Revenue
P.O. Box 25000
Raleigh, NC 27640-0100

Tip: Your business does not need to pay sales taxes when purchasing goods for resale. You’ll need to present a Sales and Use Tax Certificate of Exemption buying such items for this to apply. 

North Carolina 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:

• North Carolina Medical Board: Licenses and regulates physicians, physician assistants, and anesthesiologist assistants. The Board protects the public by ensuring that only properly qualified professionals practice medicine in North Carolina.
• North Carolina Board of Nursing: Regulates registered nurses (RNs), licensed practical nurses (LPNs), nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, certified registered nurse anesthetists, and certified nurse midwives.
• North Carolina Real Estate Commission: Licenses and regulates real estate brokers, firms, and timeshare projects in North Carolina. All real estate agents in North Carolina are licensed as brokers (not salespersons as in other states).
• NC State Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors: Examines and licenses electrical contractors to ensure quality electrical work and protect public safety. The Board administers examinations and provides continuing education requirements.
• NC Licensing Board for General Contractors: Licenses and regulates general contractors performing construction projects valued at $30,000 or more. The Board ensures contractors meet minimum competency standards to protect consumers.
• North Carolina Board of CPA Examiners: Licenses certified public accountants and regulates the practice of public accounting in North Carolina to protect the public interest.

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 North Carolina businesses require additional licenses based on the specific industry they operate in.

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

• Liquor License: Required for businesses that manufacture, distribute, or sell alcoholic beverages. Regulated by the North Carolina Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission. Retail permits are needed for restaurants, hotels, and stores, while commercial permits are required for manufacturers and distributors.
• Motor Vehicle Dealer License: Required for anyone who sells or attempts to sell 5 or more vehicles in a 12-month period. Regulated by the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles. Used vehicle dealers must complete a 12-hour pre-licensing course and obtain a $50,000 surety bond.
• Child Care License: Required for anyone providing care for 3 or more unrelated children for more than 4 hours per day. Regulated by the Division of Child Development and Early Education. Providers must attend a pre-licensing workshop and pass background checks for all staff.
• Food Processing License: Required for businesses that manufacture, process, or package food products for sale. Regulated by the North Carolina Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services: Food & Drug Protection Division.
• Money Transmitter License: Required for businesses that transmit money or provide payment services. Regulated by the North Carolina Commissioner of Banks. Requires a surety bond and minimum net worth requirements.

Note: This is not a complete list. Many other state-level licenses exist for industries like bail bondsmen, collection agencies, pawnbrokers, and professional employer organizations. For more information, we recommend visiting the North Carolina Business One Stop portal or consulting with a business attorney.

North Carolina 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 North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) and relevant divisions within the department.

Examples of industries and activities requiring environmental permits include:

• Underground/Aboveground Storage Tank Registration: Required for gas stations, marinas, heating oil companies, and any business with petroleum or chemical storage tanks over 1,100 gallons. Regulated by the Division of Waste Management UST Section.
• Air Quality Permits: Required for manufacturing plants, power plants, dry cleaners, auto body shops, printing facilities, and any business with air emissions. Regulated by the Division of Air Quality.
• Stormwater Permits: Required for construction companies, industrial facilities, mining operations, and any business disturbing one or more acres of land. Regulated by the Division of Water Resources.
• Hazardous Waste Generator ID: Required for auto repair shops, hospitals, laboratories, manufacturers, and any business generating hazardous waste. Different requirements apply based on the amount of waste generated monthly.
• Water Quality/Discharge Permits: Required for factories, food processors, car washes, laundromats, and any business discharging wastewater. Regulated through the NPDES permit program.
• Wetlands Permits: Required for developers, construction companies, utility companies, and any business impacting wetlands or streams. May require both state and federal permits.
• Erosion and Sediment Control Plans: Required for developers, builders, utility companies, and any business disturbing one or more acres of land. Often delegated to local governments.
• Solid Waste Permits: Required for landfills, transfer stations, recycling facilities, composting operations, and construction debris processors. Regulated by the Division of Waste Management.
• Coastal Development Permits: Required for hotels, marinas, residential developers, and any business building in the 20 coastal counties near beaches or estuaries.
• Well Construction Permits: Required for environmental consultants, remediation companies, and businesses installing monitoring or injection wells.
• Land Application Permits: Required for wastewater treatment facilities, food processors, and businesses applying waste materials to land.
• Special Waste Permits: Required for asbestos contractors, medical facilities, electronics recyclers, and businesses handling regulated special wastes.

Federal Business Licenses for North Carolina 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

North Carolina Business License Renewal

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

Renewal is required for most business licenses and permits, including:

• Local business registrations/licenses (frequency varies by city/county)
• Health department permits for food establishments (annually) 
• Professional licenses like real estate, contractors, insurance, and nursing (typically every one to two years with continuing education requirements) 
• Liquor licenses (renewed annually from May 1 to April 30)
• Fire department certificates (annually or biannually)
• Motor vehicle dealer licenses (annually) 
• Environmental permits (typically every five years) 

Note that your Certificate of Registration (North Carolina’s sales tax permit) will not require renewal, but you must keep your business information current and continue filing the required tax returns.

North Carolina Business License FAQs

Quick Resources