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

What Is a Business License in Utah?

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 Utah, what exactly is there?

Well, Utah — 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 Salt Lake City will need a health permit from the Salt Lake County Health Department.
• A barber shop in Provo will need a professional license from the Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing.
• A retail store selling taxable goods will need a Sales Tax License from the Utah State Tax Commission.
• A business that wants to install signage in St. George will need a sign permit from the City of St. George.

It all 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 Utah 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:

Utah 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	Sales Tax License	Businesses selling taxable goods or services  Apply through the Utah State Tax Commission.
	Professional Licenses	Required for regulated professions (e.g., contractors, cosmetologists, real estate agents, etc.) Apply via the Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing.
	Industry-Specific State Licenses	Businesses in regulated industries (e.g., food, liquor, environmental, vehicle dealers)  Apply through the relevant Utah 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 Utah

The process of obtaining a business license in Utah 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 Utah

This step will depend on the business license in question.

Utah Local Business Licenses

Many Utah 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: Most Utah cities require all businesses operating within their boundaries to obtain a general business license. This applies to any business conducting commercial activities for profit (e.g., if your business is based in Salt Lake City, you would apply at the Salt Lake City Business Licensing Department).
• Industry Permits: This includes health permits required for restaurants, food trucks, and businesses handling food products. These are typically issued by county health departments (e.g., if your business is based in Provo, you would apply at the Utah County Health Department).
• Zoning Permits: You may need this in order to ensure that your business’s location is zoned appropriately and is compliant with local laws (e.g., if you were based in Ogden, you would check with the Ogden City Planning Division).
• Sign Permits: These can be required before installing business signage (e.g., if you were based in St. George, you would apply through the St. George Community Development Department).
• Certificate of Occupancy: Required for most businesses before they can legally occupy a building or space. This verifies that the structure meets building codes and is safe for the intended use (e.g., if your business is in Park City, you would check with the Park City Building Department).
• Home Occupation Permits: Required for businesses operating out of a residence. Requirements vary by city regarding what types of businesses can operate from home (e.g., if your home-based business is in Provo, you would apply for a Home Occupation Business Permit).

To find your local county or city’s official contact information and licensing requirements, you can visit the Utah League of Cities and Towns.

Utah State Business Licenses

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

Utah Seller’s Permit 

You can register for a Utah seller’s permit online through the Utah State Tax Commission. As of 2024, paper and mail-in applications are no longer accepted.

Apply Online With the Utah Taxpayer Access Point

Apply Online

Fee: None

Tip: Your business does not need to pay sales and use tax when purchasing goods for resale. Have a look at the Utah’s Sales Tax Exemption Certificate for more information.

Utah 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:

• Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing: Oversees licensing for over 60 professions including contractors, electricians, plumbers, cosmetologists, barbers, massage therapists, and many construction trades.
• Utah State Board of Education: Handles licensing and certification for teachers, school administrators, and other education professionals.
• Utah Division of Real Estate: Regulates the licensing of real estate agents, brokers, appraisers, and mortgage loan originators.
• Utah State Bar: Manages the licensing and regulation of attorneys practicing law in Utah.
• Utah Insurance Department: Oversees licensing for insurance agents, adjusters, and consultants.
• Utah Board of Accountancy: Regulates the licensing of Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) and public accounting firms.

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 Utah businesses require additional licenses based on the particular industry they operate in. These licenses are issued by specific state agencies and must be obtained before the business can legally operate.

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

• Liquor License: Required for businesses that manufacture, distribute, or sell alcoholic beverages. Regulated by the Utah Department of Alcoholic Beverage Services. Utah has various license types including full-service restaurant, limited-service restaurant, beer-only, and package agency licenses.
• Motor Vehicle Dealer License: Required for businesses selling five or more vehicles per year. Regulated by the Utah Motor Vehicle Enforcement Division. Includes separate licenses for new vehicles, used vehicles, and motorcycles.
• Child Care License: Required for facilities caring for five or more children for four or more hours per day. Regulated by the Utah Department of Health and Human Services. Includes center-based and home-based childcare categories.
• Cannabis Business License: Required for medical cannabis pharmacies, cultivation facilities, and processing facilities. Regulated by the Utah Department of Health and Human Services.
• Food Establishment License: Required for restaurants, food trucks, and businesses preparing or serving food to the public. Regulated by local health departments under Utah Department of Agriculture and Food guidelines.
• Private Security License: Required for security guard companies and individual security officers. Regulated by the Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing.

Utah Environmental Permits

If your business activities could negatively impact the environment, there’s a good chance you’ll need some sort of license or permit from the Utah Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ).

Examples of industries regulated here include:

• Underground/Aboveground Storage Tank Registration: Required for businesses storing petroleum or hazardous substances in tanks over 110 gallons. This includes gas stations, auto repair shops, and facilities with backup generators.
• Air Quality Permits: Required for facilities that emit air pollutants, including manufacturing plants, dry cleaners, auto body shops, and gas stations. Major sources need Title V permits while smaller sources may need approval orders.
• Stormwater Permits: Construction sites disturbing one acre or more need Construction General Permits. Industrial facilities like manufacturing plants, recycling centers, and transportation hubs need Multi-Sector General Permits.
• Hazardous Waste Generator ID: Required for businesses generating hazardous waste including auto shops, medical facilities, and manufacturers. Categories include Very Small Quantity Generators (less than 220 lbs/month) and Small/Large Quantity Generators.
• Water Quality Discharge Permits: Facilities discharging wastewater to surface waters need Utah Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permits. This includes industrial facilities, wastewater treatment plants, and some construction sites.
• Solid Waste Facility Permits: Required for landfills, transfer stations, composting facilities, and recycling operations handling solid waste materials.
• Drinking Water System Permits: Required for businesses operating their own water systems serving 25+ people or having 15+ service connections, including mobile home parks, campgrounds, and industrial facilities.
• Wetlands Permits: Required for activities impacting wetlands or streams, including filling, dredging, or construction near water bodies.

Federal Business Licenses for Utah 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

Utah 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, which generally all need to be renewed annually.

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

Utah Business License FAQs

Quick Resources

• Utah State Tax Commission
• Utah Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity
• Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing
• Utah League of Cities and Towns