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

What Is a Business License in Wyoming?

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 Wyoming, what exactly is there?

Well, Wyoming — 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 Cheyenne will need a Food Service Establishment Permit from the Wyoming Department of Agriculture, a business license from the City of Cheyenne, and a sales and use tax license from the Wyoming Department of Revenue Excise Tax Division.
• A barber shop in Casper will need professional licenses from the Wyoming Board of Barber Examiners for each barber.
• A retail store selling taxable goods in Jackson will need a sales and use tax license from the Wyoming Department of Revenue Excise Tax Division and a business license from the Town of Jackson.
• A daycare center in Laramie will need a Child Care License from the Wyoming Department of Family Services.

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 Wyoming 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:

Wyoming 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 city or county clerk’s office to determine local requirements.
State	Sales and Use Tax License	Businesses selling taxable goods or services, or purchasing items for resale. Apply via the Wyoming Department of Revenue Excise Tax Division.
	Professional Licenses	Required for professions (e.g., engineers, nurses, barbers, real estate agents, etc).  Apply via the Wyoming Professional Licensing Boards.
	Industry-Specific State Licenses	Businesses in regulated industries (e.g., liquor, gaming, outfitters, child care). Apply through the relevant Wyoming 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 Wyoming

The process of obtaining a business license in Wyoming 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 Wyoming

This step will depend on the business license in question.

Wyoming Local Business Licenses

Many Wyoming 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: Many Wyoming municipalities require a general business license to operate within city limits. This serves as your basic permission to conduct business and helps the city track local commerce (e.g., if your business is based in Sheridan, you would apply for a business license through the City of Sheridan Business & Development).
• Health Permits: Required for restaurants, food trucks, bars, and any business handling food products. These ensure compliance with local health and safety standards (e.g., if your business is based in Green River, you would contact the Sweetwater County Public Health).
• Zoning Permits: Required to ensure your business location is properly zoned for your type of commercial activity. This verifies that your business use complies with local land use regulations (e.g., if your business is based in Cody, you would check with the City of Cody Planning and Zoning).
• Sign Permits: Required before installing any business signage, including wall signs, freestanding signs, or banners. Each municipality has specific size, placement, and lighting requirements (e.g., if your business is based in Evanston, you would apply through the City of Evanston Building Department).
• Certificate of Occupancy: Required for most businesses before they can legally occupy a new or renovated commercial space. This certifies that the building meets all applicable building codes and is safe for the intended use (e.g., if your business is based in Riverton, you would work with the City of Riverton Building Permits & Inspections).
• Home Occupation Permits: Required if you’re operating a business from your residence. These permits ensure home-based businesses don’t negatively impact residential neighborhoods (e.g., if your business is based in Powell, you would apply through the City of Powell Planning and Zoning).

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

Wyoming State Business Licenses

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

Wyoming Sales Tax License

You can register for a Wyoming sales tax license in one of two ways: through the Wyoming Department of Revenue’s online portal or by submitting a paper application by mail.

OPTION 1: Apply Online With the Wyoming Internet Filing System

Apply Online

– OR –

OPTION 2: Apply by Mail

Download Form

Fee: $60

Mailing Address:
Wyoming Department of Revenue
122 W. 25th St.
Cheyenne WY 82002-0110

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 Wyoming Sales Tax guide.

Wyoming 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:

• Wyoming State Board of Nursing: Regulates the practice of nursing and issues licenses for registered nurses (RNs), licensed practical nurses (LPNs), certified nursing assistants (CNAs), and advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs).
• Wyoming Real Estate Commission: Handles licensing for real estate brokers, associate brokers, and salespersons, as well as property managers and real estate firms.
• Wyoming Board of Medicine: Responsible for licensing physicians, physician assistants, respiratory therapists, acupuncturists, and other medical professionals.
• Wyoming State Board of CPAs: Oversees the licensing and regulation of certified public accountants (CPAs) and CPA firms.
• Wyoming Board of Professional Engineers and Professional Land Surveyors: Oversees the licensing of professional engineers, professional land surveyors, and engineering/surveying firms operating in Wyoming.
• Wyoming Mental Health Professions Licensing Board: Licenses mental health counselors, marriage and family therapists, and addiction counselors.
• Wyoming Board of Outfitters and Professional Guides: Unique to Wyoming, this board licenses hunting and fishing outfitters and guides operating in the state.

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 Wyoming 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 Wyoming:

• Liquor License: Required for businesses that manufacture, distribute, or sell alcoholic beverages. Regulated by the Wyoming Liquor Division. Wyoming has various license types including retail liquor licenses, bar and grill licenses, and microbrewery permits.
• Motor Vehicle Dealer License: Required for businesses selling five or more vehicles per year. Regulated by the Wyoming Department of Transportation. Includes separate licenses for new dealers, used dealers, and wholesale dealers.
• Child Care License: Required for facilities caring for five or more children for four or more hours per day. Regulated by the Wyoming Department of Family Services. Different licenses apply for child care centers, family child care homes, and family child care centers.

Wyoming 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 Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ).

Examples of industries regulated here include:

• Underground Storage Tank Registration: Required for businesses operating underground storage tanks containing petroleum or hazardous substances over 110 gallons. This includes gas stations, fleet fueling facilities, and heating oil tanks.
• Air Quality Permits: Required for facilities that emit air pollutants, including manufacturing plants, oil and gas operations, power plants, and even some dry cleaners. Permit types range from minor source permits to major source Title V permits.
• Stormwater Permits: Required for construction activities disturbing one or more acres of land, and for industrial facilities with stormwater discharge. This includes construction sites, manufacturing facilities, and mining operations.
• Wastewater Discharge Permits: Required for any facility discharging wastewater to state waters. This includes municipal treatment plants, industrial facilities, concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs), and some commercial operations.
• Solid Waste Facility Permits: Required for landfills, transfer stations, composting facilities, and waste processing operations. Different permit types apply based on the type and volume of waste handled.
• Water Rights Permits: Required for businesses needing to appropriate surface or groundwater for commercial use. Regulated by the Wyoming State Engineer’s Office. This includes agricultural operations, industrial facilities, and commercial developments.
• Oil and Gas Permits: Required for drilling, production, and disposal activities. Regulated by the Wyoming Oil and Gas Conservation Commission. Includes drilling permits, disposal well permits, and facility permits.

Federal Business Licenses for Wyoming 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

Wyoming 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 license, 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.

Wyoming Business License FAQs

Quick Resources

• Wyoming Department of Revenue
• Wyoming Secretary of State Business Division
• Wyoming Professional Licensing Boards
• Wyoming Association of Municipalities
• Wyoming Business Council