2 articles
Licensing Basics
The registrations most businesses need before trading — a business license, a sales tax permit, a certificate of occupancy — and how they vary by place.
What our records show
Figures from the published records behind this site, last verified 2026-10-15. They update as records are re-checked.
| Permit type | Jurisdictions | Typical fee (middle half) | Median fee | Usual term |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General business license | 308 in 51 states | $50–$225 | $100 | not applicable |
| Sales and use tax permit | 57 in 51 states | $20–$50 | $50 | not applicable |
| Certificate of occupancy | 203 in 49 states | $75–$232 | $125 | issued once per qualifying occupancy |