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Louisiana · 19 statewide requirements covered

Business licences and permits in Louisiana

Louisiana's entire Secretary of State fee schedule rises on 1 October 2026, and its plumbing licensing is mid-transition from a dedicated board into the general contractors board, fully consolidating on 1 January 2027.

What applies everywhere in Louisiana

19 requirements are set by Louisiana itself and apply whichever city you open in. Local permits sit on top of them.

Requirements set by Louisiana that apply in every jurisdiction in the state, with the issuing agency, the published fee and the date each was last checked against its source
Annual ReportLouisiana Secretary of State, Commercial Division$30 a year for an LLC or a corporation, rising to $35 from 1 October 2026; a nonprofit's is $10Only in some cases2026-09-04
Articles of IncorporationLouisiana Secretary of State, Commercial Division$75 one-time filing — rising to $95 from 1 October 2026Only in some cases2026-09-04
Articles of Organization (LLC)Louisiana Secretary of State, Commercial Division$100 one-time filing — rising to $125 from 1 October 2026Only in some cases2026-09-04
Automotive Repair Shop Licence (not required by Louisiana)Louisiana Motor Vehicle CommissionNo feeOnly in some cases2026-09-04
Barber Shop RegistrationLouisiana Board of Barber Examiners$30 a yearTo every business2026-09-04
Child Care LicenceLouisiana Department of Education, Early Childhood Division$25–$250 a year, banded by licensed capacityTo every business2026-09-04
Commercial Contractor LicenceLouisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors$100 capped by statute; renewal is capped the same wayOnly in some cases2026-09-04
Electrical Contractor LicenceLouisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors$100 capped by statute; renewal is capped the same wayOnly in some cases2026-09-04
Food Safety CertificateLouisiana Department of Health, Office of Public Health, Retail Food Program$25 for the state certificate; a duplicate is $12.50To every business2026-09-04
General Business Licence (not required by Louisiana)Louisiana Secretary of State, Commercial DivisionNo feeOnly in some cases2026-09-04
Home Improvement RegistrationLouisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors$50 capped by statuteOnly in some cases2026-09-04
Mechanical (HVAC) Contractor LicenceLouisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors$100 capped by statute; renewal is capped the same wayOnly in some cases2026-09-04
Plumbing Licensing (transitioning to a single board)Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors$50 to $190 for the individual journeyman or master plumber's licence, plus a separate $100 contractor licence for the plumbing business itselfOnly in some cases2026-09-04
Residential Contractor LicenceLouisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors$100 capped by statute; renewal is capped the same wayOnly in some cases2026-09-04
Retail Food Establishment PermitLouisiana Department of Health, Office of Public Health, Retail Food Program$150 for a first permit; a second through fifth costs $112.50 each, and a sixth or later $75 eachTo every business2026-09-04
Sales Tax CertificateLouisiana Department of Revenue, Central Registration SectionNo feeTo every business2026-09-04
Salon LicenceLouisiana State Board of Cosmetology$55 a year, effective 1 August 2025To every business2026-09-04
Vehicle Inspection Station PermitLouisiana State Police, Transportation and Environmental Safety Section$25 a year, plus $5 a year for each named mechanic inspectorOnly in some cases2026-09-04
Veterinary Facility Permit (not required by Louisiana)Louisiana Board of Veterinary MedicineNo feeOnly in some cases2026-09-04

Which Louisiana city are you opening in?

We do not yet publish a Louisiana city. The statewide requirements above are verified as far as they go, but a city or county adds its own — a local business tax receipt, a food permit, a building sign-off — and we will not guess at those. The jurisdictions we do cover are listed in full.

Is there a single Louisiana business licence?

No. Louisiana has no single licence that covers every business. What you need depends on your industry, your city and your county, and most of the obligations that matter are issued locally rather than at state level.

The state-level registrations that do apply to nearly everyone are tax accounts rather than licences — which is why they are easy to miss.

Who issues permits in Louisiana?

By industry

Commercial Compliance Hub publishes information, not legal advice. Requirements change — confirm anything you rely on with the issuing agency before you file.