How to Apply for a Business License in New Jersey

Registering your new business is one of many things you must do to start legally operating in New Jersey. Business owners must also apply for business licenses and permits to stay in good standing. Figuring out which licenses your business entity needs can be confusing, so we created a step-by-step guide. 

New Jersey Business License: Key Takeaways

1. A business license is a legal document your business must have to conduct specific business activities. New Jersey doesn’t have general business license requirements. Still, you may be required to obtain a federal, state, or local license.

2. You must maintain your business license through regular renewal filings.

3. You may need a special license if you run a home-based business, depending on the city you’re based in.

What Is a Business License?

A business license gives you legal permission to conduct certain business activities in New Jersey. Depending on the nature of your small business and its location, you may face licensing requirements from the federal government, the state, or your local municipality. 

You may need to apply for different types of business licenses. Doing business in specific industries — for example, manufacturing or selling alcoholic beverages — requires a federal permit, a state license, and often a local license. You must know your business structure’s licensing obligations as a business owner. 

Some entrepreneurs think registering a business with the state (for example, a limited liability company, a limited liability partnership, or a trade name like a DBA) is the same as applying for a business license. That’s incorrect. After incorporation, you’ll still need to obtain local, federal, or state business licenses, depending on the nature of your business. 

Get Your New Jersey Business License in 7 Steps

It’s essential to understand the business license requirements in New Jersey and apply for the appropriate local and state licenses. Failing to obtain proper permits can result in severe consequences for your business. Follow these eight steps to figure out what business licenses you need.  

Step 1: Apply for New Jersey General Business Licenses

You don’t need to apply for a general business license for your small business in the State of New Jersey. 

That said, there’s still a state registration requirement that most businesses will have to comply with. If your business files taxes in the state, you must file a form NJ-REG, regardless of your business type. Once you file the form, the Department of the Treasury will issue you a Business Registration Certificate.[1] 

New Jersey doesn’t require a general business license. However, depending on the nature of your business activities, you may still need to obtain a state license, a professional license, or a license from your local government. 

Step 2: Apply for Federal Licenses for New Jersey Businesses

New businesses in federally-regulated industries need to obtain a federal business license. In addition to a federal license, business owners in some industries may also require additional licenses at the state and local levels. 

The federal government regulates the following industries:[2]  

• Agriculture, including import and transport of animals, animal products, biologics, biotechnology, and plants across state lines

• Alcoholic beverages, including manufacture, wholesale, import, and retail

• Aviation, including operating aircraft, transporting people or goods via air, and aircraft maintenance

• Firearms, ammunition, and explosives, including manufacture, dealing, or import

• Fish and wildlife, including import and export of wildlife and derivative products

• Commercial fishing of any kind

• Maritime transportation, including ocean transportation or facilitation of shipment of cargo by sea

• Mining and drilling, including drilling for natural gas, oil, or other mineral resources

• Nuclear energy, including commercial production of atomic energy, operating a fuel cycle facility, or distribution and disposal of nuclear materials  

• Radio and television broadcasting, including broadcasting information by radio, television, wire, satellite, or cable

• Transportation and logistics, including operation of an oversized or overweight vehicle 

If you believe that your business requires a federal license, get in touch with the corresponding agency. You can get more business information on the US Small Business Administration website. 

Step 3: Search for New Jersey Permits and Licenses

Depending on the nature of your business, you may be required to obtain a state license to operate in New Jersey. It’s essential to check if your business faces any licensing requirements. Many companies in New Jersey do. 

For example, if your business deals with alcoholic beverages, you may be required to obtain multiple alcohol licenses, including: 

• Alcohol Beverage Bulk Sale (BSP) 

• Alcohol Beverage Home Brewer (BRW)

• Alcohol Plenary Retail Consumption 

• Alcoholic Beverage Import for Personal Consumption

• Alcoholic Beverage Sale (Non-Profit) for Social Affair

• Alcoholic Beverage Transportation

• Alcoholic Beverages Retailer to Retailer (RR) 

Other business industries requiring additional licenses include car dealerships, daycare centers, hair salons, and more. You can refer to the State of New Jersey’s Official Licensing & Certification Guide to determine if your business needs a state license.  

Certain professions, such as accounting, require a professional license from the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs. 

Step 4: Search for Local County or City New Jersey Business Licenses

Your city, county, or municipality may require you to obtain local licenses beyond federal and state requirements. Call your city’s local tax office or contact other local authorities after forming your business to get information on licensing requirements. 

For example, the city of Trenton requires businesses to obtain proper licenses if they’re engaged in:[3]  

• Amusement and entertainment facilities, such as adolescent recreation centers

• Food service, including restaurants, bars, nightclubs, and delivery-only establishments

• Gasoline service, including car wash and retail sales

• Moving and storage 

• Barbershops, beauty salons, and nail art

Newark also has an extensive list of industries and professions that require additional licenses. Florists, dance halls, food caters, laundry services, and parking stations, among others, must obtain proper licensing.[4]

Contact your local authorities to find out if you need a professional license, a sales tax permit, a business tax certificate, or other types of business documentation. 

Step 5: Search for New Jersey Professional Licenses

Certain regulated professions must obtain additional licenses from their state board. Doctors, plumbers, lawyers, and dentists are just some examples of regulated jobs in New Jersey that need to apply for a professional license. 

If your profession is regulated, you may need to apply for multiple business licenses at the state and local levels. 

Step 6: Apply for a New Jersey Home-Based Business License

Suppose you run your small business from home. In that case, you may need to apply for a home occupation license and satisfy other permitting requirements. For example, your new business may need to comply with zoning and tax registration requirements. 

Whether you’ll need a business license for your home-based business depends on the type of business you run and your business location. The best way to get the necessary information is to contact your city or county clerk’s office. Child-care centers and family child-learning businesses will likely require numerous licenses and permits.

Step 7: Maintain Your New Jersey Business License

In most cases, you’ll need to renew your business licenses yearly in New Jersey. Business owners must keep their licenses current at the federal, state, and local levels. 

If you don’t have time to determine what business licenses you need and how to maintain them in good standing, Swyft Filings can do it for you.

Apply for a New Jersey Business License Online

Many new business owners need help figuring out what licenses they need to keep their small businesses in good standing. 

If you’re confused about different types of licensing requirements at the federal, state, and local levels, don’t worry. We can do all the research for you and file your business license applications. At the same time, you focus on growing your business. 

FAQs

How do I get a business license in New Jersey?

Start with researching the types of business licenses you’ll need. You may be required to get a federal license, a state license, or a local license. Then, file your application with the appropriate government agency. 

Does New Jersey require a general business license?

There is no general business license requirement in New Jersey. However, depending on the nature of your business, you may still be required to obtain a state license. 

Can you sell things in New Jersey without a license?

You must fulfill proper sales tax regulations before selling things in New Jersey. 

Do I need a special license for an online business in New Jersey?

New Jersey doesn’t have a particular business license for online businesses. Depending on the nature of your business activities, you may need to comply with federal, state, or local licensing requirements. 

Can I collect sales tax in New Jersey without a license?

To collect sales tax, you must register with the New Jersey Department of Treasury and the New Jersey Division of Revenue using the NJ-REG form.[5] 

How much does a New Jersey business license cost?

It depends on the type of business license that you’re applying for. You can expect the filing fees to range between $20 and $500. 

What’s the penalty for not having a business license in New Jersey?

The consequences of not obtaining proper business licenses in New Jersey can be severe. Please note that most businesses will require some licensing. Use Swyft Filings to stay in good standing effortlessly. 

Bibliography

1. The Official Site of the State of New Jersey. “Business Registration Certificate.” Accessed June 5, 2023. 

2. US Small Business Administration. “Apply for licenses and permits.” Accessed June 5, 2023. 

3. The Official Website of the City of Trenton. “Business Registration.” Accessed June 5, 2023. 

4. The Official Website of the City of Newark. “List of Business Licenses.” Accessed June 5, 2023. 

5. NJ Treasury. “Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services.” Accessed June 5, 2023.