Hospitality/Restaurant Business License Wizard

Receive Hospitality Licensing, Permit and Tax Registration Applications Instantly

Businesses in the Food Production, Mobile Food Vendor, and Restaurant industries are highly regulated by various state and local authorities often requiring complex and detailed licensing. The food service businesses can be subject to rigorous inspections and enforcement of the law due to public health and safety concerns. Every hospitality establishment, from restaurants and franchises to hotels and bars needs to be properly licensed before it can start operating. Our Hospitality & Restaurant License Wizard performs this research in real-time and takes you straight to the ones you need instantly.

How the Wizard Works

You provide basic information about your business, and we do the rest:

• Research all licensing and permit requirements at every level (including general, specialty and regulated businesses) as well as tax registrations (sales tax, use tax, withholding tax, etc.)
• Provide a free preview listing the number of licenses, permits and tax registrations might be relevant to your business - you'll have the option to purchase the full report delivered via email
• Send you an email with links, instructions and applicable documentation for every application, along with contact information for each respective licensing authority

Industry Background

Hospitality and restaurant businesses can encompass a variety of licenses, from basic business licenses to tax registrations to industry-specific licenses. In most states, both sole proprietorships and incorporated businesses need some sort of license to comply with mandates for safety, soundness and taxation. Requirements may also vary by the way in which business is transacted. Failure to obtain proper licensing could leave you with pricey penalties, a lack of legal protection or criminal penalties such as jail time or probation.

NOTE: You cannot incorporate your business through this tool, but we offer that service too!
A common misconception is that the obtainment of licensing turns your company into an LLC, corporation, or other official entity with the state. If you'd like to incorporate, visit our Incorporation Options page.

NOTE: Certain industries are highly regulated by government agencies, and often incur greater licensing requirements.
Examples of highly regulated industries are agriculture, animal related, hazardous materials, education, explosives & firearms, etc. In such cases, we recommend using our Business License Application Package.

Related Services: Foreign Qualification

The filing that’s most commonly required for a business bidding on a project or transacting business in another state is called a Certificate of Authority, also known as Foreign Qualification. This document indicates that a business is registered to work and in good standing.

Related Services: DBA Filing

Filing a doing business as (DBA) allows you to keep your official company name but transact business under another name. A DBA name is typically used when you want to use multiple names for one business, such as opening multiple business locations.

Need help understanding your business license requirements?

The following are some specific licenses, permits, requirements, and tax registrations that are common for hospitality and restaurant establishments:

Sales and Use Tax Registration: Generally imposed on retail sales, leases, rentals of most goods and on some services, a Sales Tax ID is obtained by the state’s Department of Revenue. A Sales Tax ID enables the business to collect taxes, receive a sales tax exemption, and/or obtain resale certificates. New and existing businesses must understand whether and where they should apply for a Sales Tax ID –- the state will issue penalties if your company does not comply with these laws. Only a few states do not collect a sales tax (AK, DE, MT, NH, OR). Other names for the Sales Tax ID include:

• Reseller Permit
• Sales Tax Exemption Certificate
• Sales Tax Vendor ID Number
• Sales Tax Registration
• State Tax ID Number
• Reseller Tax ID
• Reseller Certificate

Food Production Licensing

• Federal Licensing: Owners, operators, food facilities or agents in charge of domestic or foreign food consumption must be regulated by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or the US Department of Agriculture (USDA).
• State and Local Licensing: State health departments require licensing from the health department to ensure the food is being properly stored, prepared and serviced. Local health department licensing is also required in most cases. Additional local food-related licensing may apply which might need to be renewed.
• Manufacturer Licensing: Most state departments of health or agriculture regulate “Food Manufacturers” which is defined broadly to include any facility or business where food is prepared, like a bakery or sandwich shop.

Franchise Restaurant Compliance - Franchise Rule: Governed by the Federal Trade Commission, the rule mandates disclosure documents be provided to the prospective purchasers of a franchise. Some states require having this documentation on file before or at the time of sale. Disclosure documentation requirements vary by state but may include:

• Uniform Franchise Registration Application
• Supplemental Information Form
• Franchise Broker Disclosure Form
• Uniform Consent to Service of Process
• Corp. Acknowledgment and Certification Page
• Advertising materials
• FDD Franchise Disclosure Document
• Surety Bond

Mobile Food Vendor Licensing: States and localities require licensing from the health department to ensure the food truck or cart is being properly insured, serviced and stored as well as the food being properly prepared and kept.

Restaurant Licensing:

• Food Handling and Safety Licenses: Most Jurisdictions require a food service establishment permit. In addition a food handling permit is typically required for owners and managers which often requires completing a mandatory food handling and sanitation training.
• Building Licenses: Verifies the location meets safety and operational requirements such as fire code, emergency exists, occupancy licensing, etc. Other permit requirements depend on the location. These may include a tax permit, sign permit, alarm or zoning permit and other building permits
• Liquor License: Varies by state and is required if the establishment intends to serve alcohol. Depending on the city or county, multiple liquor licenses might be needed to satisfy each level of government. Furthermore it may be impossible for a new restaurant to obtain a license if the local governments has a cap on the number of liquor licenses available in a neighborhood or block.
• Music License: Required by federal law if a restaurant intends on playing live or recorded music. Licensing must be obtained from a music licensing organization such as BMI, ASCAP and SESAC. Obtaining licenses from all three will keep you fully covered and avoid costly penalties. These organizations represent songwriters, composers and music publishers, protecting their performance rights. A cabaret license may be required if you intend on allowing dancing.