Businesses that procure, or attempt to procure, employment for individuals are often required to obtain a state employment agency license. A general manger of the agency may be subject to a state examination and an individual professional license. A surety bond in the name of the entity may be required with each application. Other common requirements include examples of proposed contracts and schedules of fees, financial statements, and supporting corporate documents. Licenses are valid for a certain period of time (1-3 years) and must be renewed.
Unlicensed employment or staffing agencies face considerable penalties with fines ranging from $1,000 - $25,000 depending on the state. Unlicensed employment agencies may be ordered to restore any money that was paid to them by a client while they were operating as an unlicensed agency. In addition, the state can prohibit the agency from operating in that state in the future.
Businesses functioning without the proper license are generally penalized based on the size of the operation and the gravity of the offense.