Basic Business License

A business license is an approval or permit issued by a government agency that authorizes a business to operate within a specific jurisdiction. This license is often an additional requirement beyond the registration of a business at the state level. Whether a business is required to have a specific license depends on such factors as the nature of the business, types of products sold, and location.

Businesses are often reliant upon their own compliance tracking to stay on top of renewals. While the licensing jurisdiction may send a renewal notice, entities should not rely on this reminder method. CT Corporation has developed a Client License Information Center, CLiC, to help manage the renewal process and avoid delinquent charges and fines.

The term of a license is entirely dependent on the type of license. Some licenses are good for the life of the business while others must be renewed annually or every two years. However, laws can change frequently so businesses must stay abreast of changes that affect the term of their license.

Although Sales and Use Tax registrations would seem to be the most basic of business license filings, the requirements can vary from state to state, county to county and sometimes even by municipality. These applications can be confusing and time consuming. Contact CT Corporation for assistance.

An EIN is a unique nine digit number assigned by the IRS is used to identify business entities and is also known by other names such as 'Federal Tax Identification Number' and 'Tax Identification Number (TIN)'.

Many local jurisdictions require business owners to apply for and secure a fire alarm permit if they will be operating in a commercial location. The fire alarm permit allows local inspectors to ensure that the fire prevention system is appropriately installed and in working order. Usually these permits are obtained from the local building or planning department.

There may also be a requirement to register your business' burglar alarm, depending on the jurisdiction in which you are located. Alarms that are wired to notify the local police are good examples of regulated alarm systems. Jurisdictions might require registration of company burglar alarms as part of a false alarm prevention program. Registrations might be handled through the municipality itself, or through a third party alarm monitoring company.

Alarm System Companies seeking to market, sell, and/ or monitor alarm systems located within another state may be required to obtain additional licenses, even if no physical installation occurs within the state. Business entity registration with the Secretary of State may be necessary, depending on the volume of business conducted in the new state or as a prerequisite for other licenses. Other states require tax registrations, local business licenses, and alarm system service licenses.

For example, an alarm company that mails self-install alarm systems to residents of Illinois, Tennessee, and New Jersey and performs security monitoring services from their home state would be required to obtain additional licensing. Illinois specifically requires companies to register with the Secretary of State, Department of Revenue, and to seek licensing from the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation as a Private Alarm Contractor Agency. Similarly, Tennessee requires registration with the Secretary of State and licensing with the Alarm Systems Contractors’ Board. New Jersey mandates, under the state’s Administrative Code Title 13, that alarm companies that monitor units located within the state hold licenses through the Department of Consumer Affairs as an Alarm and Locksmith Business.

Other states, like New York, do not require out-of-state companies to obtain licensing unless the business installs or services the actual units within the state. Companies that simply monitor the units are exempt from New York State’s licensing requirements.

Let CT Corporation identify all regulations and licensing requisites that apply to your business, and seamlessly navigate the filing process on your behalf. If you are already licensed, we can manage license renewals and ongoing license compliance. To get started, please contact CT Corporation to consult a licensing specialist.

“Alarm system” is an umbrella term that encompasses any device designed to detect and signal either an intrusion or a hazardous condition. These devices include, but are not limited to: burglar alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, door alarms, fire alarms, flood detectors, security systems, and smoke alarms. All states have a strong and established interest in protecting the safety and welfare of their citizens. Due to this interest, states regulate alarm system companies with licensing rules.

No License

Alarm system companies are not always required to obtain a license. For example, companies operating in Colorado or Wisconsin are not currently required to obtain a license. However, these two states represent the exception rather than the rule as most states do have a license requirement.

Alarm System Service License

Typically, a company can obtain an alarm system service license by filling out their state’s license application and paying the required license fee. Additional requirements, which vary from state to state, include: having an employee pass a required exam, designating a qualified agent, providing a certificate of insurance, providing a description of the training that the company will provide to their employees, listing all locations of branch offices, submitting a criminal background check record for each employee, and submitting fingerprints.

Separate Burglar and Fire Alarm Licenses

In some states, alarm system companies are required to obtain separate licenses – one for a burglar alarm and another for a fire alarm. For example, South Carolina separates the burglar alarm system business from the fire alarm system business. Similarly, in Utah, you can only obtain a burglar alarm license. To be in the fire alarm systems business, a company would have to complete the Fire Alarm Inspecting and Testing Certification Program successfully.

Contractor’s or Electrical Contractor’s License

In some states, alarm system companies will have to obtain either a contractor’s or electrical contractor’s license. A contractor is an individual or business entity that is contracted to perform work and supervise construction. In contrast, an electrical contractor performs specialized construction. An electrical contractor helps to design, install, maintain, and service electrical systems.

Low Voltage Contractor’s License

Other states require a low voltage contractor’s license. For example, an alarm company that is contracted to install, maintain, repair, or service low voltage systems in Arkansas and Georgia would be required to obtain this type of license.

Alarm systems are increasingly becoming an important and, arguably, a necessary component of any business or residential security plan. CT Corporation will help you navigate through the complex and often confusing world of alarm company licensing . We will identify and obtain all the licenses you need, saving you the time and hassle of doing it yourself. Alternatively, if you have already obtained licenses, we can manage license renewals and ensure ongoing license compliance. To get started, please contact CT Corporation to consult a licensing specialist.

Yes, Health Departments in almost all states and/or localities require juice manufacturers to register with their office. Juice Manufactures are subject to food permits and inspections similar to those administered to restaurants. In addition to a food permit, States, Counties, and Municipalities may require business to obtain a local business license and other zoning approvals. CT Corporation can identify all the licensing requirements your business may need and file the forms on your behalf.

A Juice Manufacturer wishing to do business in Florida will need to obtain an “Annual Food Permit” from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. If they plan to distribute their product at the same facility they would also need an additional permit in order to do so. These permits require the facility to submit a plan review to the board for approval and undergo inspections before being allowed to operate. Additionally Florida cities and counties require a local Business Tax Receipt for any business operating within the city and county limits.

In Texas Juice and Food manufacturers are required to register with the State Department of Health Services prior to operating their business. Manufacturers must have their facilities inspected and pass zoning rules before being allowed to open.

In addition to Local and State Licenses, Juice Manufacturers, should review the FDA’s Juice Hazard Analysis & Critical Control Points (HACCP) legislation to see whether their business falls under the rules and regulations of this act. Depending on the type of business, quantity of juice being produced, and type of fruits or vegetables in the juice there may be rules imposed by the FDA.

CT Corporation can assist your new or expanding business obtain all applicable business licenses and your business stays in compliance with all license regulations. For additional help please contact CT Corporation to consult a licensing specialist.

If your company intends to manufacture tobacco products within the United States, you may be required to obtain a federal permit from the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB). Additional manufacturer or distributor of tobacco products licenses may be required by state and local authorities depending on where the tobacco will be sold. Federal law requires that all businesses who intend to manufacture tobacco products obtain a permit from TTB. To apply for a permit to manufacture tobacco products, you must complete a detailed application, a personnel questionnaire for each officer, director, or stockholder of more than 10 percent, provide a diagram of factory premises, and obtain a surety bond. Failure to secure and maintain proper licensing could potentially incur civil fines, or the imposition of criminal penalties.

CT Corporation can help you obtain all necessary permits to ensure that your company is in compliance with federal, state, and local licensing laws. Our skilled account managers will identify any supplemental information needed, collecting and completing all paperwork and applications, and monitoring the process to ensure swift approval so that you can focus on growing your business. To get a free quote today, please contact CT Corporation to consult a licensing specialist.

Yes. Federal law prohibits the distribution of veterinary biologics unless they are manufactured in compliance with certain regulations. Veterinary biologics for commercial use must be produced at a USDA-approved establishment and proven to be pure, safe, potent, and efficacious. APHIS issues an establishment license to acceptable manufacturing facilities and an individual product license for each veterinary biologic that the establishment markets. In addition, APHIS issues permits for importing veterinary biologics for research, transit shipment, or distribution and sale in the United States.

Depending on the state, you may need to be licensed as a pharmacy, a wholesaler and/or a manufacturer. For example, in Mississippi and South Carolina, veterinary biological products are covered under a typical pharmacy license. However, in Tennessee and Idaho, the business is required to obtain a wholesale pharmacy license. In other states, such as South Dakota and Nebraska, no pharmacy license is required at all.

In some states, veterinary biological products are regulated by neither the state’s Board of Pharmacy nor the Board of Health, but by the State Veterinarian’s Office. For example, in Connecticut and Iowa, the state veterinarian requires that a producer of biological products submit a letter of permission to distribute biological products. Often, supplementary forms are required in addition to the letter, such as: (1) a copy of the business’ USDA-issued establishment and product licenses, as well as (2) relevant documentation issued by the FDA (i.e. product restrictions). In Oklahoma, application for a biological products permit is obtained through the Department of Agriculture.

CT Corporation can help navigate the maze of federal and state licensure for businesses that produce veterinary biological products, as well as manage your ongoing license renewals. For additional help please contact CT Corporation to consult a licensing specialist.