Depending on the activities they engage in, businesses in North Carolina may need to obtain licenses or permits in order to operate. Businesses may also have to register with the North Carolina Secretary of State and Department of Revenue. Corporations are subject to a state franchise tax.
Contact CT Corporation for a free consultation.
North Carolina does not issue a single generic business license, but businesses may be subject to other state, county, city, and/or federal licensing requirements. North Carolina has over 700 regulatory, state-issued and occupational licenses and permits. Businesses may also need to register with the city or county and obtain local licenses and permits. To learn more about the specific registration and licensing requirements in North Carolina, click on the North Carolina industry or county tabs for more information or to order the proper forms.
For more information, please contact CT Corporation for a consultation with a business licensing specialist.
CT Corporation manages the lifecycle of all your business licenses and provides ongoing support for your core business license program.
CT Corporation quickly and accurately assembles a business license package with all the licensing applications and instructions your business may need.
License Type:
Appraisal Management Company License
License Issued By:
Appraisal Board
Jurisdiction Filing Fees:
$3500 *
Other Requirements:
Annual Renewals
Notes:
To obtain (and maintain) this license, the State of North Carolina requires an application, a $3,500 fee*, extensive supporting documentation, and annual renewals.
Furthermore, the State may reject your application if you have not met certain prerequisites** prior to submission.
License Type:
Architectural Firm License
License Issued By:
Board of Architecture
Jurisdiction Filing Fees:
$75 *
Other Requirements:
Annual Renewals
Notes:
To obtain (and maintain) this license, the State of North Carolina requires an application, a $75 fee*, extensive supporting documentation, and annual renewals.
Furthermore, the State may reject your application if you have not met certain prerequisites** prior to submission.
License Type:
Charitable Solicitation Registration
License Issued By:
Charitable Solicitation Licensing at the Secretary of State
Jurisdiction Filing Fees:
$0 to $200*
Other Requirements:
Annual Renewals/Reports
Notes:
To obtain (and maintain) this license, the State of North Carolina requires an application, a $0 to $200 fee*, extensive supporting documentation, and annual renewals/reports.
Furthermore, the State may reject your application if you have not met certain prerequisites** prior to submission.
License Type:
Collection Agency License
License Issued By:
Department of Insurance's Agent Services Division
Jurisdiction Filing Fees:
$1000 plus $48 processing fee*, surety bond
Other Requirements:
Annual Renewals
Notes:
To obtain (and maintain) this license, the State of North Carolina requires an application, fees totaling $1,048*, a surety bond, extensive supporting documentation, and annual renewals.
Furthermore, the State may reject your application if you have not met certain prerequisites** prior to submission.
The State of North Carolina (NC) does not require a Commercial Painter License at the state level. However, if your business is providing commercial painting services in North Carolina, you may be required to obtain a Commercial Painter License at the local level or comply with other licensing laws at the state or local level. If you are unsure about whether your business needs to be licensed, contact CT Corporation to consult a licensing specialist.
License Type:
Compounding Pharmacy License
License Issued By:
Board of Pharmacy
Jurisdiction Filing Fees:
$500 *
Other Requirements:
Annual Renewals
Notes:
To obtain (and maintain) this license, the State of North Carolina requires an application, a $500 fee*, extensive supporting documentation, and annual renewals.
Furthermore, the State may reject your application if you have not met certain prerequisites** prior to submission.
License Type:
Cosmetology License
License Issued By:
State Board of Cosmetic Art Examiners
Jurisdiction Filing Fees:
$25 registration fee, $10 processing fee, plus $3 per chair*
Other Requirements:
Renewals
Notes:
To obtain (and maintain) this license, the State of North Carolina requires an application, fees totaling $35 or more*, extensive supporting documentation, and renewals.
Furthermore, the State may reject your application if you have not met certain prerequisites** prior to submission.
The State of North Carolina (NC) does not require a Debt Management License. However, if your business is providing debt management services in North Carolina, you may still be required to comply with other licensing laws at the state or local level. If you are unsure about whether your business needs to be licensed, contact CT Corporation to consult a licensing specialist.
License Type:
Durable Medical Equipment License
License Issued By:
Board of Pharmacy
Jurisdiction Filing Fees:
$500*
Other Requirements:
Annual Renewals
Notes:
To obtain (and maintain) this license, the State of North Carolina requires an application, a $500 fee*, extensive supporting documentation, and annual renewals.
Furthermore, the State may reject your application if you have not met certain prerequisites** prior to submission.
License Type:
Electrical Contractor License
License Issued By:
State Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors
Jurisdiction Filing Fees:
$180*
Other Requirements:
Annual Renewals
Notes:
To obtain (and maintain) this license, the State of North Carolina requires an application, a $180 fee*, extensive supporting documentation, and annual renewals.
Furthermore, the State may reject your application if you have not met certain prerequisites** prior to submission.
License Type:
Employment Agency License
License Issued By:
Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Bureau
Jurisdiction Filing Fees:
$500*
Other Requirements:
Annual Renewals
Notes:
To obtain (and maintain) this license, the State of North Carolina requires an application, a $500 fee*, extensive supporting documentation, and annual renewals.
Furthermore, the State may reject your application if you have not met certain prerequisites** prior to submission.
The State of North Carolina (NC) does not require an Energy Broker License. However, if your business is providing energy brokering services in North Carolina, you may still be required to comply with other licensing laws at the state or local level. If you are unsure about whether your business needs to be licensed, contact CT Corporation to consult a licensing specialist.
License Type:
Engineering Firm License
License Issued By:
Board of Examiners for Engineers and Surveyors
Jurisdiction Filing Fees:
$100*
Other Requirements:
Annual Renewals
Notes:
To obtain (and maintain) this license, the State of North Carolina requires an application, a $100 fee*, extensive supporting documentation, and annual renewals.
Furthermore, the State may reject your application if you have not met certain prerequisites** prior to submission.
License Type:
Fertilizer License
License Issued By:
Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
Jurisdiction Filing Fees:
$100*
Other Requirements:
Annual Renewals
Notes:
To obtain (and maintain) this license, the State of North Carolina requires an application, a $100 fee*, extensive supporting documentation, and annual renewals.
Furthermore, the State may reject your application if you have not met certain prerequisites** prior to submission.
License Type:
Fertilizer Product Registration
License Issued By:
Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
Jurisdiction Filing Fees:
$30 per product*
Other Requirements:
Annual Renewals
Notes:
To obtain (and maintain) this license, the State of North Carolina requires an application, a $30 per product fee*, extensive supporting documentation, and annual renewals.
Furthermore, the State may reject your application if you have not met certain prerequisites** prior to submission.
License Type:
Franchise Registration
License Issued By:
Secretary of State
Jurisdiction Filing Fees:
$250*
Other Requirements:
Annual Renewals
Notes:
To obtain (and maintain) this license, the State of North Carolina requires an application, a $250 fee*, extensive supporting documentation, and annual renewals.
Furthermore, the State may reject your application if you have not met certain prerequisites** prior to submission.
License Type:
General Contractor License
License Issued By:
Licensing Board for General Contractors
Jurisdiction Filing Fees:
$75 to $125*
Other Requirements:
Annual Renewals
Notes:
To obtain (and maintain) this license, the State of North Carolina requires an application, a $75 to $125 fee*, extensive supporting documentation, and annual renewals.
Furthermore, the State may reject your application if you have not met certain prerequisites** prior to submission.
License Type:
Home Health Agency License
License Issued By:
Department of Health and Human Services
Jurisdiction Filing Fees:
$560*
Other Requirements:
Annual Renewals
Notes:
To obtain (and maintain) this license, the State of North Carolina requires an application, a $560 fee*, extensive supporting documentation, and annual renewals.
Furthermore, the State may reject your application if you have not met certain prerequisites** prior to submission.
License Type:
Home Improvement Contractor License
License Issued By:
Licensing Board for General Contractors
Jurisdiction Filing Fees:
$75 to $125*
Other Requirements:
Annual Renewals
Notes:
To obtain (and maintain) this license, the State of North Carolina requires an application, a $75 to $125 fee*, extensive supporting documentation, and annual renewals.
Furthermore, the State may reject your application if you have not met certain prerequisites** prior to submission.
License Type:
HVAC License
License Issued By:
State Board of Examiners of Plumbing, Heating and Fire Sprinkler Contractors
Jurisdiction Filing Fees:
$100*
Other Requirements:
Annual Renewals
Notes:
To obtain (and maintain) this license, the State of North Carolina requires an application, a $100 fee*, extensive supporting documentation, and annual renewals.
Furthermore, the State may reject your application if you have not met certain prerequisites** prior to submission.
License Type:
Insurance Agency License
License Issued By:
Department of Insurance
Jurisdiction Filing Fees:
$150*
Other Requirements:
Annual Renewals
Notes:
To obtain (and maintain) this license, the State of North Carolina requires an application, a $150 fee*, extensive supporting documentation, and annual renewals.
Furthermore, the State may reject your application if you have not met certain prerequisites** prior to submission.
License Type:
Mail-Order Pharmacy License
License Issued By:
Board of Pharmacy
Jurisdiction Filing Fees:
$500*
Other Requirements:
Annual Renewals
Notes:
To obtain (and maintain) this license, the State of North Carolina requires an application, a $500 fee*, extensive supporting documentation, and annual renewals.
Furthermore, the State may reject your application if you have not met certain prerequisites** prior to submission.
License Type:
Manufactured Home Dealer License
License Issued By:
Manufactured Housing Board
Jurisdiction Filing Fees:
$250*
Other Requirements:
Annual Renewals
Notes:
To obtain (and maintain) this license, the State of North Carolina requires an application, a $250 fee*, extensive supporting documentation, and annual renewals.
Furthermore, the State may reject your application if you have not met certain prerequisites** prior to submission.
License Type:
Manufactured Home Installer License
License Issued By:
Manufactured Housing Board
Jurisdiction Filing Fees:
$250*
Other Requirements:
Annual Renewals
Notes:
To obtain (and maintain) this license, the State of North Carolina requires an application, a $250 fee*, extensive supporting documentation, and annual renewals.
Furthermore, the State may reject your application if you have not met certain prerequisites** prior to submission.
License Type:
Manufactured Home Manufacturer License
License Issued By:
Manufactured Housing Board
Jurisdiction Filing Fees:
$300*
Other Requirements:
Annual Renewals
Notes:
To obtain (and maintain) this license, the State of North Carolina requires an application, a $300 fee*, extensive supporting documentation, and annual renewals.
Furthermore, the State may reject your application if you have not met certain prerequisites** prior to submission.
License Type:
Money Transmitter License
License Issued By:
Commissioner of Banks
Jurisdiction Filing Fees:
$1500*
Other Requirements:
Annual Renewals
Notes:
To obtain (and maintain) this license, the State of North Carolina requires an application, a $1,500 fee*, extensive supporting documentation, and annual renewals.
Furthermore, the State may reject your application if you have not met certain prerequisites** prior to submission.
License Type:
Mortgage Broker License
License Issued By:
Commissioner of Banks Office
Jurisdiction Filing Fees:
$1250*
Other Requirements:
Annual Renewals
Notes:
To obtain (and maintain) this license, the State of North Carolina requires an application, a $1,250 fee*, extensive supporting documentation, and annual renewals.
Furthermore, the State may reject your application if you have not met certain prerequisites** prior to submission.
License Type:
Mortgage Lender License
License Issued By:
Commissioner of Banks Office
Jurisdiction Filing Fees:
$1250*
Other Requirements:
Annual Renewals
Notes:
To obtain (and maintain) this license, the State of North Carolina requires an application, a $1,250 fee*, extensive supporting documentation, and annual renewals.
Furthermore, the State may reject your application if you have not met certain prerequisites** prior to submission.
The State of North Carolina (NC) does not require a Pawnbroker License at the state level. However, if your business is operating a pawnshop in North Carolina, you may be required to obtain a Pawnbroker License at the local level or comply with other licensing laws at the state or local level. If you are unsure about whether your business needs to be licensed, contact CT Corporation to consult a licensing specialist.
The State of North Carolina (NC) does not require a Payday Lender License. However, if your business is providing payday loans in North Carolina, you may still be required to comply with other licensing laws at the state or local level. If you are unsure about whether your business needs to be licensed, contact CT Corporation to consult a licensing specialist.
License Type:
Pesticide Product Registration
License Issued By:
Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
Jurisdiction Filing Fees:
$175*
Other Requirements:
Annual Renewals
Notes:
To obtain (and maintain) this license, the State of North Carolina requires an application, a $175 fee*, extensive supporting documentation, and annual renewals.
Furthermore, the State may reject your application if you have not met certain prerequisites** prior to submission.
License Type:
Pet Shop License
License Issued By:
Animal Welfare Section of the Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services
Jurisdiction Filing Fees:
$75*
Other Requirements:
Annual Renewals
Notes:
To obtain (and maintain) this license, the State of North Carolina requires an application, a $75 fee*, extensive supporting documentation, and annual renewals.
Furthermore, the State may reject your application if you have not met certain prerequisites** prior to submission.
License Type:
Pharmacy License
License Issued By:
Board of Pharmacy
Jurisdiction Filing Fees:
$500*, an inspection
Other Requirements:
Annual Renewals
Notes:
To obtain (and maintain) this license, the State of North Carolina requires an application, a $500 fee*, an inspection, extensive supporting documentation, and annual renewals.
Furthermore, the State may reject your application if you have not met certain prerequisites** prior to submission.
License Type:
Plumbing Contractor License
License Issued By:
State Board of Examiner of Plumbing, Heating, and Fire Sprinkler Contractors
Jurisdiction Filing Fees:
$100*
Other Requirements:
Annual Renewals
Notes:
To obtain (and maintain) this license, the State of North Carolina requires an application, a $100 fee*, extensive supporting documentation, and annual renewals.
Furthermore, the State may reject your application if you have not met certain prerequisites** prior to submission.
License Type:
Private Investigation Agency License
License Issued By:
Private Protective Services Board
Jurisdiction Filing Fees:
$188*
Other Requirements:
Annual Renewals
Notes:
To obtain (and maintain) this license, the State of North Carolina requires an application, a $188 fee*, extensive supporting documentation, and annual renewals.
Furthermore, the State may reject your application if you have not met certain prerequisites** prior to submission.
License Type:
Private Security License
License Issued By:
Licensing Unit
Jurisdiction Filing Fees:
$150*
Other Requirements:
Biennial Renewals
Notes:
To obtain (and maintain) this license, the State of North Carolina requires an application, a $150 fee*, extensive supporting documentation, and biennial renewals.
Furthermore, the State may reject your application if you have not met certain prerequisites** prior to submission.
License Type:
Professional Engineer License
License Issued By:
Board of Examiners for Engineers and Surveyors
Jurisdiction Filing Fees:
$100*
Other Requirements:
Annual Renewals
Notes:
To obtain (and maintain) this license, the State of North Carolina requires an application, a $100 fee*, extensive supporting documentation, and annual renewals.
Furthermore, the State may reject your application if you have not met certain prerequisites** prior to submission.
The State of North Carolina (NC) does not require a Residential Painter License at the state level. However, if your business is providing residential painting services in North Carolina, you may be required to obtain a Residential Painter License at the local level or comply with other licensing laws at the state or local level. If you are unsure about whether your business needs to be licensed, contact CT Corporation to consult a licensing specialist.
License Type:
Roofing Contractor License
License Issued By:
Licensing Board for General Contractors
Jurisdiction Filing Fees:
$75 to $125*
Other Requirements:
Annual Renewals
Notes:
To obtain (and maintain) this license, the State of North Carolina requires an application, a $75 to $125 fee*, extensive supporting documentation, and annual renewals.
Furthermore, the State may reject your application if you have not met certain prerequisites** prior to submission.
License Type:
Sales Tax ID
License Issued By:
Department of Revenue
Other Requirements:
Tax Returns
Notes:
To obtain (and maintain) this license, the State of North Carolina requires an application, extensive supporting documentation, and tax returns.
Furthermore, the State may reject your application if you have not met certain prerequisites** prior to submission.
The State of North Carolina (NC) does not require a Secondhand Dealer License at the state level. However, if your business is dealing in secondhand goods in North Carolina, you may be required to obtain a Secondhand Dealer License at the local level or comply with other licensing laws at the state or local level. If you are unsure about whether your business needs to be licensed, contact CT Corporation to consult a licensing specialist.
License Type:
Solar Contractor License
License Issued By:
State Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors
Jurisdiction Filing Fees:
$165*
Other Requirements:
Annual Renewals
Notes:
To obtain (and maintain) this license, the State of North Carolina requires an application, a $165 fee*, extensive supporting documentation, and annual renewals .
Furthermore, the State may reject your application if you have not met certain prerequisites** prior to submission.
License Type:
Staff Leasing Agency License
License Issued By:
Department of Insurance's Financial Evaluation Division
Jurisdiction Filing Fees:
$1000*
Other Requirements:
Annual Renewals
Notes:
To obtain (and maintain) this license, the State of North Carolina requires an application, a $1,000 fee*, extensive supporting documentation, and annual renewals.
Furthermore, the State may reject your application if you have not met certain prerequisites** prior to submission.
License Type:
Talent Agency License
License Issued By:
Department of Labor
Jurisdiction Filing Fees:
$500*
Other Requirements:
Annual Renewals
Notes:
To obtain (and maintain) this license, the State of North Carolina requires an application, a $500 fee*, extensive supporting documentation, and annual renewals.
Furthermore, the State may reject your application if you have not met certain prerequisites** prior to submission.
The State of North Carolina (NC) does not require a Tattoo Parlor License at the state level. However, if your business is operating a tattoo parlor in North Carolina, you may be required to obtain a Tattoo Parlor License at the local level or comply with other licensing laws at the state or local level. If you are unsure about whether your business needs to be licensed, contact CT Corporation to consult a licensing specialist.
License Type:
Telemarketing License
License Issued By:
Secretary of State
Jurisdiction Filing Fees:
$100*
Other Requirements:
Annual Renewals
Notes:
To obtain (and maintain) this license, the State of North Carolina requires an application, a $100 fee*, extensive supporting documentation, and annual renewals.
Furthermore, the State may reject your application if you have not met certain prerequisites** prior to submission.
License Type:
Title Agency License
License Issued By:
Department of Insurance
Jurisdiction Filing Fees:
$144*
Other Requirements:
Annual Renewals
Notes:
To obtain (and maintain) this license, the State of North Carolina requires an application, a $144 fee*, extensive supporting documentation, and annual renewals.
Furthermore, the State may reject your application if you have not met certain prerequisites** prior to submission.
License Type:
Tobacco Retail License
License Issued By:
Department of Revenue
Jurisdiction Filing Fees:
$10 to $25*
Other Requirements:
Renewals
Notes:
To obtain (and maintain) this license, the State of North Carolina requires an application, a $10 to a $25 fee*, extensive supporting documentation, and renewals.
Furthermore, the State may reject your application if you have not met certain prerequisites** prior to submission.
License Type:
Tobacco Wholesale License
License Issued By:
Department of Revenue
Jurisdiction Filing Fees:
$25*
Other Requirements:
Tax Returns
Notes:
To obtain (and maintain) this license, the State of North Carolina requires an application, a $25 fee*, extensive supporting documentation, and tax returns.
Furthermore, the State may reject your application if you have not met certain prerequisites** prior to submission.
License Type:
Unemployment Tax ID
License Issued By:
Department of Commerce - Division of Employment Security
Other Requirements:
Tax Returns
Notes:
To obtain (and maintain) this license, the State of North Carolina requires an application, extensive supporting documentation, and tax returns.
Furthermore, the State may reject your application if you have not met certain prerequisites** prior to submission.
License Type:
Wholesale Drug Distributor License
License Issued By:
Food and Drug Protection Division of the Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services
Jurisdiction Filing Fees:
$700 to $1000*
Other Requirements:
Annual Renewals
Notes:
To obtain (and maintain) this license, the State of North Carolina requires an application, a $700 to $1,000 fee*, extensive supporting documentation, and annual renewals.
Furthermore, the State may reject your application if you have not met certain prerequisites** prior to submission.
License Type:
Withholding Tax ID
License Issued By:
Department of Revenue
Other Requirements:
Tax Returns
Notes:
To obtain (and maintain) this license, the State of North Carolina requires an application, extensive supporting documentation, and tax returns.
Furthermore, the State may reject your application if you have not met certain prerequisites** prior to submission.
If your business is operating within Mecklenburg County, NC, you are required to have a Privilege License issued by the Business Tax Collections Office. Annual renewals are required. The county may reject your application if you have not met certain prerequisites prior to submission.
All other North Carolina counties do not issue Basic Business Licenses. However, your business may be required to obtain a Basic Business License at the state or local level or comply with other licensing laws, based on your business activity and location.
Note: The above refers only to basic business licenses, which are required for any type of business operating within the county. For information regarding industry specific licenses issued by North Carolina, contact us today!
Let CT Corporation take care of the paperwork for you! We will prepare and file your application, and we will follow up with the State until you have received your Georgia state license. As licensing experts, we will streamline the entire licensing process, making it as painless as possible.
For more information, please contact a CT Corporation licensing specialist.
