How to Get a Small Business License in New Jersey

Every year, entrepreneurs decide to start their small businesses in the Garden State. But before you open your doors, you need to make sure you and your business have checked off every regulatory requirement—specifically that you've gotten all the necessary licenses and permits to legally operate at your New Jersey location.

Let's walk through the licenses, registrations, and permits you might need to start a business in New Jersey.

Which Business Licenses Do You Need for Your Small Business?

When starting a business in New Jersey, you must:

• register your business entity with the New Jersey Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services (DORES)
• file taxes with the New Jersey Division of Taxation (DOT), and
• apply for business licenses and permits with your state, county, and town.

The types of licenses and permits your business must apply for depends on your business structure, industry, and location. The main types of business licenses, permits, and registrations are:

• general business licenses
• professional licenses
• business registration certificate
• seller's permits (sometimes called "sales tax certificate")
• zoning and building permits, and
• doing business as (DBA) registrations.

(For more general guidance, see our article on the legal requirements for starting a small business.)

General Business License in New Jersey

New Jersey, like many other states, doesn't issue a statewide general business license. Instead, your operations and location will determine whether you need a business license. Many cities and counties in New Jersey require businesses to obtain an industry-specific license.

For example, the City of Newark has a list of business licenses that you can choose from. Just click on your license or choose your business from a dropdown menu—such as "florist" or "laundry"—and you'll be taken to a webpage with information about the licensing process and a link to apply online.

The NJ Business Licensing and Certification Guide is a great resource to use to help you find the state licenses and certifications you need for your small business. Just type in your type of business into the search bar for personalized results. The list of results gives you the name and contact information of the agency in charge of each license. Some results provide you with a link to apply for your license or register your business online.

You can also use the NJ Business Navigator to create a personalized registration guide for your business. You'll need to answer some questions about your business, such as your industry, business structure, and the products and services you'll provide. Your guide should include a list of the licenses, registrations, and certifications that apply to your small business.

You should contact your city and county to check the specific business licensing requirements in your area.

Professional and Occupational Licenses for Businesses and Individuals in New Jersey

Depending on your profession and occupation, you might be required to get special licensing or certification for you and your business. If you're a member of one of the professions or occupations that have special requirements, you'll need to make sure you apply for and obtain the proper authorizations before you start practicing in your chosen area.

You can get information about the state agencies that license and regulate many professions and occupations, as well as at least the basic licensing requirements, from either of the following sources:

• the NJ Business Licensing and Certification Guide, or
• the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs (DCA).

The NJ Business Licensing and Certification Guide gives you a list of professional and occupational licenses and certifications you might need, in addition to other regulatory licensing information.

The DCA website hosts dozens of regulatory boards and committees. Each profession and occupation has its own webpage with details information on topics such as:

• laws and regulations
• applications and forms
• application phases and timelines
• continuing education
• study materials
• board members and contact information
• board meetings
• frequently asked questions, and
• other resources.

In addition, the DCA's MyLicense website allows you to apply for and renew your license online as well as check your application status, or change your contact information. Through MyLicense, you can register an individual or a business.

New Jersey Business Registration Certificate

All businesses that plan to operate in New Jersey must first register for taxes with the DORES. You'll use Form NJ-REG to register your business. During the registration process, you'll identify which taxes your business is responsible for. For example, you might indicate that you want to register for:

• business income tax
• sales and use tax, and
• payroll taxes and wage withholding.

Complete your business registration online using New Jersey's Online Business Registration.

You can find detailed instructions on how to register your business for taxes on the NJ Business website.

Local Zoning and Building Permits

In some cases, especially if you'll be building or renovating a space, you'll need to get special zoning and building permits. Some cities require businesses to have zoning approval and a certificate of occupancy (CO) or a similar document before your business license is approved or you can use your commercial space. You'll likely need to submit a fee along with your CO application.

For instance, Newark requires those seeking a retail license to first obtain a CO and zoning approval before getting their retail business license. In Jersey City, whether you need a CO depends on the extent of your renovations and whether the use of the space has changed.

Zoning laws. If your type of business isn't in line with the zoning code, you can find another space or potentially apply for a special use permit. A special permit can provide your business with an exception to the current use laws.

Building code. You can work with local departments and agencies to apply for building and construction permits. You'll likely need to have inspections related to your space's structural, electrical, mechanical, and plumbing features.

If you're leasing a commercial space, make sure you have a paragraph or section in the commercial lease that ensures the building and your use of the space are in line with the zoning laws.

Registering Your Trade Name or Alternate Name in New Jersey

If you use a name that's different from your legal name (for sole proprietors and general partnerships) or the business name you've registered with the DORES, you're using a trade name. New Jersey uses different names to refer to a trade name:

• For sole proprietorships and general partnerships, New Jersey calls a trade name a "trade name."
• For corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), and limited partnerships, New Jersey calls a trade name an "alternate name."
• For out-of-state businesses, New Jersey calls a trade name a "DBA."

Sole proprietors and general partnerships: Unincorporated business entities that use a trade name must file a trade name certificate with their county clerk. You must file a certificate for every county you'll do business in. (N.J. Stat. § 56: 1-2 (2023).) Your county will set the filing fee but typically it'll be around $50.

Corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), and limited partnerships: Incorporated or registered business entities doing business under a name that's different from the name registered with the DORES must register their alternate name. You can use Form C-150G to register your alternate name with the DORES. You can register online, by mail, in person, or by fax. The registration is good for five years and can be renewed. As of 2023, the filing fee is $50.

Out-of-state businesses: An out-of-state business that wants to do business in New Jersey must first check to see whether the name that's on their formation documents is available to register. If it is available, then the business must use that name. If their name isn't available, then the foreign business must register a different name (a DBA).

For more, check out the business names section of the NJ Business website.

Other Licenses and Permits Your Business Might Need

Apart from the licenses and permits discussed above, you might be required to comply with other laws and regulations. For example, your business might need to obtain special licensing or follow special rules related to:

• safety
• health, and
• the environment.

If your industry is highly regulated, expect to obtain multiple licenses, permits, and registrations. You should check with your federal, state, and local governments about what regulatory requirements apply to your business.

New Jersey Small Business Information

You can find answers to many New Jersey small business questions online by going to the New Jersey Business Portal. The section on starting a business has links to information on and resources for various small business topics, such as:

• industry starter kits
• hiring employees
• employer requirements, and
• trademarks, patents, and copyrights.

The section on planning a business also has helpful information and resources about:

• creating a business plan
• selecting a location
• building permits and ADA compliance
• leasing tips, and
• business support.

You can also find more information on how to start and operate your business in our website's small business section.

If you're looking for further education, you can also find expanded information in many Nolo books, such as Legal Guide for Starting & Running a Small Business, by Fred S. Steingold, and The Small Business Start-Up Kit, by Peri Pakroo.