Key Takeaways

  • Most Louisiana businesses need local, parish, or city business licenses or permits rather than a state-level license.
  • The licensing process depends on your business type, activities, and location.
  • Common required permits include sales tax registration, occupational licenses, and industry-specific permits.
  • Contractor licenses in Louisiana may require exams, proof of insurance, and other documentation.
  • Additional permits may be needed for home-based businesses, signage, alcohol sales, or health-related services.
  • Failing to comply with licensing requirements can result in penalties, business closure, or delayed operations.

Louisiana Business License: What Is It?

You'll need a Louisiana business license to start a business in the state, and you'll need to obtain a business license from the Secretary of State. Depending on which corporation form you would like to register, you will need to provide additional information for permits and register your business for taxation. If you are in doubt, you should get in touch with the Louisiana Secretary of State to find out what you need to do to obtain a business license. 

  • You can write the Secretary of State to obtain information about the Louisiana Business License requirements at the following address: 

Secretary of State, P.O. Box 94125, Baton Rouge, LA 70804-9125

  • Alternatively, you can contact the office at [email protected] or by phone: (225) 922-2675 

Types of Louisiana Business Licenses

In Louisiana, there is no universal state business license. Instead, most businesses require licenses at the parish (county) or city level. The type of license needed depends on the nature of your business, where it operates, and the industry. Common types of licenses include:

  • Local Occupational Licenses: Required by most parishes and cities for businesses operating within their jurisdiction.
  • Sales Tax Permit: Issued by the Louisiana Department of Revenue for businesses selling goods or taxable services.
  • Professional and Industry-Specific Licenses: Required for certain professions like contractors, electricians, healthcare providers, and food-related businesses.
  • Home Occupation Permits: Required for home-based businesses in some parishes or municipalities.
  • Special Use Permits: For businesses engaged in activities like alcohol sales, childcare, or gaming.

Registering Your Business in Louisiana

When you start the process of registering your business in the state of Louisiana, you need to follow a certain order:

  • Tax registration
  • Business licenses application
  • Applying for local permits
  • Filing your incorporation details
  • Name or “Doing Business As” application
  • Filing for withholding taxes

When you register your business for taxes in Louisiana, you need to obtain a tax identification number for your company. There are different tax identification numbers you might be required to obtain, such as:

  • Permits
  • Income tax withholding
  • Sales and use tax
  • Unemployment insurance tax

To start applying for all the above identification numbers, you first have to obtain a Louisiana tax account number. To register for taxation, you need to contact the U.S. Internal Revenue Service at 1-800-829-4933.

Parish and City Business License Requirements

Local governments in Louisiana issue the majority of business licenses. Steps to obtain local licensing typically include:

  1. Contacting the Parish or City Clerk’s Office: Confirm what licenses or permits your business needs.
  2. Zoning Approval: Ensure your business location complies with local zoning laws.
  3. Completing the Occupational License Application: Many municipalities require an occupational license application with a fee.
  4. Renewing Annually: Local business licenses often require annual renewal, with possible penalties for late renewal.

Examples of major Louisiana cities and their licensing offices:

  • New Orleans: Bureau of Revenue
  • Baton Rouge: Finance Department, Revenue Division
  • Shreveport: Occupational Licenses Office

What You Need for Tax Registration in Louisiana

To register for taxation in Louisiana, you will need to provide the following information:

  • Legal name
  • Location
  • Business mailing address
  • Charter number (if you have one)
  • Federal ID (if you have)
  • Louisiana tax account ID when registering an existing entity
  • Owners', officers', and partners' information, including social security numbers and email addresses
  • General tax information
  • Your application or Louisiana Revenue accounts
  • Instructions 

The Business Licenses Application Process in Louisiana

After you have registered for your Louisiana tax, you will need to submit your application for Business Licenses. The number and type of licenses will depend on your business profile and organization form. You should get in touch with the Louisiana Secretary of State, or consult with a business license attorney for advice.

You will also need to apply for local permits. Contact the local government to find out more about the regulations and registration requirements of your municipality. The most commonly required local licenses and permits are:

  • Alarm permit
  • Signage permit
  • Zoning permit
  • Tax and business license permit
  • Health permit
  • Building permits

Additional Licensing Considerations for Contractors

If your business involves construction or contracting work, you may need a contractor's license through the Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors (LSLBC). Requirements may include:

  • Proof of liability insurance and workers' compensation coverage
  • Passing a trade exam and business law exam
  • Providing financial statements or bonding information
  • Submitting a completed application and fees

Note: Certain project thresholds (e.g., commercial projects over $50,000) trigger licensing requirements even for out-of-state contractors.

Incorporate in Louisiana

Once you have all your tax ID numbers and licenses, you can file your incorporation documents with the Louisiana Secretary of State. 

If you register a sole proprietorship, you are exempt from registration with the state. 

After filing your incorporation documents, you need to complete your Louisiana Doing Business As registration. This involves registering a fictitious name as the legal name of the business. 

Your business name will be your assumed name, or trade name. To choose your assumed name for the business, you will need to conduct a Louisiana Secretary of State Business Search. 

Get Help with Louisiana Business License Application

You will need to obtain several licenses, ID numbers, and registration documents before your business can trade in Louisiana. The state and local municipalities have complicated and confusing requirements, so you might want to get in touch with the Louisiana Secretary of State for advice or consult with an experienced business license attorney. Below you will find some useful resources:

  • If you need immediate answers from the state, you can visit the resources section of the Secretary of State at www.sos.louisiana.gov.
  • You might also get help from the Louisiana Small Business Development Center (SBDC) on how to start your business and take care of several aspects of running it, including creating a business plan or marketing strategy.
  • Visit the New Orleans office of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and ask for a resource guide.
  • Check which government services are available for your business at USA.gov.

Costs and Penalties Associated with Licensing

The cost of obtaining a business license in Louisiana varies by location and business type. Typical fees may range from $50 to several hundred dollars annually. Factors affecting cost include:

  • The nature of your business activities
  • Business size and revenue
  • Whether additional permits (e.g., health permits, signage permits) are needed

Penalties for Noncompliance:Failing to secure the proper licensing can result in:

  • Fines or penalties imposed by local or state agencies
  • Suspension or revocation of your business license
  • Delays in opening or operating your business legally

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Do I need a state business license in Louisiana?
    No, Louisiana does not require a general state business license, but many businesses must obtain local parish or city licenses.
  2. How much does a business license cost in Louisiana?
    Costs vary by parish, city, and business type. Fees typically range from $50 to several hundred dollars.
  3. How do I know if I need a contractor’s license in Louisiana?
    Contractor licensing is required for commercial projects over $50,000, residential projects over $75,000, or home improvement projects over $7,500. Check with the Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors.
  4. Are home-based businesses in Louisiana required to have a license?
    Yes, many municipalities require home-based businesses to apply for a home occupation permit or occupational license.
  5. Where can I apply for a Louisiana business license?
    Application processes vary by location. Contact your local city or parish government and the Louisiana Department of Revenue for sales tax permits.

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