Key Takeaways

  • Mississippi doesn’t require a statewide general business license, but many local governments do.
  • Professional licenses are issued by industry-specific boards, not a centralized agency.
  • Sales tax permits are required for businesses selling tangible goods or taxable services.
  • A fictitious name (DBA) can be registered with the Secretary of State, though it is optional.
  • Zoning, health, and building permits may also be required depending on the business type and location.
  • Use Mississippi’s Business One Stop Shop (BOSS) for registration and compliance tools.

A Mississippi business license should be obtained by anyone forming an LLC in the state of Mississippi, and requirements for city and county licensing will need to be followed.

Requirements might differ depending on the location and industry of the LLC.

An LLC could be subject to penalties or fines if they do not follow the proper requirements, or may even be unable to do business in the state.

The following types of professionals usually need to obtain a state license as well as follow specific license requirements within their city and county:

  • Contractors
  • Medical professionals
  • Real-estate agents

LLCs can check with the Mississippi Secretary of State to find out which state or county representatives need to be contacted for information regarding required licenses and permits.

Visit the BOSS website for more guidance and help with requirements for LLC compliance.

Types of Licenses and Permits in Mississippi

The different forms of permits and licensing needed in Mississippi include: 

  • Licenses and tax permits for city businesses
  • Licenses to distribute liquor
  • Permits for sales and use taxes
  • Permits for selling and reselling
  • Building permits
  • Health permits
  • Occupational permits
  • Signage permits
  • Alarm permits
  • Zoning permits
  • Tobacco and alcohol permits

Local Business License Requirements by City and County

Mississippi does not issue a general statewide business license, but many municipalities and counties require one to operate legally within their jurisdictions. These are often called a business privilege license, trader’s license, or tax certificate. The specific name, application process, and fee vary by location.

For example:

  • City of Jackson requires a business privilege license for all entities operating within city limits.
  • Hinds County mandates certain businesses outside incorporated city areas to obtain a privilege license from the county.

Business owners should contact their city clerk or county tax assessor's office to confirm local licensing requirements.

Use of Sales Tax and How to Register for One

Any company must register with the Department of Revenue for a sales tax ID number or seller's certificate if they plan to sell or rent property, manufacture and distribute goods, or provide other types of services.

Companies can visit the website for the Mississippi Department of Revenue to obtain the forms needed, or call 601-923-7000 with any other questions or concerns.

Companies that resell products, like wholesalers or retailers, will not add on a sales tax but do need to include their sales tax ID number to obtain a certificate of resale. Customers who buy products out-of-state also do not get charged a Mississippi sales tax. 

Once a company is registered, even if they don't tax their sales, they need to report all sales to the Sales Tax Division on a regular basis.

Companies can find more information regarding corporate and franchise taxation on the Department of Revenue Sales website.

To make it easier for companies to get the information they need, offices for the State Tax Commission can be found throughout the districts of Mississippi.

State Tax Commission office locations include:

  • Senatobia
  • Tupelo
  • Columbus
  • Greenwood
  • Meridian
  • Brookhaven
  • Hattiesburg
  • Biloxi
  • Jackson (main office)

Is a Business License Needed?

Every business in Mississippi does not need a license, but local and state licensing and permit requirements depend on the type of company and their activities. 

It is best for every company to contact their local city or town clerk to be sure they are compliant with the particular requirements in their area.

Companies should get in touch with the local Small Business Development Center (SBDC) counselors to find out what all their licensing requirements may be.

They can also use the Business License Permit Search tool on the Small Business Administration (SBA) website to find more permit and license requirement information.

The list of licenses needed for different professionals can be found on the Mississippi website and includes:

  • Car dealership permits
  • Insurance departments and agent permits
  • Bail Bondsmen licensing
  • MDOT Commercial Vehicles permit
  • MSDH Health Facilities licensing (including child and elderly care facilities, private ambulance services)
  • Building contracting permits
  • Restaurant and catering permits and certifications
  • Mortgage lenders and brokers information
  • Engineering professionals and land surveyor licensing

Professional and Occupational Licenses

Many professions in Mississippi are regulated at the state level through various boards and commissions. While there is no central agency for all professional licenses, some of the most common examples include:

  • Medical professionals (Mississippi State Board of Medical Licensure)
  • Engineers and surveyors (Board of Licensure for Professional Engineers and Surveyors)
  • Real estate agents (Mississippi Real Estate Commission)
  • Contractors (Mississippi State Board of Contractors)

Note that some businesses may require both a personal license for the individual professional and a separate business license for the firm or entity.

A full directory of regulatory agencies can be found on the Mississippi.gov Agencies List.

How to Register a Small Business

Depending on what type of business an owner decides on and what types of activity the business plans to be a part of, the requirements for registration might differ. 

Businesses that define themselves as corporations or LLCs must register their company with the Secretary of State in the Business Services Group, by calling 1-800-256-3494 or 601-359-1633 or visiting the website.

If an individual owns and operates their business on their own (also defined as a sole proprietorship) or a business is run as a general partnership, they do not need to register with the Secretary of State.

Even though they don't need to register, such businesses may still need to obtain permits or licenses required by the state, city, and/or town in which they are located before being allowed to operate.

Mississippi Business One Stop Shop (BOSS)

Mississippi offers a Business One Stop Shop (BOSS) portal to guide entrepreneurs through the steps of starting and licensing a business. This digital tool provides checklists, forms, and resources specific to your business type, location, and industry.

Through BOSS, you can:

  • Register a business entity
  • Apply for local permits
  • Access federal and state tax registration forms
  • Learn about additional compliance requirements

Visit https://www.ms.gov/sos/boss to begin your business setup process.

Zoning, Building, and Health Permits

Certain business activities may require additional permits from your local government, particularly if your business:

  • Involves physical construction or remodeling
  • Is located in a commercial area subject to zoning laws
  • Serves food or beverages
  • Operates as a daycare, salon, or health facility

Common permits include:

  • Zoning permits: Ensure your business activity complies with land use regulations.
  • Building permits: Required for construction, renovations, or changing building occupancy.
  • Health permits: Required for food service, childcare, healthcare, and similar industries.

Failure to secure these permits may delay your opening or result in fines.

Registering a Fictitious Business Name (DBA)

If your business plans to operate under a name different from its legal name, you can register a fictitious business name, also known as a "DBA" (Doing Business As), with the Mississippi Secretary of State. While not required by law, registering a DBA is recommended to establish business identity and prevent legal disputes.

  • Filing fee: $25 (as of 2023)
  • Duration: Good for 5 years and renewable
  • Availability: Names are not exclusive—duplicate names are allowed, but unique names are advisable

This process can be completed online through the Secretary of State’s website.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Do I need a license to start a business in Mississippi?
    Not all businesses require a state-issued license, but many will need a local license depending on the city or county.
  2. What is a business privilege license?
    This is a common local license required by cities and counties in Mississippi for businesses operating within their jurisdiction.
  3. Where do I register for a sales tax permit in Mississippi?
    You can register through the Mississippi Department of Revenue’s Taxpayer Access Point (TAP) portal.
  4. Is registering a fictitious business name required in Mississippi?
    No, it's optional but recommended. It helps establish your brand identity and can prevent disputes.
  5. What is the BOSS system?
    The Business One Stop Shop (BOSS) is Mississippi’s digital platform for business registration, licensing, and compliance resources.

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