Get the Permits Your Business
Needs to Succeed

The Difference Between
Permits and Licenses

While similar, licenses and permits are different. Understanding the differences between the two is the first step in identifying the permits your business needs.

Licenses tend to be general and apply to activities that require competence, such as offering medical services or building homes. Licenses are often awarded after completion of a test.

Permits focus more narrowly on safety and may require an inspection. For example, running a restaurant requires a health permit which you can get after the facility passes inspection.

There are over 150,000 local jurisdictions, such as cities, townships, municipalities and other types of local government. You can save a ton of time with Launch by LegalShield and having your lawyer tell you exactly what permits you need to start your business and help you apply. It’s far less stressful.

How to Apply for the
Business Permits You Need

Every business permit has its own rules, fees and processes for applying. Conducting research on county, state or federal websites is the best first step. That said, it can take a long time and you may never be completely sure you’ve applied correctly.

As a LegalShield member, you can call your lawyer to discuss the permits you need, the requirements you must meet for each permit and where to find the applications. After you’ve filled out the applications, you can submit them to your lawyer for review and feedback.

If any of your applications are denied, you fail an inspection or otherwise have issues with a business permit, a lawyer that can help you resolve the situation is only one click away.

No matter the situation, working with a small business lawyer will make the process easier to start your business.