Help Guides - Federal, State, County, and Local License Guide

Purpose: There is no general business license that all Pennsylvania businesses must obtain. Instead, licensing is determined by the business activity, as well as where the business is located. Use this guide for assistance with determining whether you need a Federal, State, County, and/or Local business license based on your business activity and location. NOTE: Click the question mark (More Information) next to each activity for more information.

Step 1: Review the following list to determine if you need any FEDERAL business licenses*:

Agriculture (USDA)

Electronic Application
- https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/apply-to-accept
  - SNAP retailer (Food Stamps, EBT) (More Information)
- APHIS eFIle: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/resources/permits
  - Import animals, animal products, biologics, biotechnology, or plants across state lines (More Information)
  - Transport animals, animal products, biologics, biotechnology, or plants across state lines (More Information)

Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau

Electronic Application
- https://www.ttbonline.gov/permitsonline/Default.aspx
  - Alcoholic beverage manufacturers, wholesalers, importers, retail sellers (More Information)

Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives:

Electronic Application
- https://www.atf.gov/about/mission-areas
  - Firearms, ammunitions, and explosives manufacturers, dealers, importers (More Information)

Aviation Administration

Electronic Applications
- https://www.faa.gov/licenses_certificates
  - Airmen (More Information Airmen)
  - Aircraft (More Information Aircraft)
  - Medical (More Information Medical)
  - Air carrier and Air agency (More Information Air carrier and Air agency)
  - Airport (More Information)
  - Commercial space transportation (More Information)

Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement:

Electronic Applications:
- https://ewell.bsee.gov/ewell/
  - Drilling for natural gas, oil, or other mineral resources on federal lands (More Information)

Communications Commission:

Electronic Application:
- https://www.fcc.gov/general/consumer-information-obtaining-licenses
  - Radio, television, wire, satellite, or cable broadcasters (More Information)

Fish and Wildlife:

Electronic Applications:
- https://fwsepermits.servicenowservices.com/fwsMore Informationid=fws_permit_search
  - Wildlife related activity, including import or export of wildlife and derivative products (More Information)

Maritime Commission:

Electronic Applications:
- https://www.fmc.gov/resources-services/
  - Ocean transporters and transport facilitators (More Information)

Motor Carrier Safety Administration (USDOT Number):

Electronic Application:
- https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/registration
  - Drive a commercial vehicle on interstate routes (More Information)
  - Use vehicles that weigh more than 10,000 pounds (More Information Use vehicles that weigh more than 10,000 pounds)
  - Transport 9 to 15 passengers for compensation (More Information Transport 9 to 15 passengers for compensation)
  - Transport 16 or more passengers without compensation (More Information)
  - Transport hazardous materials (More Information)

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Fisheries Service:

Electronic Applications:
- https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/new-england-mid-atlantic/resources-fishing/greater-atlantic-region-forms-and-applications-summary
  - Commercial fishing (More Information)

Nuclear Regulatory Commission

Electronic Applications:
- https://www.nrc.gov/about-nrc/regulatory/licensing.html
  - Produce commercial nuclear energy, fuel cycle facility, or involved in distribution and disposal of nuclear materials (More Information)

Step 2: Review the following list to determine if you need any STATE business licenses:

Agriculture:

Electronic Applications:
- PaPlants: https://www.paplants.pa.gov/SecurityLogin.aspx
  - Amusement rides and attractions (More Information)
  - Pet food, animal feed manufacturer (More Information)
  - Industrial hemp (More Information)
  - Fertilizer manufacturer/guarantor (More Information)
  - Liming material manufacturer/guarantor (More Information)
  - Plant merchant (More Information)
  - Seed distributor (More Information)
- Paper Applications:
  - Aquaculture dealer, propagator (game fish, fish bait, baitfish, amphibians, aquatic organisms) (More Information)
  - Reptile dealer, propagator (More Information)
  - Food manufacturing, packing, holding, distribution (More Information)
  - Retail food establishments (restaurants, food truck, caterer) (More Information)
  - Milk and dairy (More Information)
  - Dog kennel (private, pet shop, dealer, rescue, boarding, out-of-state dealer) (More Information)
  - Standardbred horse racing, thoroughbred horse racing (More Information)
  - Persons who are employed or engaged in the business of selling, installing, servicing, or repairing commercially used weighting or measuring devices (fuel dispensers, vehicle tank meters, liquid propane gas meters, scales, CNG fueling points, load rack meters, timing devices) (More Information)
  - Farm shows, farm stands (More Information)
  - Fireworks (More Information)

Attorney General:

Electronical Applications:
- https://hic.attorneygeneral.gov/login.aspx
  - Home Improvement Contractor Registration
- Paper Applications
  - Health clubs (a person, firm, corporation, organization, club, or association engaged in the sale of memberships in a health spa, racquet club, figure salon, weight reduction center or other physical culture service enterprise offering facilities for the preservation, maintenance, encouragement or development of physical fitness or physical well-being)(More Information)
  - Telemarketing (More Information)

Banking and Securities:

Electronic Applications:
- National Multistate Licensing System and Registry (NMLS): https://mortgage.nationwidelicensingsystem.org/Pages/Default.aspx
  - Check cashers (More Information)
  - Credit services loan brokers (More Information)
  - Debt management/debt settlement (More Information)
  - Money transmitters (More Information)
  - Mortgage licensees (More Information)
  - Motor vehicle finance companies (More Information)
  - Pawnbrokers (More Information)
- Department of Banking and Securities Portal (DoBS Portal): https://www.portal.dobs.pa.gov/
  - Consumer discount companies (More Information)

Community and Economic Development

Electronic Applications:
- Installer Program Portal: https://installationprogram.force.com/s/login/
  - Manufactured home installer (More Information)
  - New manufactured home retailer (More Information)

Conservation and Natural Resources:

Electronic Applications:
- WebDriller: https://www.webdrillersecure.dcnr.state.pa.us/
  - Water well driller
- Paper Applications:
  - Streambed gas leasing (More Information)

Drug and Alcohol:

Paper Applications:
- Gambling treatment providers (More Information)
- Drug and alcohol treatment providers (More Information)

Education:

Electronic Applications:
- Teacher Information Management System: https://www.education.pa.gov/Educators/Certification/Pages/TIMS.aspx
  - Educators (More Information)
- Paper Applications:
  - Private or non-public schools (More Information)
  - Charter schools (More Information)
  - Home education and private tutoring (More Information)
  - Postsecondary and higher education (More Information)

Environmental Protection:

Electronic Applications:
- DEP Permit Application Consultation Tool: https://www.ahs.dep.pa.gov/PACT/usertabs.aspx
  - Mining (More Information)
  - Wastewater management (More Information)
  - Site remediation contractor (More Information)
  - Storage tanks (More Information)
  - Waste programs (More Information)
  - Drinking water treatment facility (More Information)
  - Oil and gas (More Information)
  - Radioactive material (More Information)
  - Radiation producing machines (More Information)
  - Radon (More Information)
  - Nuclear safety (More Information)
  - Low-level radioactive waste (More Information)
  - Emergency response (More Information)
  - Decommissioning and environmental surveillance (More Information)

Fish and Boat Commission:

Paper Applications:
- Boat registration issuing agent (More Information)
- Fishing license issuing agent (More Information)

Game Commission:

Paper Applications
- Hunting license issuing agent (More Information)

Gaming Control Board:

Paper Applications:
- Gaming service providers (More Information)

General Services:

Electronic Applications:
- PA Supplier Portal: https://pasupplierportal.state.pa.us/irj/portal/anonymous
  - Materials and services providers (More Information)
  - Automotive service providers for Commonwealth vehicles (More Information)
  - Construction and design services for the Commonwealth (More Information)
  - Small business certification (More Information)
  - Small diverse business certification (More Information)

Health:

Electronic Applications:
- Drug, Device, and Cosmetic Program Online Application: https://apps.health.pa.gov/ddc/DDCIdentity.aspMore InformationTAction=New
  - Prescription drug manufacturers, distributers, and retailers (More Information)
  - Medical device manufacturers, distributers, and retailers (More Information)
  - Medicated cosmetics (More Information)
- Paper Applications:
  - Hearing aid fitters, sellers (More Information)
  - Medical marijuana (More Information)
  - Indoor tanning (More Information)
  - Public swimming pools, spas, hot tubs, and beaches (More Information)
  - Organized camps (More Information)
  - Hospice Agencies (More Information)
  - Hospitals (More Information)
  - Intermediate Care Facilities (More Information)
  - Pediatric Extended Care Centers (More Information)
  - Rehabilitation Agencies (More Information)
  - Nursing Homes (More Information)
  - Ambulatory Surgical Facilities (More Information)
  - Birth Centers (More Information)
  - Comprehensive Outpatient Rehabilitation Facilities (More Information)
  - Home Care Agencies (More Information)
  - Home Health Agencies (More Information)
  - Hospice Agencies (More Information)
  - Kidney Dialysis Centers – End Stage Renal Disease Centers (More Information)
  - Outpatient Physical/Speech Occupational Therapy Clinics (More Information)
  - Rural Health Clinics (More Information)

Human Services:

Electronic Applications:
- Pelican Provider Self-Service: https://www.pelican.state.pa.us/provider/default.aspx#
  - Childcare centers (More Information)
- Paper Applications:
  - Children, youth, and families facilities (More Information)
  - Mental health facilities (More Information)
  - Intellectual disabilities programs (More Information)

Insurance Department:

Electronic Applications:
- Sircon: https://www.sircon.com/landingPages/states/pennsylvania/content.jsp
  - Resident insurance producers (More Information)
  - Nonresident insurance producers (More Information)
  - Title insurance agent (More Information)
  - Surplus lines (More Information)
  - Moto vehicle physical damage appraiser (More Information)
  - Public adjuster (More Information)
  - Viatical settlement broker (More Information)

Labor and Industry:

Electronic Applications:
- https://mypath.pa.gov
  - Unemployment Compensation (More Information)
  - Worker’s Compensation (More Information)
- Paper Applications:
  - Boiler and unfired pressure vessels (More Information)
  - Bedding and upholstered furniture manufacturer (More Information)
  - Stuffed toy manufacturer (More Information)
  - Renovators, auctioneers, secondhand dealers, and rental dealers of renovated bedding and upholstered furniture (More Information)
  - Lead paint occupation (More Information)
  - Asbestos occupation (More Information)

Liquor Control Board:

Electronic Applications:
- PLCB+: https://plcbplus.pa.gov/pub/Login.aspx
  - Winery (More Information)
  - Direct wine shippers (More Information)
  - Liquor licensees (More Information)
  - Brewery (More Information)
  - Distillery (More Information)
  - Tavern gaming (More Information)

Lottery:

Electronic Applications:
- Retailer Portal: https://www.paretailer.lottery.state.pa.us/RetailerPortal/
  - Becoming a retailer (More Information)

Public Utility Commission:

Electronic Applications:
- PUC eFiling System: https://efiling.puc.pa.gov/
  - Electricity (More Information)
  - Natural Gas (More Information)
  - Pipeline transmission of natural gas and hazardous materials (More Information)
  - Motor carrier transportation of passengers and property (More Information)
  - Railroad crossings (More Information)
  - Telecommunications (More Information)
  - Water and wastewater collection and disposal (More Information)

Revenue:

Electronic Applications:
- myPATH: https://mypath.pa.gov
  - Employer withholding (More Information)
  - Sales and Use Tax, Hotel Occupancy Tax (More Information)
  - Public Transportation Assistance Tax (More Information)
  - Corporate Taxes (More Information)
  - Business Use Tax (More Information)
  - Tobacco Products License (More Information)
  - Transient Vendor Certificate (More Information)
  - Unemployment Compensation (More Information)
  - Vehicle Rental Tax (More Information)
  - Wholesaler Certificate (More Information)
  - Worker’s Compensation Coverage (More Information)

State:

Electronic Applications:
- PALS: https://www.pals.pa.gov/#/page/default
  - Public accountant, certified public accountant (More Information)
  - Architect (More Information)
  - Auctioneer, apprentice auctioneer, auction company, trading assistant, trading assistant company (More Information)
  - Barber, manager-barber, barber-teacher (More Information)
  - Real estate appraiser, assessor (More Information)
  - Chiropractor (More Information)
  - Esthetician, nail technician, cosmetologist, cosmetology teacher (More Information)
  - Crane operator (More Information)
  - Dentist, dentist hygienist, dental assistant (More Information)
  - Engineer, land surveyor, geologist (More Information)
  - Funeral director (More Information)
  - Landscape architect (More Information)
  - Massage therapist (More Information)
  - Medical doctor, physician assistant, radiology technician, respiratory therapist, nurse-midwives, acupuncturists, practitioners of oriental medicine, perfusionists, behavioral specialists, athletic trainers (More Information)
  - Delaware River Pilot (More Information)
  - Registered nurse, practical nurse, certified registered nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, dietitian-nutritionist, graduate nurse (More Information)
  - Nursing home administrator (More Information)
  - Occupational therapist, occupational therapist assistant (More Information)
  - Optometrist (More Information)
  - Osteopathic medicine, physician assistant, respiratory therapist, athletic trainer, acupuncturist (More Information)
  - Pharmacist, pharmacy, pharmacy interns (More Information)
  - Physical therapist, physical therapist assistant (More Information)
  - Podiatrist (More Information)
  - Psychologist (More Information)
  - Real estate broker, salesperson, cemetery broker, cemetery salesperson, campground membership salesperson, time-share salesperson, builder-owner salesperson, rental listing referral agent (More Information)
  - Social worker, clinical social worker, marriage and family therapist, professional counselor (More Information)
  - Speech-language pathologist, audiologists, teachers of the hearing impaired (More Information)
  - Vehicle salesperson, dealer, vehicle auction, manufacturer, factory branch, distributors, distributor branch, factory or distributor representative (More Information)
  - Veterinarian, veterinary technician, veterinary schools and colleges (More Information)

State Police:

Electronic Applications:
- Training and Certification System: https://www.tacs.pa.gov/tacs/
  - Armed security (Act 235) (More Information)

Transportation (PennDOT):

Paper Applications:
- PennDOT contractor (More Information)
- Public/Private airports and heliports (More Information)
- Drones (More Information)
- Bus, school vehicle (More Information)
- Limousine, taxi (More Information)
- Commercial driver (CDL) (More Information)
- Station owner and inspection (More Information)
- Repair and towing (More Information)
- Vehicle salvage (More Information)
- Transporter (More Information)
- Financier or collector-repossessor (More Information)
- Watercraft trailer dealer (More Information)
- Highway occupancy permits (More Information)
- Junkyard/Automotive dismantler and recycler (More Information)
- Agent Service (Vehicle) (More Information)
- Online Messenger Service (Vehicle) (More Information)
- Card Agent Service (Vehicle) (More Information)

Step 3: Review the following list to determine if you need any COUNTY business licenses:

Clerk of Court of Common Pleas (More Information):

Paper Applications:
- Security businesses (private detectives, investigators, watch, guard, or patrol Agency) (Private Detective Act of 1953, Section 4) (More Information)

Sheriff

Paper applications:
- Precious metal dealers (More Information)

Step 4: Contact your locality to determine if you need any LOCAL business licenses. To find the proper contact for local licensing questions search your business/home address at the following link: https://business.pa.gov/register/local-registrations-permits-zoning/.

*Resource: https://www.sba.gov/business-guide/launch-your-business/apply-licenses-permits

Revised 4/17/2025

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