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Swyft Filings is committed to providing accurate, reliable information to help you make informed decisions for your business. That's why our content is written and edited by professional editors, writers, and subject matter experts. Learn more about how Swyft Filings works, our editorial team and standards, what our customers think of us, and more on our trust page.
Applying for the necessary business licenses is essential to keep your new business in good standing. Don’t know where to start? We’re here to help. Grab a coffee, and let’s figure out what business licenses you need in the State of New Hampshire.
New Hampshire Business License: Key Takeaways
A business license is a legal document your business must have to conduct specific business activities. New Hampshire doesn’t have general business license requirements, but you may be required to obtain a federal, state, or local license.
You must maintain your business license through regular renewal filings.
Certain professions and activities require specific business licenses, including food service, alcohol-related businesses, and transportation.
Ensuring you have the right business licenses and permits is crucial. Let us manage the complexities for you, so you can stay focused on what you do best — running your business.
What is a Business License?
A business license is a legal document that allows you to carry out specific business activities. Your business may need a federal, local, or state license. Failing to comply with the license requirements can have severe consequences for your small business.
What types of business licenses you need depends on the nature of your business and its location. For example, a restaurant may need to secure a health permit. Similarly, a particular city may require all limited liability companies to apply for a local business license.
“Business license” and “permit” differ slightly but are often used interchangeably. As a business owner, it’s your responsibility to know which licenses, permits, and tax registrations your business needs to stay in compliance with the State of New Hampshire.
There is a difference between registering a business entity, such as a limited liability company and obtaining a business license. Register your business with the New Hampshire Secretary of State and apply for necessary permits afterward. Registering a company doesn’t mean you can start conducting business without a license.
Get Your New Hampshire Business License in 7 Steps
Business license requirements vary widely in New Hampshire. You may need a business license from the federal government, state, or local authorities. Figuring out which business licenses you need to obtain can be overwhelming, but follow this step-by-step guide, and you’ll be on your way.
Step 1: Apply for New Hampshire General Business Licenses
Some states have a general business license requirement and require all businesses to hold a business license regardless of what they do.
The State of New Hampshire doesn’t have a general state license requirement. However, depending on the nature of your business activities and the type of business you run, you may be required to apply for another state license, a professional license, or a local license required by your municipality.
Before you start operating your business, you must research what kinds of licenses your small business needs.
Step 2: Apply for Federal Licenses for New Hampshire Businesses
Most new businesses only need licenses at the state and local levels. However, depending on the nature of your business activities, you may need to secure additional permits at the federal level.
The following are some industries that may require you to obtain a specific federal license.[1]
Agriculture
If your small business deals with importing or transporting animals, animal products, biologics, biotechnology, or plants across state lines, you might need a federal license from the Department of Agriculture.
Radio and Television Broadcasting
If you’re broadcasting information by radio, television, wire, satellite, or cable, your business must be licensed and follow the guidelines set by the Federal Communications Commission..
Alcoholic Beverages
Entrepreneurs looking to get into the manufacture, wholesale, import, and sale of alcoholic beverages at a retail location should look for federal licenses from the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau and any local alcohol beverage control boards.
Fish and Wildlife
Suppose your business activities deal with any wildlife-related action, including importing and exporting wildlife and derivative products. In that case, you’ll likely need a US Fish and Wildlife Service business license.
Transportation and Logistics
Entrepreneurs doing business by operating an oversized or overweight vehicle, such as an 18-wheeler, should look into getting a federal license from the US Department of Transportation.
Business owners can learn more about federal license requirements here.
Step 3: Search for New Hampshire Permits and Licenses
Even though the State of New Hampshire doesn’t have a general business license requirement, you may still need to apply for a professional state license. “Professional license” is often used interchangeably with “occupational license.”
Food Service License
If your business activities include manufacturing, processing, storing, or distributing food, you must apply for a state license with the New Hampshire Department of Health Food Protection Service. You may qualify for an exception if you’re able to conduct self-inspections.
Alcohol License
In the State of New Hampshire, virtually all alcohol-related activities require a business license or a permit. You must apply for a license with the New Hampshire Liquor Commission Enforcement Division if you manufacture, store, transport, sell, or service alcoholic beverages in the state.
Environmental Permits
If your business activities involve the environment and public health, you may need to secure additional licenses or building permits from the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services.
Licensed, Certified, and Registered Occupations
Certain professional occupations, such as real estate broker or midwife, require additional licenses in the State of New Hampshire. The New Hampshire Employment Security website provides an occupational index of all professions requiring licensing.
Some of the occupations on the index include:[2]
Attorneys
RN, LPN, and APRN nurses
Pharmacists
Childcare program teachers
Dieticians
Online Oversize/Overweight Permits
If your business engages in transportation activities, it’s vital to ensure that you have the proper licensing to operate oversized or overweight vehicles. Contact the New Hampshire Department of Transportation to determine if your business structure has any permit requirements.
This is not an exhaustive list. Entrepreneurs are responsible for ensuring they’re up to date with the necessary New Hampshire state licenses and permits, so check the State of New Hampshire official government website, nh.gov, for more information.
Step 4: Search for Local County or City New Hampshire Business Licenses
Certain municipalities in New Hampshire require additional licenses and permits that go beyond federal and state requirements. After registering your new business with the state, you must check with your local authorities which business and tax licenses you need to obtain. When in doubt, call your city’s local tax office.
As an example, Manchester requires businesses to file for business licenses if their business activities involve:[3]
Food service
High-impact retail stores
Dealing of junk, old metals, and second-hand articles
Body art and body piercing
Entertainment, fairs, festivals, and special events
Similarly, you must apply for a license in Nashua if your business activities involve amusement devices, shows, operating a taxicab, or being a vendor.[4]
Before starting operations, ensure you’re current with local business tax certificates, building permits, sales tax permits, professional licenses, zoning ordinances, and more.
Step 5: Search for New Hampshire Professional Licenses
Certain professions that require formal training or education also face professional license requirements in New Hampshire. Examples of occupations that require a state license include:
Acupuncture
Speech language pathology
Body art
Massage therapy
Nursing
Recreational therapy
Architecture
Plumbing
There are over 50 professions that require additional licenses. To check if your job requires a business license, visit the New Hampshire Office of Professional Licensure and Certification. Note that you may be required to obtain both state and local licenses.[5]
Step 6: Apply for a New Hampshire Home-Based Business License
You may be required to apply for a specific business license if you operate your small business from home. This is particularly important for companies that involve child care or family child learning and other types of businesses that may need to comply with strict state regulations.
In New Hampshire, home occupation permits are regulated by individual counties. Check with your local authorities to learn more about home-based business regulations in your area.
Step 7: Maintain Your New Hampshire Business License
It’s vital for business owners to regularly renew their licenses and keep them up to date with the State of New Hampshire and local authorities.
Most business licenses need to be renewed annually, but some may only need to be renewed every few years. Specific licenses or permits may be event-specific, and you’ll need to apply for them multiple times. You must know when and how to renew your business licenses, permits, and tax registrations.
Don’t want to spend time trying to figure out how to renew your business licenses? Swyft Filings can do it for you.
Apply for a New Hampshire Business License Online
Many new business owners want to focus on building a business instead of researching license requirements.
We figure out what business licenses and permits you need to operate your small business at the federal, state, and local levels and quickly file your applications so you can get back to doing what you love — running your business.
Focus on Your Business: Dive into your passion while we handle the intricacies of acquiring the necessary local, state, and federal business licenses and permits.
Simplify Your Paperwork: Complete our straightforward questionnaire, and we’ll handle all the required filings for you, accurately and promptly.
Stay Compliant: Avoid the risks and severe repercussions of non-compliance. We’re here to ensure your business remains in good standing.
FAQs
How do I get a business license in New Hampshire?
Depending on the nature and location of your business, you may need to file multiple business license applications at the federal, state, and local levels. As a business owner, you must research what business licenses you need. Swyft Filings can help you make sense of all the requirements and file your applications for you.
Does New Hampshire require a general business license?
No, New Hampshire doesn’t have a general business license requirement. However your business may still need to apply for a state license if your operations involve food, alcoholic beverages, oversized vehicles, and other regulated activities.
Can you sell things in New Hampshire without a license?
New Hampshire doesn’t require a general sales permit, but you may be required to get one depending on the nature of your business and its location. Local municipalities may have additional regulations in place.
Do I need a special license for an online business in New Hampshire?
It depends on the nature of your online business and the location of your registered agent’s office. Swyft Filings can help you determine what business licenses you need to run an online business in New Hampshire.
Can I collect sales tax in New Hampshire without a license?
New Hampshire doesn’t collect sales tax on goods purchased in the state, but you may need to collect it and obtain a seller’s permit if you deliver goods outside of New Hampshire.
How much does a New Hampshire business license cost?
It depends on the type of license you’re applying for. Filing fees can vary from $50 to $300, so set some funds aside in your business bank account.
What’s the penalty for not having a business license in New Hampshire?
Failing to obtain proper business licenses can result in severe consequences, from fines to dissolving your business. Swyft Filings helps you find and apply for the licenses and permits you need to keep your business in good standing.
Bibliography
US Small Business Administration. “Apply for licenses and permits.” Accessed June 5, 2023.
New Hampshire Employment Security. “Licensed, Certified, and Registered Occupations Index.” Accessed June 5, 2023.
The Official Website of the City of Manchester, NH. “Business License.” Accessed June 5, 2023.
The Official Website of the City of Nashua. “Licenses & Permits.” Accessed June 5, 2023.
NH Office of Professional Licensure and Certification. “Find a Board.” Accessed June 5, 2023.
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