A license generally authorizes a person or business to conduct a particular activity or operate in a jurisdiction. A permit commonly authorizes a specific regulated activity, location, or condition, although terminology varies among agencies.

Swyft Filings' business-license research service is intended to help identify licensing and permit requirements that may apply based on the business's location and activities. This is important because a company can be properly formed with the state and still lack a separate local, professional, industry, zoning, health, or tax registration needed to operate lawfully.