LLC formation
EIN
Registered Agent
Licenses & permits
Sales tax permit
Business insurance
Business banking
Logo maker
Domain
Website
Business email
Taxes & accounting
Invoices & bookkeeping
Legal documents
Trademark
LLC formation kit
Navi
Business cards
Digital business cards
Graphic design
Print store
Business coaching
Custom business plan
Blog
Help center
Academy
LLC by states
About
ReviewsSmall Business Licenses and Permits in Oklahoma: What to Know
Many entrepreneurs say the worst part of starting a business is not finding the perfect location, hiring a great staff, or even finding customers; it’s dealing with all the red tape along the way. There are endless forms to fill out and submit, offices to visit, and government officials to speak with when it comes to getting the necessary licenses and permits, but everyone must go through the process.
While you can’t skip the process, knowing what to expect can make it seem a lot less intimidating. This short guide will get you familiar with applying for licenses and permits and provide small tips and tricks that can make the process easier.
The purpose of business licenses and permits
Honestly, no one likes doing paperwork. But, if there is any silver lining to the hours spent on permits and business licenses, know that they exist for more reasons than just to make the lives of entrepreneurs more difficult. They are there to protect everyone, including you.
Business licenses and permits are crucial because they safeguard the health and welfare of customers and the community. Licenses and permits prove compliance with legal and health and safety regulations, and show a business is competent to do a good job.
Business licenses vs permits
In casual conversation, the terms “business licenses” and “permits” are often used interchangeably, but there are significant legal distinctions.
- In general, a business license is required for any company that does business in a regulated field. These industry-specific business licenses include such business activities as selling food and beverages, general contracting, operating a professional child-care service, or selling alcohol.
- Permits, on the other hand, cover the day-to-day business operations, like allowing a business to collect sales tax, following safety guidelines, and displaying signage.
Business licenses and permits work hand-in-hand to keep your startup safe, legally compliant, and running smoothly.
Types of business licenses and permits you might need for your Oklahoma business
State business licenses and permits
The good news is that in Oklahoma, general business licenses are not necessary for most companies. However, certain industry-specific businesses still do require licenses, such as those selling food and beverages, general contractors, child-care professionals, and anyone who sells alcohol.
Even if your business doesn’t need a general business license, you will have to apply for a permit. You can discover state-level industry-specific license and permit requirements for common types of business in this handy drop-down list on the Oklahoma Business Hub website or the Oklahoma Secretary of State Business Services Portal. For the answers to specific questions, you can try submitting questions online or by calling (405) 522-2520 for business filing questions.
Local business licenses and permits
Things get a lot more complicated when you move to business licenses and permit requirements at the local level. Each municipality has its own quirky rules and requirements. It’s always best to check with your local government directly to find out what you need.
Specific federal business licenses and permits
Don’t forget, good ol’ Uncle Sam wants to have some control when it comes to business licenses and permits. Some business types will also need licensing and permits from federal agencies. This list of regulated business activities requiring a license or permit from the Small Business Administration website is a great starting point. However, it is highly recommended to speak with a business advisor who has experience in your industry to ensure your startup is not missing anything.
How to obtain business licenses and permits in Oklahoma
Step 1: Determine what licenses and permits your business needs
Starting your research with federal requirements is best. Here is a chart showing which industries and activities require licenses or permits and which agency to contact for more information:
| Agriculture | For importing or transferring animals, animal products, biologics, or biotechnology or plants import or transport across state lines. | U.S. Department of Agriculture |
| Alcoholic beverages | Pertaining to the manufacture, wholesale, import, or sale of alcohol. | Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade BureauLocal Alcohol Beverage Control Board |
| Aviation | Pertaining to aircraft operation, aerial transportation of people or goods, or aircraft maintenance. | Federal Aviation Administration |
| Firearms, ammunition, and explosives | The import, sale, or manufacture of these controlled products. | Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives |
| Fish and wildlife | Any wildlife-related activity, including import or export of wildlife-derived products. | U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service |
| Commercial fisheries | Any commercial fishing activity. | National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Fisheries Service |
| Maritime transportation | Transport of passengers or cargo by sea. | Federal Maritime Commission |
| Mining and drilling | Drilling for natural gas, oil, or other mineral resources on federal lands. | Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement |
| Nuclear energy | Any activities involved with nuclear energy. | U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission |
| Radio and television broadcasting | Broadcasting by radio, TV, wire, satellite, or cable. | Federal Communications Commission |
When dropping to the state level, take advantage of the Oklahoma Business Hub website mentioned above. Once you select your specific industry, the site gives you a brief overview of any required permits or business licenses. It provides links so you can learn more.
The Oklahoma Secretary of State’s Business Services Portal is also a good resource. It has a treasure trove of information for Oklahoma business owners, but you will need to create an account to access it.
Always contact your local government when setting up your business to determine which licenses and permits you may require. Below are a few local websites for permits and business licenses which may be helpful for your new business:
Step 2: Submit all required documents and application fees
The process for gathering the proper paperwork and submitting the application for your startup’s permits or business licenses will differ based on what you are applying for and which agency you are going through.
For the federal business licenses and permits, use the links in the chart above to connect with the relevant agency. Once you are on the website, follow the directions for the specific permit or business license you need.
At the state of Oklahoma level, use the Oklahoma Secretary of State’s Business Services Portal to file your paperwork and pay the application fees.
Contact your local municipality to find out how they handle permits and business licenses.
Step 3: Track the status of your application and await approval
Once you spend all the time and effort submitting your application, it may take forever for a response. You will probably hear back from your local government within a week or two, but it could take months for the federal government to respond to your application. For state permits and business licenses, common permits, such as for collecting sales taxes, usually take just days. However, permits that require more review, like for serving alcohol, typically take months.
Step 4: Renew, if and when needed
Most permits and business licenses cover a specific timeframe and need to be renewed before they expire. Forgetting to renew them in a timely manner can result in late fees or even their cancellation. It is a good idea to note when each license or permit expires and the earliest date you can renew them.
Conclusion
Researching, applying, and renewing business licenses and permits is hard work. Why not save all the effort by working with Tailor Brands to streamline the process? Our experts can take care of everything for you, so you can take care of your business. If you want more information on how to start an LLC in Oklahoma, check out our guides for more information.
FAQ
If you don’t get the required business license or permit for your Oklahoma company, there are severe consequences. They may include fines, legal actions, or even having your business shut down, depending on the circumstances.
Whether you have an LLC or a sole proprietorship in Oklahoma, the licensing requirements don’t change. Whether you need a license from the state will depend on your specific industry. However, you still need to double-check locally, since your local government may have additional licensing needs.
Generally, business licenses can be transferred in many cases. However, there is a strict process you must follow, and there are some federal, state and local-level business licenses that you can’t transfer.
Yes, it can. Oklahoma state authorities can revoke a state business or permit for your company due to certain violations, including fraud, misconduct, or not paying your taxes correctly. This can lead to legal fees and the forced shutdown of your business.
Yes, different locations, even if they are in the same municipality, generally require their own licenses and permits. This is to ensure each location adheres to zoning, environmental, and health and safety requirements.
When you close your business or no longer require a particular permit, you must surrender or cancel it to avoid having to pay taxes or renewal fees. If you are formally dissolving your LLC or Sole Proprietorship, you’ll need to do this during that process.
Oklahoma business building articles