Starting a business in New Hampshire comes with plenty of advantages: no general sales tax, no personal income tax, and a supportive environment for entrepreneurs. But before you open your doors, it’s important to understand which licenses and permits you need to operate legally.
Unlike some states, there is no general New Hampshire business license. Instead, licensing is handled at the state and local levels, depending on your industry and location. This means the cost and type of license you’ll need can vary widely, from a simple vendor permit to a professional certification or food service license.
This guide breaks down how business licensing works in New Hampshire, what it costs, and how to find the specific requirements for your business type.
Do you need a business license in New Hampshire?
You need a business license and a permit to operate a business in New Hampshire that is in a regulated industry or occupation. To get what you need to legally operate your business, you will be working with the state regulators and the city authorities where your business will operate.
Examples of businesses that need a state license and city permit are food service, hotel/room rentals, auto rental companies, health care services and providers, cosmetology, architecture, attorneys, childcare, communication services, tobacco products, alcohol, tattoo parlors, and other businesses affecting public health and safety.
New Hampshire Business License Cost and Requirements
To find out whether your business needs a license and a permit take these steps:
- Search For Your Business Type: See if there is a regulatory body responsible for licensing and permits, using the Office of Professional Licensure and Certification’s list of boards, commissions, and councils. Note: You may be required to have more than one license or permit, depending on what your business does, such as a hotel that also has a spa, bar, and restaurant owned by the hotel.
- Check State-Level Requirements: Go to the New Hampshire Department of Revenue Administration and read the tax licenses and permits information.
- Check Municipal-Level Requirements: Contact your local government offices to determine your licensing and permit requirements. Ask the city/town clerk, health department, code enforcement division, and zoning department where appropriate.
- Check Federal-Level Requirements: You may need a federal license or permit if you deal with firearms, broadcasting, interstate transport of animals/plants, or other federally-regulated areas.
If your business isn’t in a regulated industry or occupation, you may not need any license. Check with your city or town anyway, since local rules (such as vendor licenses, zoning and signs) apply to every location.
How much does a business license cost to start a business in New Hampshire?
The business license cost varies from state to state. New Hampshire cities and towns don’t usually issue general business licenses. Instead, they license specific activities, such as hawkers and peddlers, food service in self-inspecting communities, taxis and events. Fees vary widely, as the table below shows.
Licensing and permits for other business activities can be higher or lower, with fees charged at the state level or the local level or both.
Examples of license and permit costs are:
- Food Service/Restaurant Permit (state level): $225 to $875 annually, depending on size/seating (state license; in 15 self-inspecting cities and towns, the local health department sets the fee)
- Insurance Salesperson License (state level): $210 application fee
- Wholesale Drug Distribution Company (state level): Varies; check with the New Hampshire Board of Pharmacy
- Special Event License (city level): Varies; check with your city or town clerk
Examples of business licenses in New Hampshire and costs
Here is a table showing the cost of various licenses and permits in 24 of New Hampshire’s larger cities and towns. Please note this is only a snapshot at a certain time, and these costs may change. However, it gives you a general idea of the costs you may have for starting a new business in these cities. Click on the city name to find out more regarding the application process and current fees.
| Location | License? | Activity License | Cost | Renewal |
| Manchester | Yes | Peddler license | $150 annual / $25 temp | Same as apply |
| Nashua | Yes | Hawkers/Peddlers | $10/day, $25/week, $100/year | Annual |
| Concord | Yes | Peddler license | $40–$53/day | Per event/day |
| Derry | Yes | Restaurant | $350 up to 199 seats, $500 200+ seats | Annual |
| Dover | Yes | Peddlers/Vendors | $10/week or $200/year | Annual |
| Rochester | Yes | Hawkers/Peddlers | $25/week or $100/year | Annual |
| Merrimack | Yes | Vendor | $50/day, $100/wk., $250/yr. | Temporary |
| Londonderry | Yes | Itinerant Vendor | $75 single-site, $50 multi-site + $5/site | Per term |
| Hudson | Yes | Hawkers/Peddlers | $5/day, $25/week, $100/year | Annual |
| Keene | Yes | Itinerant vendor | $150/year + $250 to vend on City property | Annual |
| Bedford | Yes | Hawkers/Peddlers | $20/day, $50/wk., $200/mon., $600/yr. | Annual |
| Portsmouth | Yes | Vending (Hawkers and Peddlers) License | Varies; check with the City Clerk | Check with the City Clerk |
| Goffstown | Yes | Hawkers/Peddlers | $100 foot / $200 vehicle / $20 weekly | Annual |
| Laconia | Yes | Itinerant Vendor | $50 monthly | Per month |
| Hampton | Yes | Hawkers/Peddlers | $50 Hawker, $250 Itinerant | Annual |
| Windham | Yes | Peddler Permit | $20 | Annual |
| Milford | Yes | Taxi | $15 /driver, $100/owner, $30/vehicle | Annual/periodic |
| Hooksett | Yes | Hawkers/Peddlers | Fee not listed; inquire | Annual |
| Claremont | Yes | Taxi | $50 per vehicle per year | Annual |
| Lebanon | Yes | Vendor permit | $10/day | Weekly option |
| Exeter | Yes | Peddler/Solicitor | $25 non-refundable | Annual |
| Somersworth | Yes | Hawkers/Peddlers | $10 for 48 hours $200/yr. | As needed |
| Durham | Yes | Assembly Place | $100 per year | Annual |
| Conway | Yes | Event | $25 | Temporary |
Conclusion
Getting your business license in New Hampshire is an important step toward running your company legally and confidently. While the state doesn’t require a general business license, you may still need specific permits depending on your industry and location.
Once you’ve figured out your licensing requirements, the next step is making your business official. Learn how to start an LLC in New Hampshire to protect your personal assets, establish your business structure, and begin operating under your new brand. With the right foundation in place, you’ll be ready to grow your business in one of the most entrepreneur-friendly states in the country.
FAQ
Not always. New Hampshire does not require a general statewide business license. If you’re selling products online, you usually don’t need a license unless your products fall into regulated categories (e.g., food, alcohol, tobacco, health products).
Processing times depend on the license and any required inspections. Simple vendor permits can be quick, while licenses that need inspections or board review take longer.
Yes, you may need a business license for the LLC. Forming an LLC only registers your business as a legal entity.
No. A Limited Liability Company (LLC) is a legal business structure registered with the Secretary of State. A business license (or permit) is government authorization to conduct a specific type of business activity. You may need both, depending on what you’re doing.
You could face fines, penalties, or shutdown orders from the state or your local city/town if you operate without the required license. For example, selling food without a license could result in immediate closure and fines. Operating without registering required tax licenses (like the Meals and Rooms license) can also lead to tax penalties and back payments.