5 Best Business License Services in 2024

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Are you forming a new company but unsure which business licenses and permits you need to stay compliant? Fortunately, there are providers who can handle the research and filing process for you. These professionals can customize this process to fit your needs.

Below are the best business license services and explanations of what each offers. By the end, we’re confident you’ll have a good idea of which one’s right for your company.

Best Business License Service: LegalZoom ($99)

Top Business Licensing Services

Determining which business licenses and permits your venture needs can be a daunting task. Different industries have varied requirements, and these can change based on your location.

This is where business license services come into play. They specialize in identifying, obtaining, and managing the licenses and permits necessary for your company to operate legally. By leveraging their expertise, you can save time, avoid potential legal pitfalls, and focus on what you do best: running your startup.

1. LegalZoom - $99

LegalZoom is a widely recognized name in the online legal services industry. They offer everything from business formation and estate planning to intellectual property and, of course, business licenses and permits.

Beyond their solid reputation, LegalZoom really shines when it comes to digging deep and figuring out every license businesses may need, be it local, state, or federal. Their platform is straightforward to use, with clear pricing and top-notch customer support.

Over the years, LegalZoom has proven its reliability, with many companies successfully obtaining their licenses through their platform. This track record of success gives us confidence in recommending them as the #1 business license service.

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2. Bizee (Formerly Incfile) - $99

Bizee is our next choice for business license research because of their total ease of use and the highest customer satisfaction in the industry.

With a 4.8 average out of 5 stars on ShopperApproved after over 80,000 reviews, it's hard to find an Incfile customer who is anything less than satisfied. Add in their excellent Learning Center and Bizee is a strong contender to fulfill your needs.

If you want a reliable service that gets the job done with no frills, Bizee is a great option.

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3. Swyft Filings - $99

Swyft Filings has quickly risen as a dependable choice for businesses seeking licensing assistance. As the name suggests, Swyft Filings is known for its swift service, streamlining the often intricate process of securing the necessary business licenses.

Moreover, Swyft Filings sets itself apart with its personalized customer service. Every client is assigned a dedicated business specialist, ensuring a smoother, more tailored experience. Coupled with competitive pricing and a user-friendly online dashboard, Swyft Filings offers a balanced mix of efficiency, expertise, and value, making them a strong contender in the world of business licensing services.

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4. CorpNet - Starting from $249

CorpNet is family owned, providing a personal and reliable touch. They offer business license services at various price points like basic processing from $249, express processing from $349, and 24-hour rush processing from $499. Other services include specialty licenses, research packages, renewals, and more. 

With any service from CorpNet, you get the reassurance of their fantastic customer rating as well. They average an incredible 4.9 average score out of 5 on TrustPilot after over 900 reviews.

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5. MyCompanyWorks - $99

For just $99, entrepreneurs can purchase MyCompanyWorks' convenient package to research and obtain the necessary forms for ordering a business license online. Their Business License Wizard guides you through determining license needs, accessing fillable forms and instructions, and finding licensing authorities.

MyCompanyWorks is another excellent option due to their 100% satisfaction guarantee, fast processing, and low prices. Their package simplifies getting properly licensed, helping small business owners save hours hunting down info and forms.

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Pros & Cons of Business License Services

Pros

  1. Business licensing services save a ton of resources. You have to do far less research and there’s less chance of any mistakes, like sending an incorrect form to the wrong regulatory agency, or at the wrong time.
  2. They typically cost substantially less than working with a conventional business law firm or attorney, who can charge hundreds of dollars an hour but don’t offer ongoing support.
  3. These services have ways of keeping your federal, state, and local licenses up to date and compliant over time as well, making your life easier as a business owner.
  4. You can get great filing instructions and free information guides that explain the process, what’s involved in obtaining business licenses, and other relevant steps you’ll need to take to stay compliant.

Cons

  1. Using online business licensing services may not be right for you if you’re in a much more sensitive or highly-regulated industry like healthcare, education, agriculture, etc. In these cases, an official legal professional is ideal because of all the extra layers of compliance requirements and the complexities involved.

Our Recommended Service

These companies all provide similar services with slight variations, so we understand it may be difficult to choose the right service for your business.

Overall, our recommended service is LegalZoom due to their ease of use and company track record. We have used their platform and have been very pleased with the end result.

FAQs

Why are business licenses and permits important?

Business licenses and permits serve several critical purposes. Firstly, they ensure that businesses comply with local, state, and federal laws, maintaining a standard of operations that protect the interests of the community and the environment. Licenses and permits also contribute to public safety by ensuring businesses adhere to specific regulations and standards.

Additionally, they can serve as a form of tax collection for governments. Without proper licensing, businesses may face legal penalties, fines, or even closure. Moreover, having the appropriate licenses and permits adds credibility to a business, assuring customers and clients of its legitimacy.

What license is best for a small business?

There isn't a "best" license for a small business, as licensing ultimately depends on the nature and location of the business.

For example, a home-based online store may require a different set of licenses compared to a small restaurant or a consulting firm. Generally, small businesses will need a general business license to operate legally within their state, city, or county.

Additionally, if they're in a specialized industry like food service, healthcare, or construction, they may need industry-specific licenses or permits.

It's essential to consult with local and state agencies or a professional service to determine the exact business license and permit requirements for a specific company.