Does my business need a license in Idaho?
Only under certain circumstances, a special state business license may be needed. Usually only professionals need a state business license (i.e. CPA’s, Doctors, Contractors, etc.) . Idaho does not require licenses for every type of businesses at the city/county level. To find out if your specific business activities requires license or is regulated in some way, contact your local city, county clerk or Recorder’s office to fine out if you need a local business license or permit. To contact your city use the links at the bottom of this page to find your city's webpage.
For a helpful link to your county clerk or recorder’s offices, visit www.idahovotes.gov/Clerk.htm
Or you can access Idaho at www.accessidaho.org/aboutidaho/county/index.html and click on the
appropriate link.
 CLICK THE LINKS TO YOUR CITY BELOW TO APPLY FOR A BUSINESS LICENSE
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What kind of licenses will my business need?
You may need multiple licenses for a single business location. You may be required to license with the federal, state, city & municipal authorities separately. For example: if you sell alcohol in the city of Twin Falls, Idaho, you will need to obtain an Idaho Liquor License with the State, and a Twin Falls, Idaho Liquor License with a liquor fee at the local level.
You will need to find out which Idaho State Professional and Occupational Licenses you may need to obtain by visiting http://accessidaho.org/business/licensing.html
Some cities require a commercial business license to be reviewed for zoning and compliance, building compliance and fire safety code compliance. If your business is involved with food preparation, you must also be in compliance with health codes given to you by the Central District Health Department.
Are there any other documents needed before opening my business?
Before opening a business in Idaho, the owner should register the business with the Idaho Secretary of State, if you will be doing business as an entity (partnership, LLC, corporation) instead of as a sole proprietor. For more information call 208-334-2301 or visit their website at http://www.idsos.state.id.us/
If you are going to use a dba, "doing business as" or assumed business name, you will need to file a form with the Secretary of State. You can download a copy of this form at www.idsos.state.id.us/corp/acro4/abn.pdf and submit (with the filing fee of $25) to:
Idaho Secretary of State
450 N. 4th Street
PO Box 83720
Boise, ID 83720-0080
(208) 334-2301
If a business will have employees, the owner must have Federal Employer ID Number (EIN). This can be obtained by calling 1-800-829-4933 or visiting the Feral website at http://sa1.www4.irs.gov/sa_vign/newFormSS4.do
Generally, a Corporation or LLC needs a Federal Tax ID. Employers need a Federal Tax ID and a State Employer Tax ID. Retailers or wholesalers need sales Tax ID, also called a retail, wholesale license or sellers permit.
What do I need to apply for a business in Idaho?
Depending on the type of business you are registering, you may need the following:
Business entity (type of business)
Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN)
All owners Social Security Numbers
Legal Business Name
Corporate Officer titles, percentage of ownership and board of director members
All owners addresses and phone numbers
All previous withholding, sales, use, workers comprehension or unemployment insurance numbers of Idaho
Insurance agents name and phone numbers
Workers comprehension Insurance policy information (if available)
Employees date of hire (current- or expected)
Amount of wages paid or expected to be paid
Most business licenses in cities can be issued within 30 days, assuming the business has all the required documents and permits.
Please find your city’s business license application information by choosing your city from the list above.
