Does my business need a license in Idaho?

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 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 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

Boise

Idaho Falls

Pocatello

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, and 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. 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 online and submit it along with the filing fee of $25 to the Idaho Secretary of State, 450 N. 4th Street, PO Box 83720, Boise, ID 83720-0080. The phone number for the office is (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 Federal website at www.irs.gov. 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 a sales tax ID, also called a retail, wholesale license, or seller's 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' compensation, or unemployment insurance numbers of Idaho

Insurance agent's name and phone numbers

Workers' compensation 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.

Disclaimer: This site is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial or tax advise. The information on this site should not be relied upon as an official source of information and should be independently verified.