In Appendix A to this book, you'll find a complete list of state agencies set up to help businesses in general and, often, small businesses in particular. An agency listed there is likely to be the best single source of information about state registrations, licenses and permits. Beyond contacting these general purpose agencies, it's wise to call all state agencies that might regulate your business and ask what they require. In addition, you can often get valuable information from the state chamber of commerce and from trade associations or professional groups serving your business, profession or industry. It should come as no surprise that states require licensing of people practicing the traditional professions, such as lawyers, physicians, dentists, accountants, psychologists, nurses, pharmacists, architects and professional engineers.
Most states also require licenses for people engaged in a broad range of other occupations.
The list varies from state to state but typically includes such people as barbers, auto mechanics, bill collectors, private investigators, building contractors, cosmetologists, funeral directors, pest control specialists, real estate agents, tax preparers and insurance agents. Since you can't always guess the occupations for which licenses are needed, you'll need to inquire. For example, licensing laws for professionalsincluding lawyers, doctors, accountants and architectstend to place requirements on individual professionals rather than on the partnership or professional corporation that is the business entity. The procedures vary, but to get a license for a profession or occupation, you'll probably have to show evidence of training in the field, and you may have to pass a written examination. Sometimes you must practice your trade or profession under the supervision of a more experienced person before you can become fully licensed.