The City of Dallas doesn't require businesses to have a license. The City of Dallas requires that all businesses obtain a Certificate of Ownership (CO) before they can open their doors to customers. The CO verifies that the building meets all city zoning requirements and construction standards. The CO also requires that businesses obtain all necessary permits and/or inspections from any city department.  Dallas has a process that allows certain types of businesses to obtain permits, including food trucks, taxi drivers, and massage therapists. Before they can operate within city limits, these businesses must submit an application and be approved. Contact the Office of Business Permit for more information. Businesses may need to apply for a state license in order to carry out certain activities. Such as the sale of alcohol or cigarettes, daycare operations, or professional services like accounting or cosmetology. Contact the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation for more information about state licensing requirements. The Small Business Development Center can be reached if you have questions about starting your own business in Dallas. SBDC offers free assistance and counseling to small businesses in areas such as business planning, financing, marketing, and more.