Finding out if your new business requires a business license or permit is easy and fast in Michigan. For many types of businesses, you won't even need a business license from the state. It depends on the specific occupations, industries and services involved. Doctors, manicurists, wildlife exhibitors and veterinarians are just a few examples of jobs and businesses that require a business license from the state.

To find out if a business license from the state is required for your planned business, use our easy Michigan business license search or view the entire list of required Michigan business licenses. You can find additional information about business license requirements in the Guide to Starting a Small Business. Or, call our Customer Assistance Center.

Getting a Business License or Permit

If your business requires a license from the state, there's a fast, simple and efficient way to apply via the Michigan Business One Stop Web site .  Services provided on this Web site include the following:  

• Search all business permit and licensing requirements for doing business in Michigan.
• Determine whether a particular business license / permit is required.
• Customize your account profile to include those business licenses / permits that are of interest.
• Complete business permit application forms with an easy-to-follow business permit wizard, step-by-step instructions and a submission checklist.
• Enter personal and company data once, with the ability to route data to multiple business permit applications, avoiding the need for data re-entry and the use of duplicate forms.
• Make fee payments online.
• Monitor the business license / permit application status.

Additional Michigan Business Licensing Resources

For more general information about business licensing and permitting in Michigan, please contact the Michigan Economic Development Corporation's Customer Assistance Center.

Businesses that require a business license often need to meet other legal, educational and examination requirements. License fees may also apply. In addition, be sure to check with the county and city/township clerk to find out about any local business licenses or registrations required.