Search and verify licenses
New Jersey Business License
Thinking of starting your new business in New Jersey? The state is an excellent choice to start a business, especially for start-ups. But before establishing a business you should get familiar with the state and local requirements of registration and licensure. Don’t worry; this article will come in handy to answer major queries you will have. Expect to discover topics such as: how to look up the registered NJ business or verify the owner of LLC business, the necessity of holding an NJ business license, the process of licensure, and more.
How do I find out if a business is registered in NJ?
To look up the registered business in New Jersey use the business name search tool on the Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services website or LicenseLookup.org. By entering the business name you will be able to check the NJ registered businesses or you can use the search button to check the business name availability.
How do I find the owner of an LLC in NJ?
To look up any information of all types of business entities operating in New Jersey you can use the Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services Business Records Service. The service allows you to search for NJ business entities, trade names as well as get status reports and standing certificates.
Does New Jersey require a business license?
The obligations of the NJ business license will depend on what you do and the location of your business. There are certain professions/occupations that should be licensed at the state level, no matter what. Such professions include but not limited to:
- Accountants
- Architects
- Contractors
- Landscapers
- Barbers
- Lawyers
- Cosmetologists
- Child care centers
- And more
To acquire the full list of professions/occupations, or learn about fees and requirements visit the licensing & certification guide on the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs website.
If your business type will not fall under one of the mentioned categories of profession/occupations, you should head to your local municipality. Depending on the location of your business, you may require obtaining one or more licenses/permits according to the local city’s regulations. Next, we will discuss the general requirements of licensure when starting your new business in New Jersey.
How to obtain your NJ business license?
After you check the state-level license regulations, it’s time to get familiar with the local requirements. Below, you can find out the main cities in New Jersey that have business license requirements.
Jersey City
Many types of businesses such as tow trucks, auto repair shops, nail salons, barbershops, food establishments need to apply for a license before operating in the city. The full list of industries is available on Jersey City’s official website.
Newark
There are certain businesses in Newark that should be licensed before operating in the local area. Among those industries are bakeries, building contractors, dry cleaners, pet shops, tire shops, and more. To check the full list of industries as well as requirements and fees visit here.
Patterson
All business types operating in Patterson should hold a city business license. Additionally, you may also need to apply for a special license to run your business in Patterson City.
Keep in mind that all businesses in NJ should file a registration form with the New Jersey Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services at least 15 days prior to opening. You can file the form here and learn more about the business registration process. An NJ Business Registration Certificate will identify your business for tax purposes.
How do I get a copy of my business license in NJ?
To get copies of your business entity documentation as well as annual reports visit the NJ Treasury Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services. You will need to pay $0.10 per page. An additional fee of $25.00 per document (LLCs are $50.00 per document) is applied for certified copies.
