How to Get a Business License in North Carolina: A Detailed Overview

Understanding North Carolina's licensing requirements is a crucial step when starting a business in the state. While North Carolina does not mandate a general state business license, specific professions and business activities may require certain licenses or permits.

Our comprehensive guide will walk you through the process of obtaining a business license in North Carolina.

How to get a business license in North Carolina

Unlike some states, North Carolina does not issue a single, general business license. Instead, licensing requirements depend on your industry, business location, and type of activity.¹

1. Choose Your Business Structure
   Decide whether you’ll operate as a sole proprietorship, LLC, corporation, or partnership. Most entities (except sole proprietors) must register with the Secretary of State of North Carolina.²

2. Register for State Taxes
   If you’ll be collecting sales tax or hiring employees, register with the North Carolina Department of Revenue for a state tax ID.³ \

3. Check for State-Issued Licenses
   Professions like general contracting, real estate, cosmetology, and health services require state-level licensing. You can search the NC Business and Occupational License Database (BLNC) to see if your business needs one.⁴

4. Apply for Local Licenses
   Many cities and counties require local business licenses or privilege licenses depending on the type of business.

What to consider if you have an international business

You can apply for a license if you're a non-U.S. resident looking to start a business in North Carolina.

You do not need to be a US citizen, but you must designate a registered agent with a physical address in North Carolina to receive legal and government documents on your behalf.⁵

You’ll need to apply for an EIN through the IRS, even if you don’t have a U.S. Social Security Number. This number is required for taxes, opening a U.S. bank account, and hiring employees.

If your business is already registered in another country, you may need to register it as a foreign entity in North Carolina before obtaining a local license.

Be prepared to provide translated versions of your business formation documents, a valid passport, and possibly a visa, depending on your involvement in day-to-day operations.⁶

How much does it cost to get a business license in NC?

If you’re wondering how much it costs to get a business license in North Carolina, the answer depends on your industry and location, since there is no statewide, one-size-fits-all license.

Here’s a breakdown of potential costs:

State-Issued Licenses: If your business is in a regulated profession such as general contracting, cosmetology, or health services, fees can range from $50 to several hundred dollars, depending on the license type and issuing board.⁷

Local Business Licenses: Some cities and counties in North Carolina, like Charlotte and Raleigh, may require a privilege license or local business license. Costs vary by location and business type.⁸.

Specialty Permits: Additional costs will apply if your business involves alcohol sales, food service, or environmental permits.

How long does it take to get a business license in NC?

The timeline to receive a business license in North Carolina depends on several factors, including your location, business type, and whether you’re applying for a state-regulated license or a local privilege license.

Here’s what to expect:

• Local Licenses (e.g., Charlotte, Raleigh, Durham): If your city or county requires a business or privilege license, you can typically receive approval within 3 to 10 business days, especially if your application is complete and submitted online.

• State-Issued Licenses: For industries that require licensing through a state board, such as contractors, barbers, or healthcare providers, processing may take 2 to 6 weeks, depending on the board’s review time and whether additional exams or documentation are required.

• Permits or Zoning Reviews: If your business needs health permits, building inspections, or zoning approval, depending on the municipality and type of review, this can add extra time.

Meet Wise: Smart Financial Tools for North Carolina Businesses

Once your business is licensed and up and running, managing your finances across borders or currencies shouldn’t slow you down. With Wise Business, you can streamline operations with no monthly fees and make international payments at the mid-market rate. You can also receive payments like a local with dedicated account details and connect to your accounting software to simplify bookkeeping as your business grows.

Open a Wise Business account online

Wise is not a bank, but a Money Services Business (MSB) provider and a smart alternative to banks. The Wise Business account is designed with international business in mind, and makes it easy to send, hold, and manage business funds in 40+ currencies. You can get major currency account details for a one-off fee to receive overseas payments like a local. You can also send money to 140+ countries.

Sources:

1. Start My Business | nc.gov
2. Register Your Business
3. Sales and Use Tax Frequently Asked Questions | NCDOR
4. Licenses & Permits
5. Registered Office and Registered Agent Information
6. Register a Foreign Business.
7. License applicants
8. Permits and Licenses | Raleighnc.gov
9. Retail Permit Types | NC ABCC
   All sources checked August 2025.