Durham, North Carolina business licenses

Identify the licenses, permits, and how many you need to start or grow your business in Durham.  

Make finding and applying for business licenses less complicated

Getting the right business license is crucial to starting your company on the right foot. But identifying and applying for licenses can be confusing and complicated. Business Licenses by Avalara helps make it easier.

what we do:

  • Help find licenses you may need when opening or expanding a business or meeting new license requirements
  • Simplify and streamline the application process
  • Prepare signature-ready applications (with Avalara License Preparation product)

Avalara License Guidance $99 

Learn license requirements, find applications, and get help submitting them.

Avalara License Filing, starting at $499 per location 

Let our business license experts prepare your applications for you.

Know why you need licenses and permits in Durham

Some industries are highly regulated and can require many licenses. These regulations are often in place to help protect both your business and the community. Discover why licenses and permits are so important for these industries in Durham.

CONSTRUCTION

Considerations when acquiring licenses/permits for construction in Durham.

CONSTRUCTION

Considerations when acquiring licenses/permits for construction in Durham.

Many construction jobs require some kind of building permit to get started in Durham. You may be surprised by the construction jobs that require permits in Durham. A minor remodeling job without the right permit in Durham could land your business in major trouble. Always check with your local authorities before you begin construction to see if you need a building permit.

There are often environmental considerations when operating a construction business in Durham. Waste and debris from construction sites can sometimes impact local ecosystems and waterways. Be sure to check for your local licenses in Durham as well as any federal licenses or permits you may need.

Construction sites can be potentially dangerous places. Due to the inherent hazards that come with some jobs, there may be safety permits required to operate your construction business in Durham. Safe work permits are frequently required by OSHA in addition to any local construction permits in Durham.

RESTAURANTS

Considerations when acquiring licenses/permits for restaurants in Durham.

RESTAURANTS

Considerations when acquiring licenses/permits for restaurants  in Durham.

You’ll likely need a business license to open a cafe or restaurant in Durham. This is in addition to any other local or state licenses that may be required in Durham.

On top of your business license, you may need a food service license for your restaurant in Durham. These licenses are often issued by the health department in your area. After you’ve gotten your food service license in Durham, the health department will start making inspections of your business.

If your cafe or restaurant in Durham serves any kind of beer, wine, cider, or spirits, you’re likely going to need some type of beverage alcohol license. Your Durham cafe or restaurant may require a general license for all types of alcoholic beverages, or a license just for beer and wine. Decide what drinks your business plans to sell, and learn the licenses you need to maintain compliance.

FREIGHT AND CARGO TRANSPORTATION

There are many regulations a freight and cargo transportation 
business might need to comply with in Durham.

FREIGHT AND CARGO TRANSPORTATION

Considerations when acquiring business licenses/permits for freight and cargo transportation in Durham.

Depending on what you do, you may need a freight forwarder license to operate a freight transportation business in Durham. This license allows businesses to manage transportation for third-party cargo. This license is often handled by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, but you should see if additional licenses or permits are required in Durham.

While a freight forwarding license may be required for managing shipments in Durham, you might need a motor carrier permit if your business handles the actual shipping. There may be other permits and licenses necessary for freight carriers in Durham.

One big license you’ll likely need for your freight transportation business in Durham is a commercial driver’s license, or CDL. A CDL is required not only for drivers in Durham, but for all commercial drivers across the U.S.

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FREE ECONOMIC NEXUS RISK ASSESSMENT

See where you might owe sales tax

Need to know where and when you owe sales tax? Get a free Economic Nexus Risk Assessment and learn your sales tax obligations.

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Learn more about business licenses

Looking for answers to your business license questions? Connect with a tax solution specialist at Avalara today.

Learn more about business licenses

Connect with Avalara to learn more about the licenses your business may require.