How to Get Business License and Permits in Wyoming

One of the most important steps after forming your limited liability company or LLC in Wyoming is to obtain the necessary licenses and work permits. Licenses or work permits ensure that your LLC operations comply with Wyoming regulations. Permits and licenses are as important as legally registering your business to protect your investments, expand your business (hiring employees), and minimize potential liabilities.

In Wyoming, or any other state, obtaining licenses or work permits depends on the industry and nature of the business. For example, if you start an LLC as a graphic designer, you must register the company with the Wyoming SOS, but you do not necessarily have to obtain licenses. Being a graphic designer or starting a design company in the state does not always require licenses. In this article, we will delve into the process of obtaining business licenses and permits in Wyoming.

What is a Business License and Permit in Wyoming

If you’re running a business or are considering starting one, you must be aware of the licenses and permits required. A business license is permission from the government to operate a business of any nature in Wyoming. Typically, as a driver’s license allows you to drive your car, a business license allows you to run your business.

Business licenses are different from business registration. The registration process depends on the structure of your business, for example, a Wyoming LLC. However, a business license varies depending on your industry. For example, a graphic designer may not need to get a license, but must register their business in Wyoming. So, your LLC might not need a specific license, but if you are selling medical cannabis, you must get the proper license for it.

Most states in the United States need a general business license. Wyoming is one of those states where businesses do not need to obtain this license. Besides, you must get state and federal licenses.

What Do You Need Before You Apply For Business Licenses and Permits

If you’re in the initial step of forming an LLC or any business, you must wait until your business registration in Wyoming is done. Once you have completed all the steps to file your business in Wyoming, you must be ready with the following documents to apply for the business licenses.

Name of your business
Type of your business (Corporation, Partnership, or LLC)
Phone & Address of your business
Your business plan has revenue and expenses
EIN (Employment Identification Number)

You may need other types of documents before you apply for the business licenses, depending on the business nature. Checking with the local city/county authorities for better information is recommended for clearer information.
–LLCBuddy Editorial Team

How to Apply for Business Licenses and Permits in Wyoming

In Wyoming, obtaining business licenses and permits is straightforward. Before applying, check with the local authority for license requirements. Here, we have shared three broad categories of licenses. One, State permits and licenses. Two, federal licenses, and finally, a professional license.

Step 1: Get State Licenses and Permits in Wyoming

Obviously, the state where you will conduct your business must have some license requirements. You need to search for the required permits and licenses in the state. Businesses must apply to the Wyoming Secretary of State for state licenses. You can search for business licenses in several ways. Read about how to do a business license search to know the process and requirements.

In some states, it is mandatory to get a privileged license. Wyoming is no doubt a business-friendly state. It is one of the states that does not require a privilege license. Businesses must visit the official website of the Wyoming Secretary of State and search for the licenses and permits required for their specific business.

Step 2: Get Federal Licenses and Permits

Once you’re done applying for State licenses, it is time to apply for Federal business licenses. The following are the licenses one must have if they are conducting business in the following fields,

Agriculture: License issued by the U.S. Department of Agriculture
Aviation: License issued by the Federal Aviation Administration
Alcohol & Tobacco: License issued by the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau
Ammunition, Explosive, & Firearms: License issued by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.
Radio & Television (Broadcast): License issued by the Federal Communications Commission
Mining & Drilling: License issued by the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement
Commercial Fisheries: License issued by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Fisheries Service
Wildlife & Fisheries: License issued by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Nuclear Energy: License issued by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission
Transportation by Sea: License issued by the Federal Maritime Commission

If your business belongs to any of the industries mentioned above, you must obtain state as well as federal licenses.

Step 3: Search for Other State Permits and Licenses in Wyoming

Apart from general business licenses and privilege licenses, businesses may also need to obtain other licenses and permits in Wyoming. As I mentioned, business licenses solely depend on the type of industry you are in. Different states have different licensing policies. You must go to the official website of the Wyoming Secretary of State to find out the special licenses your business needs.

You will also find the probate offices in Wyoming through the Wyoming Secretary of State website. You can drop by the probate office and find out the details about your licenses. Some common permits, such as building permits, health permits, signage permits, zoning permits, and environmental permits, are required if you’re in a related industry.

Step 4: City-based Permits and Licenses in Wyoming

Now, it’s time to consider local authority requirements. Once you’ve completed federal and state formalities, you should check with your local city authorities for any additional permits that may be required. In some cases, certain permits might be issued by local government offices rather than state or federal agencies. As a result, it’s essential to visit your local government office soon after setting up your business to apply for any necessary permits.

Keep in mind that you may come across some licenses that may not seem directly related to your profession. For example, you might not think you need a health permit as a hairstylist. However, it might be a requirement in your city. Such permits help protect you and your fellow Wyoming entrepreneurs from potential legal issues.

Step 5: Home-based Business Licence in Wyoming

The licensing is different if your business is home-based in Wyoming. An initial inspection is conducted based on the type of business you operate from your home. For example, if you are selling homemade edibles, then it is necessary to check the place’s hygiene. Wyoming state and local authorities will visit your home to ensure that everything is in good condition and hygienic. Based on that, you will get the permit or license to run a home-based business in Wyoming.

Home-based business licenses are issued on the basis of the nature of your business. Issuance, expiration, and renewal of this type of license are different from conventional state and federal licenses. To know more about home-based business license requirements, do pay a visit to the local revenue office.

Step 6: Get a Professional License in Wyoming

This is a special type of license. A professional license is issued only to those with special education, training, and a degree. For example, teachers, nurses, doctors, and engineers are eligible to get this license.

In Wyoming, professionals such as doctors, engineers, teachers, and nurses obtain this license to work independently in their respective fields. Professional Licenses are issued by the Wyoming Secretary of State and only to those with a special education degree, and/or training.

How to Maintain Your Business Licenses in Wyoming

In Wyoming, businesses typically need to maintain two types of licenses: general state and federal licenses, as well as professional licenses. General state and federal licenses usually expire after one year and are automatically renewed, provided the business is in good standing. Once expired, entrepreneurs must pay the annual fees to renew these licenses.

The rules governing professional licenses in Wyoming differ slightly. To maintain or renew a professional license, individuals typically need to complete continuing education requirements. For example, a doctor with a professional license must continue studying and training to stay up-to-date with new medical technology and treatments. The professional can renew their license after finishing the required training or education.

FAQs

What is required to get a business license in Wyoming?

To obtain a business license in Wyoming, you must first register with the Secretary of State’s office, obtain a federal employer identification number (EIN) from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), obtain any necessary local permits or licenses, and obtain necessary business insurance.

Do I need a business license for an online business in Wyoming?

Yes, if you are conducting business in the state of Wyoming, you must obtain a business license.

Does Wyoming require any special permits to do business in the state?

Yes, depending on the type of business you are running, you may need to obtain additional permits or licenses from the local county or city government.

Do I need a business license to sell products in Wyoming?

Yes, you must obtain a business license to legally sell products in Wyoming.

Is there an application fee for a business license in Wyoming?

Yes, the application fee for a Wyoming business license varies depending on the type of business.

Does Wyoming have any specific requirements for business insurance?

Yes, Wyoming requires businesses to carry certain types of insurance such as workers’ compensation, general liability, and professional liability.

Do I need to register my business with the Wyoming Secretary of State?

Yes, to obtain a business license in Wyoming, you must first register your business with the Wyoming Secretary of State.

How do I get a Wyoming federal employer identification number (EIN)?

To obtain a Wyoming federal employer identification number (EIN), you must apply through the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

Do I need to obtain any local permits or licenses for my Wyoming business?

Yes, depending on the type of business you are running, you may need to obtain additional permits or licenses from the local county or city government.

How do I renew my Wyoming business license?

To renew your Wyoming business license, you must submit a renewal application to the Secretary of State’s office.

What is the time frame for processing a Wyoming business license application?

The time frame for processing a Wyoming business license application varies depending on the type of business.

Can I transfer my Wyoming business license to another person?

Yes, you can transfer your Wyoming business license to another person.

Does Wyoming offer any tax incentives for businesses?

Yes, Wyoming offers several tax incentives and credits for businesses, including a sales tax credit and a new jobs credit.

Is there a fee for transferring a Wyoming business license?

Yes, there is a fee for transferring a Wyoming business license.

Does Wyoming require businesses to have a surety bond?

Yes, Wyoming requires most businesses to obtain a surety bond.

Is there an appeals process for denied Wyoming business license applications?

Yes, if your business license application is denied, you can appeal the decision.

Does Wyoming require businesses to have a registered agent?

Yes, all Wyoming businesses must have a registered agent.

Can I start a business in Wyoming without a business license?

No, you must obtain a business license in order to legally operate a business in Wyoming.

Does Wyoming require any special business permits for food businesses?

Yes, food businesses in Wyoming must obtain a food service permit from the local health department.

Does Wyoming require businesses to have a business license before they can open a bank account?

Yes, most banks in Wyoming require businesses to have a valid business license before they can open a bank account.

How do I find out more information about obtaining a Wyoming business license?

For more information about obtaining a Wyoming business license, contact the Wyoming Secretary of State’s office or visit their website.

Does Wyoming require any special business permits for selling alcohol?

Yes, businesses selling alcohol in Wyoming must obtain a liquor license from the Wyoming Liquor Division.

Does Wyoming require businesses to carry any special insurance?

Yes, Wyoming requires businesses to carry certain types of insurance such as workers’ compensation, general liability, and professional liability.

How much does a Wyoming business license cost?

The cost of a Wyoming business license depends on the type of business.

Does Wyoming require businesses to pay sales tax?

Yes, Wyoming requires businesses to collect and remit sales tax for goods and services sold in the state.

Does Wyoming require businesses to pay any special fees?

Yes, businesses in Wyoming may be required to pay special fees such as franchise fees and filing fees.

What is the penalty for operating a business without a license in Wyoming?

Operating a business without a license in Wyoming is a misdemeanor offense and can result in fines and/or jail time.

Does Wyoming require any special permits for businesses that employ minors?

Yes, businesses in Wyoming that employ minors must obtain a work permit from the local school district.

Does Wyoming require businesses to register with the Department of Revenue?

Yes, businesses in Wyoming must register with the Wyoming Department of Revenue in order to pay state taxes.

Does Wyoming offer any assistance for businesses filing their taxes?

Yes, the Wyoming Department of Revenue offers assistance for businesses filing their taxes.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the business licenses required in Wyoming largely depend on the nature of your enterprise. While some state-specific requirements may exist, the type of business ultimately determines the necessary licenses. Some businesses might not need any licenses or permits to operate. To ensure compliance, it is strongly advised to consult with local authorities about any required licenses and permits for conducting business in your specific city or county within Wyoming.