Do You Need a License to Start a Home Business?
Find out in 30 seconds. We cover 102 occupations across all 50 states — with fees, training requirements, wages, and a step-by-step startup checklist for each.
From "What do I need?" to "Ready to start"
Each guide gives you the complete picture — not just a yes/no on licensing.
Pick your trade
Choose from 102 occupations across 9 categories — beauty, health, trades, education, and more.
Choose your state
See the exact license fee, training hours, and exam requirements for your specific state.
Get your full checklist
Walk away with a step-by-step plan: training, exams, LLC formation, insurance, permits, and first clients.
License Required?
Instantly see if your state requires a license and what happens if it doesn't.
Exact Fees & Costs
State licensing fees, LLC costs, insurance — know your total startup investment.
Training Hours
How long it takes — from 0 hours in some states to 2,000+ in others.
Step-by-Step Plan
Training, exams, LLC, permits, insurance, taxes, first clients — all in one place.
Browse All 102 Occupations by Category
Select your occupation to see licensing requirements, fees, and startup guides for all 50 states and DC.
Cosmetology
4Hair, skin, nails, and beauty services.
Personal Care Services
3Personal care and grooming services.
Health
10Health and wellness occupations.
Construction and Home Services
43Skilled trades and home improvement.
Animals, Agriculture, and Outdoors
18Animal care, agriculture, and outdoor work.
Entertainment and Hospitality
7Entertainment, events, and hospitality.
Education
4Teaching, tutoring, and educational services.
Transportation and Machinery
7Transportation, machinery, and equipment.
Other
6Additional licensed occupations.
Browse Business Requirements by State
Every state has different rules. Select yours to see licensing requirements, startup costs, and earning potential for over 100 home-based occupations.
Each state directory includes licensing fees, training hours, LLC formation costs, and businesses you can start with no license.
Wages & Earning Data
Before you commit to a license and training, see what you can actually earn. All wage data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS OEWS).
What each wage guide includes
Deciding Between Two Trades?
Can't choose a path? Our side-by-side guides put licensing requirements, BLS wages, and startup costs for two related careers in one place — so you can make an informed decision.
Licensing · Wages · Startup cost comparison
Compare side-by-side →Licensing · Wages · Startup cost comparison
Compare side-by-side →Licensing · Wages · Startup cost comparison
Compare side-by-side →Licensing · Wages · Startup cost comparison
Compare side-by-side →Licensing · Wages · Startup cost comparison
Compare side-by-side →Licensing · Wages · Startup cost comparison
Compare side-by-side →Licensing · Wages · Startup cost comparison
Compare side-by-side →Licensing · Wages · Startup cost comparison
Compare side-by-side →Sample comparisons shown for California. Once on the page, data is available for all 50 states.
Free Planning Tools
Go beyond licensing info — plan your pricing, budget startup costs, and find the best state for your business.
Pricing Calculator
How much should you charge? Based on real BLS wage data for your occupation and state.
Startup Cost Calculator
Get a personalized cost breakdown: licensing, LLC, insurance, and monthly expenses.
Best States Rankings
Data-driven rankings of all 50 states for each occupation by wages, fees, and costs.
State Directories
Browse all licensing rules, fees, and startup costs for your specific state.
Complete Startup Guides
We cover every step from license to first client — LLC formation, exam prep, business registration, insurance, and permits.
Start Here Guide
New to starting a home business? Follow our step-by-step roadmap from idea to first client — no experience needed.
LLC Formation by State
State-by-state LLC costs, filing steps, annual requirements, and registered agent information.
Exam Prep Guides
Exam names, providers, costs, and study resources for every regulated occupation and state.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about home business licensing in the US.
Do I need a license to run a business from home?
It depends on your occupation and state. Trades like cosmetology, massage therapy, and electrical work require a state-issued occupational license in most states. Others — like tutoring, bookkeeping, or pet sitting — rarely do. Our guides cover the exact rules for 102 occupations across all 50 states + DC.
What's the difference between an occupational license and a business license?
An occupational license certifies that you've met training, exam, and fee requirements to practice a specific trade. A general business license is a local permit to operate a business in your city or county. You may need both, either, or neither — depending on your trade and location.
How much does it typically cost to get a home business license?
Occupational license fees range from $0 (no license required) to over $500 in the most regulated states. The average fee across regulated trades is around $150. Add LLC formation ($40–$500 by state) and insurance ($15–40/month) when budgeting your startup costs.
Which states have the least home business red tape?
Wyoming, Montana, and South Dakota consistently rank among the most business-friendly states — they regulate fewer occupations and charge lower fees when they do. Use our Best States Rankings to compare all 50 states for your specific trade.
Can I start a beauty or wellness business from home without a license?
It depends on the service and state. Hair braiding requires no license in many states. Cosmetology, esthetics, and nail services typically do require a license. Check the guide for your specific occupation to see the exact rules in your state.
How long does it take to get a home business license?
Timelines vary by trade and state. Some states process applications in 2–4 weeks; others take 3–6 months for highly regulated fields like electrical or HVAC. The training requirement is the biggest time factor — ranging from 0 hours to 2,000+ hours in some states.