Business guide
NYC Business Permits & Licenses
The paperwork between you and opening day, in plain English — what most Brooklyn businesses need, in the order you’ll need it. Every link goes to the official agency.
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Form your business entity
Most Brooklyn businesses register as an LLC or corporation with the NYS Department of State, or operate as a sole proprietorship under their own name (file a business certificate — “DBA” — with the Kings County Clerk if you trade under another name).
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Get a federal EIN
Apply free on IRS.gov for an Employer Identification Number — you’ll need it for taxes, banking, and most license applications.
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Register with the NYS Tax Department
If you sell taxable goods or services, you must register for a Certificate of Authority to collect sales tax before you open — operating without one can mean penalties.
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Identify the licenses your trade requires
NYC’s Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) licenses dozens of trades — home improvement contractors, general vendors, electronics stores, tow trucks, and more. The NYC SBS website and its free navigators can tell you which apply to your business.
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Food, liquor, and buildout permits
Food service establishments need a NYC Health Department permit and a certified food protection supervisor. Selling alcohol requires a NY State Liquor Authority license — start early, it takes time. Renovations, signage, and awnings go through the NYC Department of Buildings.
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Get free help before you pay for it
NYC Small Business Services offers free one-on-one permit and licensing navigation, and SCORE mentors will review your plan for free. Use them before hiring a filing service.
Official links
- NYC SBS — start a business — free navigators, courses, and step-by-step city guidance.
- NYC DCWP licenses — the license list and online applications.
- NYC Health — food service establishments — permits and food protection certification.
- NY State Liquor Authority — liquor, wine, and beer licenses.
- NYS Tax — sales tax Certificate of Authority
- IRS — apply for an EIN (free)
Requirements depend on your exact business type and location, and they change — confirm what applies to you on the agency pages above or with a free NYC SBS navigator before you sign a lease.
More business guides: SBA loans explained · MWBE certification · small business hub