Getting a business licence in New Hampshire allows you to operate a business in the state legally and helps ensure its compliance with state and local regulations. Depending on the kind of business you want to open and where you'll operate, you might need one or more licences and permits. New Hampshire doesn't require a general business licence, but state agencies regulate specific industries, and individual towns and cities have their own permit requirements.
Below, we'll explore the common types of business licences and permits in New Hampshire, how to apply, and what costs to expect.
Key takeaways
There's no statewide, general business licence in New Hampshire, but state and local agencies regulate specific business activities and issue licences and permits.
New Hampshire doesn't have a general sales tax. However, certain businesses (e.g., restaurants, hotels, car rental companies) might need an Operator's Licence for Meals and Rooms (Rentals) Tax, also known as M&R Tax, from the New Hampshire Department of Revenue Administration.
The cost of getting a business licence in New Hampshire can vary widely based on the types of licences and permits required.
Renewal timelines also differ. Some agencies send renewal reminders, but it's still worth tracking the expiry dates of any licences or permits you obtain.
Do you need a business licence in New Hampshire?
New Hampshire doesn't issue a statewide business licence. However, depending on the kind of business you plan to run and where it'll operate, you could be required to get one or more business licences or permits from federal, state, or local agencies. Some New Hampshire counties also have their own permit requirements. For this reason, you'll want to clarify what each level of government mandates for your intended business.
What are some common types of business licences in New Hampshire?
New Hampshire issues several different types of business licences and permits, including the following:
Local business licences and permits: Local municipalities typically require licences for specific business activities, but licensing requirements vary between jurisdictions. For example, Manchester requires a business licence for many types of businesses, including tattoo shops, food service establishments, and pawnbrokers. Dover, on the other hand, requires only select businesses to be licensed.
Professional or occupational licences: Several professions in New Hampshire need a licence, including accountants, architects, electricians, and mental health practitioners. Those professionals must obtain one from a licensing board, commission, or council. You can find a full list of these authorities and the professions they regulate through the New Hampshire Office of Professional Licensure and Certification (OPLC). You can also find a list of regulated professions through New Hampshire Employment Security (NHES).
State licences based on agency: Many industries are regulated at the state level. For example, most food establishments must secure a licence from the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services. Insurance producers and adjusters need one from the New Hampshire Insurance Department. The state's Business Gateway portal lists many of the agencies that issue special licences and permits.
M&R Operator's Licence: Patrons of restaurants, car rental companies, and hotels, motels, bed-and-breakfasts, and other facilities that have sleeping accommodations must pay M&R Tax. If your business will fall under any of these categories, you'll need to obtain a special licence from the Department of Revenue Administration.
Federal licences for some businesses: Specific activities within certain industries might require federal licensing. Operating a winery, for example, requires a permit from the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau. You can check the US Small Business Administration's list of federal licences and permits for more information.
How do you get a New Hampshire business licence?
Follow these steps to get a business licence in New Hampshire:
Choose your business structure: The business structure you choose will determine how your company pays taxes and operates, as well as your personal risk exposure. You can form a sole proprietorship, partnership, limited liability company (LLC), or corporation. An attorney or tax professional can help you decide.
Register with the New Hampshire secretary of state if required: Once you decide on your business structure, you can register your business online with the secretary of state's office through NH Quickstart. Sole proprietors and partnerships only need to register if they operate under a name that differs from the legal name of the business owner or owners.
Get your Employer Identification Number (EIN): You can apply for an EIN with the US Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Be prepared to provide your business name, entity type (i.e., business structure), and Social Security number (SSN) or taxpayer identification number (TIN).
Apply for state-level licences or permits: If your business will operate within an industry that requires a special licence or permit at the state level, you'll need to submit an application with the relevant authority. The NH Business Gateway lists many of these agencies. If you're looking for a professional licensing board, visit the OPLC's site.
Obtain any local licences: To learn about local licences and permits, you can visit NH.gov and select the website for the city or town you plan to operate in. Alternatively, you can contact the city or town clerk directly.
Apply for an M&R Operator's License if necessary: If this type of licence will be required for your business, you can apply directly through the Granite Tax Connect portal via the Department of Revenue Administration.
How much does a business licence cost in New Hampshire?
How much you'll spend on licences and permits will depend on your chosen location and the licences your business will need. Local licence fees are set by each city and town. They also vary depending on the type of licence. For instance, in Nashua, a vendor licence that's good for one year costs US$100.00, while a one-year pedlar licence in Manchester costs US$150.00.
Professional licence fees can also vary from one trade to the next. A cosmetologist will pay a US$55.00 application fee and a US$55.00 renewal fee. For a physician associate, both figures increase to US$220.00.
|
Licence type
|
Fee range
|
Renewal frequency
|
|---|---|---|
| State general business licence | N/A | N/A |
| City or town business licence | Varies | Varies |
| Sales tax licence | N/A | N/A |
| M&R Operator's License | US$0 | Every two years |
| Professional licence | US$11–US$2,200, depending on the trade | Typically every two years, but it depends on the trade |
How do renewals work for a New Hampshire business licence?
Renewal timelines can vary based on the type of licence your business obtains. For example, some local licences renew each year, while professional licences in New Hampshire generally renew every two years. You'll need to confirm renewal schedules and deadlines with the applicable licensing agencies.
The OPLC manages many business licence renewals and usually emails renewal notices before they expire. However, some licensing agencies won't send a notification when it's time to renew. Renewal deadlines often depend on the date the original licence was issued or a set date determined by the issuing agency. You might be able to renew some licences online, or you could be required to renew in person or by mail. It comes down to the licence and issuing agency.
The consequences of operating with an expired licence vary. With most professional licences, you generally cannot practise until your licence is reinstated. You could also face penalties of up to US$10,000 or more if you profited while practising without a licence.
What are some considerations specific to New Hampshire?
Here are some important things to know about getting a business licence in New Hampshire:
There's no sales tax, but you might still need a tax licence: Some businesses need an M&R Operator's Licence from the Department of Revenue Administration. It must be renewed by 30 June of every odd-numbered year.
Home-based businesses might have local permit requirements: Some municipalities require a home occupation permit, but the rules can differ for each one. Your business could also be restricted to certain activities and marketing methods. For example, in Dover, your "goods or wares" cannot be visible from the street.
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FAQs about getting a New Hampshire business licence
The content in this article is for general information and education purposes only and should not be construed as legal or tax advice. Stripe does not warrant or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, adequacy, or currency of the information in the article. You should seek the advice of a competent lawyer or accountant licensed to practise in your jurisdiction for advice on your particular situation.