Registrations, Licenses and Permits

You'll want to make sure your business is legal. The first step is to decide what kind of business entity (legal structure) is best for you. For a description of the pros and cons of legal structures, go to the Missouri SBTDC's guide to forms of business organization. You can also look at a comparison of legal forms of business.

Once you've decided on a legal structure, you'll need to:

• Register your business with the Secretary of State

Missouri Corporations Division
600 W Main St.
Missouri State Information Center, Room 322
Jefferson City, MO 65101-0778
(573) 751-4153
Toll free: 1-866-223-6535

Illinois Secretary of State

• If you will have employees, apply for an employee identification number through the Internal Revenue Service

• If you will be selling items, submit a Missouri Tax Registration Application through one of the Missouri Department of Revenue's tax assistance centers

• In Illinois, visit the Department of Revenue

• Contact your local city clerk office to see if you need any specific licenses and permits. 

Some professions, occupations or activities require special licenses or certifications. Click on Industry Licenses to find out if your industry has any special requirements. The Missouri SBTDCs also offer a guide to licenses and permits which includes where to find out information on Occupational Licenses.

The imposition of tax and license fees on certain professions is prohibited by Missouri. For information go to the state statute on exempt occupations.

The Missouri SBTDC has developed a  Starting a Business checklist that may also be helpful.