Here's what you need in New Jersey
Official state business portal: Business.NJ.gov. Business.NJ.gov is the state's one-stop site for starting and running a business, with a free personalized starter guide, license search and tax deadlines.
| What you need | Who issues it | Official fee | Links | Checked |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General state business licenseWe could not find an official sentence confirming whether New Jersey has a general state business license. Every business registers with the state for tax purposes, and your industry or town may need its own license. | New Jersey Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services | Not yet verifiedCheck with the agency | Source | Nov 7, 2026 |
| Form an LLCCertificate of Formation. To form an LLC, file a Certificate of Formation with the Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services. You can file online. | New Jersey Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services | $100 filing fee | Applyat njportal.comSource | Nov 7, 2026 |
| Business name (DBA)Alternate Name Registration (LLCs and corporations) or county trade name (sole proprietors). An LLC, corporation or limited partnership registers an alternate name with the state using Form C-150G, valid for five years. Sole proprietors and partnerships register a trade name in the county where the business is located. | New Jersey Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services | $50 for an alternate name filed with the state | Source | Nov 7, 2026 |
| Sales tax permitCertificate of Authority. Register your business online with Form NJ-REG at the Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services. If you sell taxable goods or services, the Division of Taxation then issues a Certificate of Authority to collect sales tax. | New Jersey Division of Taxation | Fee not published.Ask the agency | Applyat nj.govSource | Nov 7, 2026 |
| Unemployment insurance (once you hire)Employer registration (Form NJ-REG). Every business first registers with Form NJ-REG. You become an employer for unemployment insurance once you employ one or more people and pay enough wages in a calendar year, and then you file quarterly wage reports and contributions. | New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development | You pay tax on wages | Applyat nj.govSource | Nov 7, 2026 |
| Federal tax ID (EIN)Employer Identification Number (EIN). You need an EIN if you have employees or pay certain federal taxes, and banks often ask for one. Apply online with the IRS and you get the number in minutes. | Internal Revenue Service (IRS) | Free | Applyat irs.govSource | Nov 7, 2026 |
Costs after you start
What an LLC in New Jersey pays or files after it is formed.
| What you need | Who issues it | Official fee | Links | Checked |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual ReportEvery New Jersey LLC files an Annual Report with the Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services each year. You can file it online. | New Jersey Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services | $75 a year | Applyat njportal.comSource | Nov 7, 2026 |
Licenses by type of business
State level licenses. Your city or county may add its own permits.
| What you need | Who issues it | Official fee | Links | Checked |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hair salon, barber shop or nail salonShop license. Opening a new shop, moving a shop or taking over an existing shop needs a shop license from the State Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling. The shop is inspected after you apply. | New Jersey State Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling | $350 in the first year of the licensing cycle, $250 in the second year | Source | Nov 7, 2026 |
| Child care in your homeRegistered family child care provider. A registered family child care provider cares for no more than five children, 13 years old or younger, in the provider's home. Registration is voluntary and you apply through your county Child Care Resource and Referral agency. | New Jersey Department of Children and Families, Office of Licensing | $25 to apply | Source | Nov 7, 2026 |
| Selling alcohol (bar or restaurant)Retail alcoholic beverage license. In New Jersey, the issuing authority in each town issues, renews and transfers retail licenses for bars and restaurants. The state Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control regulates the industry. | New Jersey Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control | Set by each town under state law | Source | Nov 7, 2026 |
| General contractorHome Improvement Contractor registration. A home improvement contractor business must register with the Division of Consumer Affairs. You must show proof of commercial general liability insurance, workers' compensation insurance and additional security such as a bond. | New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs | $110 registration fee | Source | Nov 7, 2026 |
| Selling homemade food (cottage food)Cottage Food Operator Permit. You can sell certain homemade foods made in your home kitchen with a Cottage Food Operator Permit from the Department of Health. The permit lasts two years. | New Jersey Department of Health | $100 to apply, valid for two years, $100 to renew | Source | Nov 7, 2026 |
What is different in New Jersey
- At $100, the LLC filing fee is near the middle: 18 of 49 verified states charge less and 21 charge more.
- Where to file a business name (DBA): An LLC, corporation or limited partnership registers an alternate name with the state using Form C-150G, valid for five years. Sole proprietors and partnerships register a trade name in the county where the business is located.
- Homemade food sales are capped at $50,000 a year. Of the 16 states where we verified a cap, 10 allow more.
- Home food sellers need the Cottage Food Operator Permit ($100 to apply, valid for two years, $100 to renew).
- Contractor licensing in New Jersey: A home improvement contractor business must register with the Division of Consumer Affairs. You must show proof of commercial general liability insurance, workers' compensation insurance and additional security such as a bond.
- At $350, the salon or shop license fee is among the highest: only 2 of 36 verified states charge more.
- Annual Report: $75 a year. Every New Jersey LLC files an Annual Report with the Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services each year. You can file it online.
Steps to start a business in New Jersey
Pick a structure and register it
Sole owners can start under their own name. To form an LLC, file the Certificate of Formation with the New Jersey Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services ($100).
Get a free EIN
Apply on irs.gov. You need it to hire, and banks usually ask for it. Never pay a website for an EIN.
Register your business name
If you trade under a name that is not your legal name, file a DBA with the New Jersey Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services.
Register for sales tax
If you sell taxable goods or services, get your permit from the New Jersey Division of Taxation before your first sale.
Get a state license for your type of business
Salons, child care, alcohol, building work and home food each have their own state rules. See the table above.
Check city and county permits
Ask about a local business license, zoning, health and building permits before you sign a lease.
Register as an employer when you hire
Open a state unemployment insurance tax account with the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development.
City and county permits
Cities and countys in New Jersey can require their own business license, zoning approval, health permit or building permit. Rules change from place to place, so ask your city hall and county clerk before you sign a lease. Home businesses often need a home occupation permit.
Questions about business licenses in New Jersey
Do I need a business license in New Jersey?
We have not yet verified this on an official page. Check with the New Jersey Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services.
How much is an LLC in New Jersey?
The New Jersey Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services charges $100 filing fee to file the Certificate of Formation. To form an LLC, file a Certificate of Formation with the Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services. You can file online.
How much does an LLC cost per year in New Jersey?
Annual Report: $75 a year. Every New Jersey LLC files an Annual Report with the Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services each year. You can file it online.
Does an LLC need a business license in New Jersey?
Yes, if your type of business or your location requires one. Forming an LLC only registers your company with the state; it is not a license. An LLC in New Jersey still needs any state license for its type of business and any local business license from its city or county.
Do I need a sales tax permit in New Jersey?
Yes, if you sell taxable goods or services. Register your business online with Form NJ-REG at the Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services. If you sell taxable goods or services, the Division of Taxation then issues a Certificate of Authority to collect sales tax.
How much is a DBA in New Jersey?
An LLC, corporation or limited partnership registers an alternate name with the state using Form C-150G, valid for five years. Sole proprietors and partnerships register a trade name in the county where the business is located. Official fee: $50 for an alternate name filed with the state.
Can I sell homemade food from home in New Jersey?
You can sell certain homemade foods made in your home kitchen with a Cottage Food Operator Permit from the Department of Health. The permit lasts two years. Fee: $100 to apply, valid for two years, $100 to renew. Sales cap: $50,000 a year.
Do contractors need a state license in New Jersey?
A home improvement contractor business must register with the Division of Consumer Affairs. You must show proof of commercial general liability insurance, workers' compensation insurance and additional security such as a bond. Official fee: $110 registration fee.
Do I need an EIN?
You need an EIN if you have employees or pay certain federal taxes, and banks often ask for one. Apply online with the IRS and you get the number in minutes. It is free: never pay a website for an EIN.
Sources
Every fact on this page comes from an official government page, checked on the date shown. Facts we could not confirm are marked Not yet verified and show no number. How we check.
- General state business license New Jersey Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services Not yet verified Checked Nov 7, 2026
- Form an LLC New Jersey Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services Checked Nov 7, 2026
- Business name (DBA) New Jersey Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services Checked Nov 7, 2026
- Sales tax permit New Jersey Division of Taxation Checked Nov 7, 2026
- Unemployment insurance (once you hire) New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development Checked Nov 7, 2026
- Official business portal State of New Jersey Checked Nov 7, 2026
- Hair salon, barber shop or nail salon New Jersey State Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling Checked Nov 7, 2026
- Child care in your home New Jersey Department of Children and Families, Office of Licensing Checked Nov 7, 2026
- Selling alcohol (bar or restaurant) New Jersey Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control Checked Nov 7, 2026
- General contractor New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs Checked Nov 7, 2026
- Selling homemade food (cottage food) New Jersey Department of Health Checked Nov 7, 2026
- Federal tax ID (EIN) Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Checked Nov 7, 2026