10 Best Business License & LLC Services of 2025
Register Your Business in Less Than 10 Minutes

How to start a business and file business license in 3 simple steps

Starting your business is super easy and fast when using a trusted professional formation service. Once you’ve selected a filing service, complete the following 3 steps:

1. Fill in your company name and address
2. Designate a registered agent
3. Pay for the filing service (and possible add-ons such as Operating Agreement, expedited filing service, etc…) + state fees

Why use an online formation service to start a business?

Business formation services offer a fast and cost-effective solution to forming a business. These filing services and industry experts offer all the services you would need to launch your business, such as preparation and filing of LLCs and corporations, business licenses, legal documents, compliance and registered agent services, all in one place, for an affordable price.

Do you need help starting an LLC? With online LLC filing services forming your business is a quick, straightforward, and smooth process. Forming your LLC and launching your business is no longer a complicated, lengthy, and expensive process when you leave it to these industry professionals to do the work for you. The top services also offer very knowledgeable chat support.

Industry-Specific Business Licenses

Certain industries or activities require additional licenses or permits, and the specific requirements can vary depending on the state

Health and Food Businesses

Restaurants, food trucks, and catering services must obtain a health permit from the local health department
Sellers of alcohol need a license from the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC)

Professional Services

Professionals such as doctors, lawyers, accountants, and real estate agents need state-issued licenses from their respective boards

Contractors

Contractors and construction companies must be licensed through the Contractors State License Board (CSLB).

Retail and Wholesale Businesses

A seller’s permit is required from the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA) for businesses selling tangible goods

Transportation Services

Businesses involved in trucking, taxis, or ridesharing may need specific transportation licenses.

Childcare and Education

Childcare providers and private educational institutions need permits from the California Department of Social Services.

Beauty and Personal Care

Hair salons, barbershops, and cosmetologists must be licensed through the California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology.

Professional filing services offer a fast and affordable option to register your business and file your business licenses. TailorBrands offers one of the most comprehensive business packages including annual compliance, operating agreement, 1-year free domain, DIY website/online store  and more. They also have a special promo that can get you up to $50 in Amazon gift card if you use their service to incorporate.

LLC benefits

Most entrepreneurs opt for the LLC entity type when starting their business. An LLC offers business owners the simplicity of a general partnership in terms of formalities and taxes, yet with the personal protection and shield against company debts and liabilities of a corporation. Otherwise, you could be held personally responsible for the mistakes your business might make.

Another huge benefit of forming an LLC is its flexibility. You get to choose whether you want to be managed as a partnership (member-managed LLC) or as a corporation (manager-managed LLC) with all the formalities, such as having a board of directors and annual meetings. You can also turn your LLC into a corporation down the road if the business takes that direction.

Domestic LLC vs. Foreign LLC

A domestic LLC means you file your LLC in the state where you live and do most of your business. This is the most common and cost-effective scenario. A foreign LLC is needed if you form your LLC in one state but run a business or have a physical location in another state. For example, if you file your LLC in one state but open a store in a different state, you’ll need to file a foreign LLC in that second state to do business legally.

Foreign LLCs usually cost more and might require you to appoint a registered agent in more then one state. If you file your LLC in a state that isn’t your home state, you will still need to file a foreign LLC in your home state to run your business there.

Additional LLC & business services

Do I need to appoint a registered agent?

Yes, in most states it is mandatory to appoint a registered agent and we highly recommend using a professional registered agent service. All brands listed on our charts offer a professional registered agent service.

BOIR for business

Starting in 2024, new and existing U.S. businesses should submit the ‘Beneficial Ownership Information Report’ (BOIR) to FinCEN. This report includes personal information about key individuals in the company including the entity, its beneficial owners, and in some cases its company applicants. The top LLC filing services listed on our chart can help you with the BOIR requirement.

How to expediate LLC processing

TailorBrands offers expedited LLC processing in all LLC filing services including the free one.