10 Best Business License & LLC Services of 2025
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Why use an online formation service to start a business in Texas?

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.

Texas Business License and Permits requirements

Texas has specific business license requirements, though the state does not have a general business license. The licenses and permits you need depend on your industry, the type of business you operate, and your location. Here’s an overview:

General Business Registration

No Statewide General Business License: Texas does not require a general business license for all businesses. However:

• If you form a legal entity such as an LLC, corporation, or limited partnership, you must register with the Texas Secretary of State.
• Sole proprietorships and general partnerships generally don’t need to register with the state unless they are using a DBA (Doing Business As) name, which must be registered with the county clerk’s office.

Industry-Specific Licenses and Permits

Some businesses in Texas require specific licenses or permits issued by state agencies. Examples include:

Food and Beverage

• Restaurants, food trucks, and catering services need permits from the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS).
• Businesses selling alcoholic beverages require a license from the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC).

Health and Medical Professions

Medical professionals such as doctors, nurses, and therapists need licenses from their respective boards under the Texas Medical Board or other state agencies.

Construction and Contracting

Electricians, plumbers, and HVAC contractors must be licensed through the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) or relevant state boards.

Real Estate

Real estate agents and brokers must be licensed by the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC).

Childcare and Education

Childcare providers and daycare centers need licensing through the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS).

Personal Care Services

Cosmetologists, barbers, and nail technicians must obtain licenses from the TDLR.

Transportation and Trucking

Businesses operating in transportation or logistics, including trucking companies, may need federal and state permits.

Financial Services

Businesses offering loans, credit services, or financial advice need licensing from the Texas Department of Banking or other regulatory agencies.

Local Business Licenses and Permits

Many cities and counties in Texas require businesses to obtain local permits or licenses to operate. Common examples include:

• City or County Business Licenses: Check with local authorities for specific requirements.
• Zoning Permits: Ensure your business complies with local zoning laws.
• Signage Permits: Required for outdoor signage.

Federal Licenses

• Some businesses operating in regulated industries (e.g., agriculture, firearms, aviation) may require federal licenses in addition to state or local permits.

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.

How to start a business and file business license in Texas in 4 simple steps

Filing your business license in Texas is super easy and fast when using a trusted professional formation service. Here is the process to complete it with TailorBrands in 4 simple 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
4. Select the ‘Business license and permits’ package on your TailorBrands dashboard.

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.