Permits & licenses

First Stop Shop | Registering your business | Local requirements | State requirements Agricultural | Contractors | Environmental | Food/alcohol/tobacco | Health care | Federal

The proper federal, state and local business licenses and permits allowing a legal entity to operate in Louisiana must be obtained before the start of business. The requirements will vary widely depending on both the type and the location of the business, so it is advisable to contact both state and local authorities to find out exactly what licenses and permits your business needs. The information presented below is intended as a general guide-contact the agencies listed here and in the Advice and Assistance section for details about your particular situation and type of business.

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A typical business may need several licenses and permits like these before opening its doors in Louisiana:

Building permit
Must be obtained from the parish or municipal government, usually through the building or public works office, before construction of a new building can begin.

• The First Stop Shop also maintains a database of local contacts and can direct you to the proper local licensing and taxing authorities for your business, as well as to state and quasi-governmental agencies.
• By submitting a simple questionnaire to the First Stop Shop, you can obtain a customized licensing/permit checklist for your business.
• Get your customized checklist by going to the First Stop Shop easy checklist and printing out the "Checklist Questionnaire." You can mail in the questionnaire or fax it to (225) 342-0513. The First Stop Shop will send you a checklist sheet listing the basic state and local contact information you will need to complete the proper forms and procedures.

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• The Secretary of State's office maintains a database of registered business names. Preliminary checks of name availability can be conducted by searching the database online or by phone, fax, or mail.
• Go to the Secretary of State's Commercial Division Web site for information on registration, incorporation, and required filings and forms. Examples of forms that can be found at this site include:
  • Articles of Incorporation
  • Initial Report for Louisiana Business
  • Application of A Foreign Corporation
  • Articles of Incorporation - Limited Liability Company
  • Trade Name, Trade Mark, and Service Mark - Registration
  • Partnership Registration
  • Name Reservation for LLC
• The Commercial Division provides walk-in service through its physical office, located at 8549 United Plaza Boulevard in Baton Rouge.
• Any business that engages in sales of any kind must also register with the Louisiana Department of Revenue. Fill out and submit Form R-16019, which can be downloaded here or found at any of the department's regional offices.
• Corporations that are already registered with the Louisiana Secretary of State (except for limited liability companies) will automatically be given a Corporation Income and Franchise Tax (CIFT) account number, and do not need to submit Form R-16019.
• The Louisiana Department of Revenue Web site business section contains detailed information about corporation income and franchise taxes, withholding, and sales and use taxes in Louisiana.

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• Keep in mind that each city and/or parish will have its own regulations regarding building and zoning. New construction will require a local building permit; some jurisdictions also require a zoning clearance before you occupy your building or apply for other licenses. Consult city or parish government to determine local procedures for building, zoning, or rezoning.
• The Louisiana Municipal Association maintains a searchable database of information about cities and municipalities. Here you can link to town and city Web sites, get names of key officials, and find other contact info.
• Additional regional and local contacts, including municipal offices and chambers of commerce, can be found on the Regional Directors pages of the Louisiana Economic Development Web site.
• Some metropolitan areas have created online guides for new businesses, to explain requirements and direct you to the appropriate offices.

Shreveport area
Jefferson Parish
Baton Rouge
New Orleans

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STATE REQUIREMENTS
Basic information is provided below on some of the most common areas of business activity that require state permits and licenses. The list is not inclusive; businesses should contact the First Stop Shop for details about state agencies that may regulate their operations.

The Louisiana Licensing Guide (2005), published by the Department of Labor, details the requirements, fees and regulatory authorities for many business licenses, certificates, and registrations that are required by state government. Information on dozens of occupational licenses that are regulated by state boards, commissions and agencies is also included. The guide can be downloaded in PDF format from the department's Web site.

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AGRICULTURAL
The Department of Agriculture and Forestry regulates anyone involved in the production, marketing, or distribution of agricultural or food products. The department registers every pesticide manufactured, distributed, sold, offered for sale, used or offered for use in Louisiana.

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CONTRACTORS
The State Licensing Board for Contractors regulates both commercial and residential contractors who bid or perform construction projects whose value exceeds $50,000 or more, and hazardous material contractors on projects valued at $1 or more. Louisiana's Contractor Licensing Law requires licensure for commercial, residential, industrial, hazardous (including asbestos) and mold remediation projects before bidding or performing work. Registration is also required for home improvement projects.

Businesses wishing to obtain a license must be registered with the Secretary of State and must complete the board's official application. The application fee is $25; fees for licenses start at $100. Non-Louisiana resident contractors must submit an additional $400 surcharge with the application. The application may be viewed at the Board's Web site, but only original copies are accepted. You can obtain the application in one of three ways:

• Call the 800 number below
• Request one via one of the email addresses below
• Pick up the application at the board's office in Baton Rouge

Nonresident contractors and subcontractors who operate in Louisiana and who enter into contracts in which the total contract price is $3,000 or more also must register each contract and file a bond with the Department of Revenue. The fee is $10 per contract; bond amounts vary. Parish and local bond requirements may also apply.

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ENVIRONMENTAL
The Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality regulates business and industrial activities that may impact the state's air and environment. Responsibilities include pollution control and permitting for any business that emits particles or gases into the air, water, or land. Details about necessary air, solid waste, hazardous waste and water permits are available through the department's Web site or its network of regional offices. If your business activity has the potential to impact the environment, you should contact DEQ to find out what permits you may need.

• If you have a development or building project that affects any of Louisiana's navigable waters or wetlands, you should also contact the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (see below).
• DEQ also administers a Small Business/Small Community Assistance Program that provides free technical assistance to small businesses with permitting and compliance issues. Contact the SB/SCAP at 1-800-259-2890 or (225) 219-3262.

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FOOD/ALCOHOL/TOBACCO
Retail food establishments, including grocery stores and restaurants, require a preliminary plan approval for compliance with the State Sanitary Code as well as a "State Health Department Permit to Operate." Both are administered through the Office of Public Health of the Department of Health and Hospitals. Consult the document "How to Open a Food Establishment" for details.

The Office of Alcohol and Tobacco Control regulates businesses involved in the production, distribution, storage, transportation, and/or sale of alcoholic beverages. Permits and fees vary according to the type of business.

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HEALTH CARE
Professionals should consult the Louisiana Department of Labor's Licensing Guide (see above) for information about requirements and fees for occupational licenses in health care-related fields. Health care facilities, including hospitals, nursing homes, group homes and ambulatory surgical centers, are licensed by the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals, Health Standards Section. The agency certifies these facilities for participation in Medicare and Medicaid. The agency is also responsible for licensing all home health agencies doing business in Louisiana.

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FEDERAL REQUIREMENTS

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
OSHA requires no licenses or permits; however, it does require the display of a poster describing relevant rights and responsibilities. Most employers must keep a log of work-related injuries and illnesses, which must be accessible to employees. For more information, contact the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, Office of Communications, Room N3647, 200 Constitution Ave., Washington, D.C. 20210; (202) 693-1999; or visit osha.gov.

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
The EPA oversees all federal environmental legislation. It also has jurisdiction over the issuance of various permits and licenses, though this jurisdiction does not extend over all states for all environmental matters. To determine whether a particular business enterprise is subject to EPA regulations and whether the EPA or the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality is the appropriate licensing authority, contact the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 1445 Ross Ave., Suite 1200, Dallas, TX 75202-2733; (214) 665-2200; or call toll-free (800) 887-6063. The national office is the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, D.C. 20460; (202) 272-0167.

The EPA also has toll-free hotlines that provide information on specific legislative acts and requirements. For general information about EPA requirements, primarily for small business, and about the limits of federal licensing and permitting jurisdiction, contact the Asbestos & Small Business Ombudsman Office, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, mail code 1807T, Washington, D.C. 20460; (800) 368-5888.

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
The Corps of Engineers is responsible for permits involving the waters of the United States. Any person, firm, or agency planning to work in navigable waters, or discharge dredged or fill material in those waters, including wetlands, must first obtain a permit from the Corps of Engineers. Information about the regulatory program and the application process is available from the district regulatory office in New Orleans.

CONTACTS

Louisiana Secretary of State
First Stop Shop
P.O. Box 44279
Baton Rouge, LA 70804-4279
Ph: (225) 342-4479 or 1-866-213-6225
Fax: (225) 342-0513
Email: fss@sos.louisiana.gov

Louisiana Secretary of State
Commercial Division, Corporations Section
P. O. Box 94125
Baton Rouge, LA 70804-9125
Ph: (225) 925-4704
Fax: (225) 925-4726
Email: commercial@sos.louisiana.gov

Louisiana Department of Revenue
Taxpayer Services Division
P.O. Box 201
Baton Rouge, LA 70821-0201
(225) 219-7318

Department of Agriculture and Forestry
5825 Florida Boulevard
Baton Rouge, LA 70806
(225) 922-1234

Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors
2525 Quail Drive
Baton Rouge, LA 70809
P.O. Box 14419
Baton Rouge, LA 70898
Ph: (225) 765-2301 or 1-800-256-1392
Fax: (225) 765-2431
Commercial: capplications@lslbc.louisiana.gov
Residential: rapplications@lslbc.louisiana.gov

Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality
Office of Environmental Services
602 North 5th St.
Baton Rouge, LA 70802
Ph: (225) 219-5337 or 1-866-896-LDEQ

Louisiana Department of Health & Hospitals
628 N. 4th Street
Baton Rouge, LA 70802
Ph: (225) 342-9500
Fax: (225) 342-5568

Office of Alcohol and Tobacco Control, Department of Revenue
8549 United Plaza Blvd.
Baton Rouge, LA 70809
Ph: (225) 925-4041

Department of Health and Hospitals/Health Standards Section
P.O. Box 3767
Baton Rouge, LA 70821
Ph: (225) 342-0138
Fax: (225) 342-5292
Email: hssmail@dhh.la.gov

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New Orleans District
Attention: CEMVN-OD-S
P.O. Box 60267
New Orleans, LA 70160-0267
Ph: (504) 862-2255
Fax: (504) 862-2289

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