Get a business license in Missouri at your local city or county government office.
Starting a business in any state can be exciting and rewarding if you choose a business that you are passionate about. As in all other states, in the state of Missouri you will need to have a business license for your business to be deemed legitimate. Operating your company without a city- or county-appointed business license can get you into legal trouble as well as get your business shut down.
Instructions
1. Go to the city administrative offices in the Missouri city in which your business is located. These offices are commonly found in the downtown city area. If you live in an area in Missouri that is governed by the county, then you will need to go to the county office that handles business licensing for your area. You can get directions to the office by visiting the city or county Web site or by looking them up in the local phone book. Web sites will have a more comprehensive list of departments and how they can be accessed than the phone book will.
2. Locate the department that handles business licensing when you get to the correct building. Ask a receptionist or information-desk person where the department is, and she can point you in the right direction. If there is no reception or information desk, there will probably be a building map that can help you find the right department.
3. Fill out the application for obtaining a business license when you get to the correct department. You will need to provide information about your business, such as the location, phone number, business name, expected income and so on. Have all of these things readily available to prevent delays with your application. You will also be asked to give personal information, such as your name and address. The department may need a copy of your identification for verification purposes, so make sure you have it with you.
4. Submit your application along with the appropriate filing fee. Depending upon which Missouri city you live in, the fee may be a set fee or one that is determined by the estimated gross revenue of your company. Typically, it takes two to three business days for a business license to be approved.
