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Nebraska Business License

Once you have registered your new business in Nebraska, what is the next step towards making it operational? The only way your business can operate in the state of Nebraska is if you have a proper business license or permit. It is important to know that not all businesses in Nebraska require a license or permit to operate. The permits or licenses, their fee, and issuing authority vary according to the type of business or industry and the physical location of your business.

Nebraska Business License Requirements

Some businesses require state-wide business licenses while others have to apply for a license issued by the city or county within which the business is situated or planning to operate from. Some of the general categories for which permits and business licenses in Nebraska are issued include:

  • Food Establishment Permit
  • Health and human services
  • Real Estate
  • Liquor Control Commission Licensing
  • Agricultural licenses and permits
  • Firework Distributor or Retail License

What are the requirements for obtaining a business license in Nebraska? Which business entities require a license and which requires permits? Who is the issuing authority for these licenses? These are some of the important questions that you might be confronted with.

Here is a step-by-step approach towards acquiring a business license in the state of Nebraska.

Step#1: The Industry or Business Type

How would you know what type of business or professional license is required to operate in Nebraska? The type of industry or the activities of a business entity helps in identifying the type of business license required.

Let’s look at an example to understand this well.

  • Animal Control or Animal Shelter – You will require a business license pursuant to the Nebraska Commercial Dog And Cat Operator Inspection Act. Sample License
  • Livestock Auction Market – You will require a market license issued by Nebraska Department of Agriculture, Bureau of Animal. Sample license application
  • Liquor Retail – You will have to apply for a Nebraska company license along with the required application fee. The license is issued by Nebraska Liquor Control Commission. Sample License Application

The above example clearly shows that different businesses need to approach different state agencies to get their Nebraska company license. It is also important to note that a specific business type may require more than one license or permit to operate in the state.

Step#2: Licenses issued by City/County

If your business or industry type doesn’t fall under a statewide license then you will have to check with the local city or county office. A business license in Nebraska can also be issued by local counties or cities in which the business is located.

Let’s take a look at an example to understand this better.

City: Lincoln Nebraska

If you are planning to start a food establishment in Lincoln City, Nebraska then you have to apply for and acquire a Nebraska Department of Agriculture business license through Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department (LLCHD).

You may also require LLCHD food establishment permits in the City of Lincoln

The type of license or permit as well as the required fee is determined by the type of food establishment and the number of facilities.

You will have to apply for license and permits with the Health Department, Environmental Public Health, City of Lincoln.

The license fee can vary from $80 to $1,000 – Download the application

City: Omaha, Nebraska

The city of Omaha does not issue general business licenses.

The City Clerk’s Office of Omaha processes and issues applications for a business license related to selling liquor and fireworks permits.

If you plan to become a retailer or seller of fireworks in the City of Omaha then you will be issued a permit valid from June 28th through July 4th each year. You will not require a business license in Nebraska for selling fireworks.

You will have to contact the Permits & Inspection Division of the Planning Department at least ten days prior to June 28th for an inspection.
The permit fee is $2,500 – Download the application

Step#3: Issuance of a Business License

How is a business license in Nebraska issued? You have to identify the following to complete the process:

  • The type of business or industry
  • Do you need a license or a permit?
  • Will it be issued by the state or the county?

Once you have identified the above, all you need to do is either download the application online or contact the concerned state department or city’s clerk office.

It is important to note that a business license or permit will have to be renewed annually unless specific dates have been mentioned, to keep the business operational.

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