Document No Longer Maintained/Updated: Content remains hosted for archive purposes but may not be up-to-date.
If your small business is involved or will be involved in any activity that is supervised and regulated by a federal government agency, you may need a federal business license or permit. Types of business and activities requiring federal business licenses or permits are described below.Agriculture
Businesses involved in the importation and interstate transportation of plants, animals, animal products, biologics, and biotechnology products requires a permit issued by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).
Alcohol Beverages
Manufacturers, wholesalers, importers and retailers of alcohol beverages are required to register, pay special taxes and maintain certain records with the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB).
Alcohol and tobacco businesses doing business above the retail level -- manufacturers, wholesalers, importers, exporters, etc. - will need an operations permit from TTB. There is no charge or fee for the permit, but applicants must obtain written approval from TTB before starting to do business.
In addition to obtaining appropriate permits, all business engaged in manufacturing, distributing and selling alcohol, including retailers, are required to pay special federal taxes.
All businesses involving the retail sale of alcohol beverages, including bars, restaurants, nightclubs and liquor stores should contact their state's Alcohol Beverage Control Board for information about state licensing and permitting. Also be aware that many local and county governments require addition licensing and permitting for the retail sale of alcohol beverages.
Operators of microbreweries, small wineries and similar small producers of alcohol beverages should also contact their state's Alcohol Beverage Control Board, and city and local governments for permitting and licensing information.
Aviation
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Licenses and CertificatesFirearms, Ammunition and Explosives
Licensing information for airmen, aircraft, airports, airlines and medical aviation services.
Pilot Licenses and Training Requirements
A list of regulations, policies, license and certifications for pilots.
Aircraft Mechanic Licenses
A list of regulations, policies, license and certifications for aircraft mechanics.
Airport Certification
Even very small airports may now require FAA certification.
Manufacturers, dealers and importers of firearms and ammunitions are subject to licensing standards described in the Gun Control Act, which is administered by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the principal law enforcement agency within the U.S. Department of Justice.
Firearms and Explosives License and Permit InformationLicenses for carrying concealed weapons are issued by state or local governments.
The Federal Firearms Licensing Center (FFLC) is responsible for determining eligibility and acting upon applications for Federal firearms licenses, Federal explosives licenses, and Federal explosives users permits.
Safe Explosives Act
Guidance and information on licensing and permit requirements for explosive materials.
Manufactures, distributors, importers, and dealers of firearms, ammunition or explosives need to file and pay excise taxes with the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau.
Firearms and Ammunition Excise Tax (FAET)
FAET is a tax imposed by Chapter 32 of the Internal Revenue Code (26 U.S.C. 4181) on the sale of firearms and ammunition by manufacturers, producers, and importers. This packet also includes information for those who wish to register before making tax-free firearms or ammunition sales to certain acceptable groups or organizations.
50 Gun Exemption to the Firearms and Ammunition Excise Tax (FAET)
Describes an amendment to the IRS tax code that provides an exemption from FAET for any pistol, revolver, or firearm (article) if it was manufactured, produced, or imported by a person who manufacturers, produces, or imports less than an aggregate of 50 of such articles during a calendar year.
Page 2 >> Fish and Wildlife, Commercial Fishing,, Maritime Transportation, Mining and Drilling, Nuclear Energy, Radio and TV, Trucking and Transportation
