17 Best Companies for Helping with Business License Research

No matter where you operate, there will be requirements for licenses and permits which vary depending on your industry.

These licenses and permits also vary by location and the states in which you operate.

Licenses can be available at different levels, which include federal, state, county and local levels. Navigating this myriad of licensing can be complex, so engaging the services of a professional company to research or complete the licenses for you can save time and effort.

The table below gives a quick price comparison of the top US providers for business licenses.

Company	Price (excluding state fees)
Zen Business	$449
Bizee	$99
Northwest	N/A
Harbor Compliance	$500
Legal Zoom	$99
InCorp	N/A
incorporate.com	Not stated
LegalNature	Not stated
MyCompanyWorks	$99
Better Legal	$125
CorpNet	$199
MyCorporation	$149
Filenow	$99
Tailor Brands	Not stated
Corporate Creations	Not stated
Swyft Filings	$99
CSC Global	Not stated

* The facts and figures included here come from each company’s website and were accurate at the time of writing but may have since changed. Also, please keep in mind these may not be apples-to-apples comparisons as each provider offers different solutions. This guide should be used as a starting point for more research on your part.

Below we profile each of the companies’ services and features in a bit more detail.

Note companies are ranked in no particular order, and this in no way indicates one solution is better than another.

1. Zen Business

• They offer business services that help form, stay compliant and manage finances
• Services include a custom business license report
• Charges $149 for a business license report
• Price for business license filing is $449
• Service is available to non-regulated industries
• Tells you what licenses and permits are needed to operate legally and stay compliant
• Provides all documents and applications
• Also provides detailed guidance on business licenses on their website
• Through the filing service you can also access expert support, online tracking, renewal reminders and more
• Rated excellent on Trustpilot

Website: https://www.zenbusiness.com/pricing-business-license-report/

2. Bizee

• Offers support services for businesses to assist with formation and management
• Includes business license research
• Service starts at $99 plus state fees
• Simplifies finding out about business licenses
• Can order the service through their website
• Provides the latest forms and guidance
• Customized service
• Delivered by email 3-4 weeks after your company has filed
• Includes all filing instructions, supporting document requirements and the fees
• Excellent score received on Trustpilot

Website: https://bizee.com/business-formation/business-license-research-package

3. Northwest

• They offer a range of services including filing, identity, Registered Agent and more
• Offers guidance on the types of business licenses you may be required to have
• Details licensing laws in each state
• They don’t provide a paid service
• Explores all the different license types including general, federal, state, local, occupational and seller’s permit
• Provides links for more information
• Advise on how to apply for licenses in each state
• Also offers services to support operating in other states including Registered Agent and foreign qualification
• Can assist in maintaining compliance by filing your annual reports
• Other services include trademark service, EIN service, mail forwarding and virtual office

Website: https://www.northwestregisteredagent.com/start-a-business/business-license

4. Harbor Compliance

• Offers compliance services to support businesses in getting started and ongoing management
• They offer a general business license service
• Service starts at $500 annually plus state fees
• Helps you to secure, manage and renew your licenses
• Can be ordered through their website
• Prepares and submits your licenses
• Managed through purpose-built licensing software called License Manager
• Assists with licensing in all 50 US states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico
• Supported by filing experts
• Google Reviews rates them highly

Website: https://www.harborcompliance.com/business-licensing-service

5. Legal Zoom

• Offers services to businesses that assist them in registering, running and protecting their business
• Services include business licensing and compliance
• Prices start at $99 per year
• A choice of three plans are available
• Assistance in finding the licenses and permits you need to operate legally
• Manage ongoing licensing needs
• Provides end-to-end compliance coverage for filings, updates and personalized guidance
• Single place to manage, view and share your licences
• Support from experienced specialists
• Trustpilot rates them as excellent

Website: https://www.legalzoom.com/business/business-operations/business-licenses-overview.html

6. Incorp

• They offer a range of services to support businesses in managing their filings and compliance
• Provides a detailed guide on business licensing
• A paid support service is not available
• Explores the types of business licenses that might be needed
• Distinguishes between federal, state, local and industry licenses
• Explains why licensing is needed and when you need to get a license
• Assists in how to get a business license
• Advises on tracking renewal of licenses
• Explores the challenges that business owners often face
• Offers compliance services including Registered Agent, annual report, articles of amendment and more

Website: https://www.incorp.com/resources/knowledge-base/business-licensing

7. incorporate.com

• Offers services that help start or maintain a business
• They provide a Business License Compliance Package
• Prices for their plans are not available
• Can support you in multiple states
• Place an order with them over the phone
• Delivered by compliance experts
• Identifies licenses, permits and tax registration requirements specific to your business
• Provide the applications, instructions and contact information
• Can assist you in registering in additional states and offers Registered Agent service
• Also offers compliance services such as annual reports, DBA and certificate of good standing

Website: https://www.incorporate.com/maintaining-a-business/business-licenses-permits/

8. LegalNature

• They offer a range of business formation and business management services
• Services include a License Research Package
• No pricing information is available for this service
• Helps to determine the licenses and permits that you may need
• Checks federal, state, county and municipal licensing
• Individual report outlining what you need to do for a business in your location
• Sends all the required application forms and instructions
• Complete the online order form to get started
• Provides a personalized dashboard to manage your services and legal documents
• Highly rated on Trustpilot

Website: https://www.legalnature.com/categories/business-services/license-research

9. MyCompanyWorks

• Offers business support services that aid with starting a business and maintaining compliance
• Includes a Business License Package
• Package costs $99
• Professional research into the licenses you need
• Interactive report sent with links to the filing authorities and a list of requirements
• Help with filing your licenses
• Compile license applications and filing instructions as well as any supporting documents
• Covers a single location with area-specific licensing
• Multiple location packages are available at an additional fee
• Order the package online

Website: https://www.mycompanyworks.com/business_license.htm

10. Better Legal

• They offer a range of services which include business formation, compliance, research and filing services
• Offers permit and license search services
• Service costs $125
• Covers state, county and local government permits and licenses
• Completes the research for you in the areas you operate
• They send you the documentation, forms and instructions to complete them
• Supports all 50 US states
• Registered Agent service available
• Also offers state compliance services as an annual service
• Can also assist with a range of filings such as changing details, obtaining a certificate of good standing and more

Website: https://betterlegal.com/services

11. CorpNet

• Offers services to support businesses in getting started and running the business including filings and compliance services
• Services include Business License Research Package
• Prices start at $199 for a single address and $72 for each additional address
• Assistance in finding, filing and obtaining business licenses
• Searches for city, county, state, and federal level business permits
• Determines which licenses and permits you will need
• Provides contact information for each business license source
• Supplies the applications and necessary documents for license applications
• Includes filing instructions to support you
• Offers additional support to handle the filings with a customized quote

Website: https://www.corpnet.com/business-licenses/

12. MyCorporation

• They offer services to aid in starting and maintaining businesses including filings, maintenance and more
• Offers a Business License Compliance Package
• Charges $149 plus state fees
• Research all license requirements for your business
• Includes federal, state and local requirements
• Provides the forms needed to apply for licenses
• Support in all 50 US states
• Apply online to get started
• Contact them by phone to discuss the service
• Rated highly on Google Reviews

Website: https://www.mycorporation.com/business-formations/business-license.jsp

13. Filenow

• Offers services to businesses that can aid in setting them up and managing their business
• Includes an essential business license service
• Service costs $99
• Research all the licenses and permits required
• Searches federal, state, county and local levels
• Compiles a full report on your licensing requirements
• Provides applications and instructions
• Get started easily online by completing the form
• Offers a money-back guarantee
• Rated highly on Shopper Approved

Website: https://www.filenow.com/business-license-report/

14. Tailor Brands

• They offer business start-up services and compliance to support maintenance
• Offers a business license and permit service
• The cost of the service is not stated
• Research service to discover what licenses are needed
• Aids with federal, state, county and local requirements
• Handles the paperwork and filing for you
• Assistance in maintaining compliance with regulations
• Choice of DIY or end-to-end service which includes filing for you
• Offers compliance and support services such as trademark, EIN, business insurance and more
• Rated excellent on Trustpilot

Website: https://www.tailorbrands.com/products/business-licenses

15. Corporate Creations

• Offers business services that are designed to support new and existing businesses in filing and maintaining compliance
• Services include business licensing
• They don’t state the cost of their service
• Offers services in every US jurisdiction
• Research all the licenses your business may need
• Sends forms for business licenses, permits and tax registrations
• Provides filing instructions and schedule of licensing fees
• Also gives contact information for each licensing authority
• Can also obtain the licenses for you and monitor their status
• Trustpilot rates them as excellent

Website: https://www.corporatecreations.com/business-licensing

16. Swyft Filings

• They offer business formation, management and protection services
• Offers Business Licenses and Research services
• Package costs $99
• Support in navigating federal, state and local licenses
• Package that researches all your licensing requirements to stay compliant
• Provides a customized list of licenses
• Verified and up-to-date results tailored to your needs
• Complete the online form to get started
• Live expert support is available
• Highly rated on Trustpilot

Website: https://www.swyftfilings.com/business-license/

17. CSC Global

• Offers business entity solutions, business administrations and compliance services
• Services include Business License Solutions
• There is no pricing information for this service
• Choice of solutions to meet your needs
• Outsource your licensing service
• Manage your licensing in-house with assistance on research
• Support you in building a licensing strategy to manage your licensing processes
• Expert team to assist you through the process
• Enquire online to access the service and get a quote
• Offers compliance services that include annual reports and transaction filings.

Website: https://www.cscglobal.com/service/business-administration/business-license-solutions/