Starting a business can be stressful, but it’s also exciting. Just like the state’s plains and prairies, starting a small business in Kansas can have a vastness full of promise.
So as you move forward with your business, do you need to secure a Kansas business license?
Sifting through the state website and documents can be a lot like trying to find your way through Oz without a yellow brick road (sorry, we couldn’t resist that one!). Luckily, we’ve laid the bricks and groundwork for you, so all you need to do is put one foot in front of the other.
In this article, we’ll review whether or not you need a state of Kansas business license, how to go about getting one, and the connection between your business license and business insurance.
Ready? Let’s go!
Do I Need a Kansas Business License?
The state doesn’t have a generalized Kansas business license. That being said, many professions may need to get a business license, depending on where you live and work.
Many local city municipalities govern which small businesses are required to carry business licenses. We’ll cover how to check if your local city clerk requires a Kansas business license later on.
But first, let’s look at the reasons why, even if your local municipality doesn’t require a business license, it still may be something you can consider. There are many benefits to having a business license. Being licensed can help you:
- Gain the trust of potential customers
- Get financial assistance, like loans or grants
- Secure a secondary business space
- And more!
As a small business owner, benefits like those listed can be a real help when you’re growing your business, and even if you’re already established.
But how can you go about getting your license?
How to Get a Business License in Kansas
1. Get your Employer Identification Number (EIN) with the IRS.
Despite what type of business entity your company is (LLC, sole proprietorship, etc.), when filing your business income tax, it’s a good idea to have your Employer Identification Number. Without an EIN, you can use your Social Security number, but especially if you plan to have employees one day, we suggest applying for the EIN up front.
2. Register your business.
It may seem confusing, but registering your business and getting your business license are two different things. Registering your business includes registering your business’s name and entity, and deciding who will be your resident agent. A resident agent is a contact person, should the state need to reach you. You can find more information about registering your business in Kansas here.
3. See if your profession requires a Kansas business license.
While the state doesn’t have a generalized business license, some professions are regulated, and depending on what you do, you may be required to get a state of Kansas business license. A few occupations that may be required to get a license are: bakery owners, landscape architects, and aircraft mechanics.
You can see if your profession requires a Kansas business license here.
4. Check with your local municipality.
Some cities or towns may require you to have a business license at the local level. You can check with your local municipality by checking with their town or city clerk.
Here is some city-specific info to get you started, depending on where your business is:
Kansas City
You’re currently unable to apply online for your business license in Kansas City, so you’ll need to apply in person here:
License Administrator 4953 State Avenue (Indian Springs) Kansas City, Kansas 66102
If you have any questions about precautions being taken due to COVID19, you can call the Business License Division ahead at: 913-573-8780.
Lawrence
You can check to see if your profession requires a business license in Lawrence here. If after searching the site you still have questions, you can call the city clerk’s office at 785- 832-3201.
Wichita
You can see if your profession requires a business license in Wichita (many do) here. This also is the place you’ll go to renew your business license, so we recommend bookmarking it on your browser for future use.
If you still have questions, you can call the office at 316-268-4553.
Topeka
You can find the application for your profession’s local Topeka business license here. If you’re unable to find what you’re looking for, you can contact the city clerk by email at [email protected] or phone at 785-368-3941.
Olathe
To see if your profession requires a local Olathe business license, you can check on this webpage. If your questions aren’t answered there, you may call at 913-971-8600.
Overland Park
Overland Park requires only specific professions to get a local business license, and you need to call their office to learn what next steps you need to take at 913-895-6150.
After you’ve called the city of Overland Park, also check with Johnson County, which may require additional permits or licenses.
How Much Does a State of Kansas Business License Cost?
It’s understandable that you would want to know the cost of your business license. After all, it’s important to keep track of like any other business expenses.
However, because Kansas business licenses are specific to your particular profession and where you operate your business, the cost will change.
You can learn more about the cost of your Kansas business license by calling your town or city clerk and ask if the license has a one-time fee or if it will need to be renewed annually or on another schedule, so you may stay current with your records.
Kansas Business License + Insurance Requirements
After researching the professional and local requirements of getting your Kansas business license, you may be thinking of what else you can do to secure and protect your business going forward.
In some municipalities, having a business insurance policy may be required to get your business license. If not, having business insurance coverage can benefit you similarly to having a business license.
Business insurance also can help you gain a sense of trust from your potential customers and community, aid you in getting financial assistance, and help fulfill requirements set by landlords and vendors. Business insurance coverage also may help protect you in the event of an accident, third-party property damage, and more.
An unexpected lawsuit can set your business back both financially, and when it comes to your valuable time, we recommend you consider to invest in coverage. If you’re interested to see what coverage options are available for your business, you can use our free quote comparison tool here.
Applying for a KS Business License?
You may need to show proof of business insurance to get your license.
That’s where we come in. Compare insurance quotes today.
Getting a Kansas Business License is a Notable Accomplishment
Deciding to start a business is a big deal on its own, and it’s understandable that all the administrative responsibilities at the beginning can be overwhelming. Moving forward in getting your Kansas business license is a huge step! As a small business owner, there’s always something more that you can cross off your to-do list, but after applying for your business license, take a moment to congratulate yourself — it’s not easy!