How to Get Your New Jersey Business Registration Certificate

Do I Need a New Jersey Business License?

Before we go any further, we need to have a vocabulary lesson. I promise to make it quick.

A New Jersey Business Registration Certificate identifies you for tax purposes and establishes your business as an entity. Some occupations, such as new home builders, also require a separate registration by a governing body.

A New Jersey Business License identifies a business and holds it accountable for its actions. Think of a business license as a driver's license for your new company.

Requirements for getting your license depend on:

• Your business type. Many occupations require a state-level license to confirm your qualifications.
• Where you live. In addition to state-level licenses, your city or county might have license requirements.

This may feel a bit abstract, so let’s review an example. A florist living in Newark needs a city-level business license but doesn’t need a New Jersey business license. An accountant in Newark, on the other hand, must be licensed with the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs but can bypass Newark licensing.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Your NJ Business Certificate

1. Find requirements for your occupation.

If you’re starting a business in New Jersey, you likely will need some type of license. The first place to look for information is on this list from the NJ Office of Innovation. You can search for your business type from that list to find which department handles licensing and how to contact them.

If we stick with the accountant example, a Certified Public Accountant will consult the Dept. of Law & Public Safety Division and NJ State Board of Accountancy.

New Jersey has starter guides for common business types, like food trucks and auto repair shops, that have a checklist of what you need to do. You also may find that your occupation, like electrical contractors and cosmetologists, has licensing guides via their governing departments.

2. Check your city and county for license information.

After you check for licensing requirements based on the type of business you’re opening, you need to find any local license requirements. Here are links to the pages you need for New Jersey’s largest cities:

• Newark
• Jersey City
• Paterson

• Elizabeth
• Edison

3. Take any required exams.

Licensing requirements vary, but it’s common to have an exam, education, or experience requirement. For example, accountants need to pass the Uniform CPA Examination in New Jersey and submit a notarized letter from their employer. Be sure to review these requirements carefully, and reach out to licensing departments with questions.

If you’re a contractor, we have a guide to getting your contractor’s license in New Jersey here.

4. Submit your application.

At this point in the process, you’ve:

• Found out which state business licenses to apply for
• Checked for local license requirements
• Passed your exams or completed the required experience

From this point on, the business licensing process gets easier. All you need to do now is determine how to submit your application, send in your documents, and wait for your approval.

Sometimes, you may be able to complete your application online. Other times, you’ll need to mail your documents or submit them in person. For example, the licensing application for accountants states that they must send documents in a flat envelope to the New Jersey State Board of Accountancy.

No matter how you submit your application, completing it will go faster if you have the following information handy:

• Personal information like name, address, and criminal record
• Business information like Federal Tax IDs, addresses, and your business name
• Proof of exams, education, or experience, if applicable
• Proof of business insurance, if applicable

You might need to pay an application fee. If there isn’t an application fee, you’ll likely have to pay a licensing fee after approval. The time it takes to get approved will depend on your submission method and how busy the licensing department is. You’ll also need to renew your license on an ongoing basis, so make sure you’re aware of the renewal schedule before your license expires.

How Much Is a New Jersey Business Registration Certificate?

Business owners need to spend their money wisely, so I’m sure you’re curious about how much all of this licensing business will set you back. As I mentioned, some licenses have an application fee, while others require payment only upon approval.

Here are a few sample prices to give you an idea of what to expect:

• Electrical contractors must pay a $40-$100 application fee, based on their experience level
• Hairstylists have to submit a $150 application fee, $90 licensing fee for the first year, and $45 for the second year licensing
• Accountants have no application fee but need to pay $75 after their application is approved
• Real estate appraisers must pay $75 to $125 to apply, depending on the licensing level

Note: The above sample prices are current as of the date of posting this article.

New Jersey Business License + Insurance: What You Need to Know

There’s one more requirement you might encounter on your license application — business insurance. The state may require you to carry an insurance policy to cover the costs of accidents, third-party property damage, and more

For example, if you're a contractor in New Jersey, then you'll be required to carry general liability insurance.

Even if a general liability insurance policy isn’t required, we always suggest it. Coverage carries the obvious benefits of potentially saving your bank account if you get sued. It also can build trust with potential customers. A policy can give customers peace of mind that you take your business seriously, and may even help you rent office space.

Finding coverage that fits your needs with our free quote comparison tool takes only a few minutes. Simply answer a few questions about your business to compare affordable policies from trusted insurance providers.

Want to Learn More About Starting a Business? We’ve Got You Covered.

Getting a license and insurance are critical steps to launching your business. With business insurance and a state license making you official, you’re sending a signal to potential customers that you’re hard-working and trustworthy. After all, the fact that you’re even here learning about business means you care about doing things right.

If you need more help learning about running a small business, we can help. While our custom quotes from trusted insurance companies can cover your business, our blog, Simply U, covers running a business. Here you’ll find guides to starting, protecting, and growing your business. We’re rooting for you!