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FORM YOUR LLC TO ACCESS SMART TOOLS

AI-Assisted Business
License Guidance

Start an LLC and quickly see what licenses
your business needs to stay compliant.

Excellent 4.8 out of 5 stars 28,272 reviews Trustpilot logo

Fast and simple setup

Expert filing and support

All-in-one platform

100% accuracy guarantee

Focused on your success

Frequently Asked Questions

A business license is a government-issued permit that allows you to operate your business in a specific city, county, or state. It ensures your business follows local rules for things like taxes, zoning, and safety.

Most businesses need at least one license or permit to get started, and depending on your industry or location, you may need several. Getting licensed helps you avoid fines and shows customers your business is legitimate and compliant.

No, an LLC isn’t the same as a business license.

An LLC (Limited Liability Company) is a business structure you create with your state to officially form your business and protect your personal assets if your business faces debts or lawsuits.

A business license is permission from your city, county, or state to legally operate your business. Most businesses need both: the LLC to form the company and one or more licenses to run it.

ZenBusiness can help you with both. We’ll guide you through forming your LLC and help you estimate which business licenses you may need based on your location and industry—so you can stay compliant and focus on growing your business.

Yes, most businesses need both. Forming an LLC creates your official business structure with the state and helps protect your personal assets. But an LLC alone doesn’t give you permission to operate your business—that’s what a business license is for.

A business license is typically required by your city, county, or state to legally run your business. ZenBusiness can help you form your LLC and estimate which business licenses you may need based on your location and industry, so you can launch with confidence and stay compliant.

In most cases, you should form your LLC first. That’s because many cities and states require your business to have an official legal name and structure—like an LLC—before you can apply for a business license.

Once your LLC is formed, you can use that information to apply for the business licenses and permits your city, county, or state requires. ZenBusiness can help you with both—forming your LLC and estimating which licenses you’ll need to operate legally.

Yes! ZenBusiness can help you estimate which licenses your business may need based on your industry and location. We make it simple to understand your requirements and take the next steps to stay compliant.

Whether you’re starting a new business or already have one, ZenBusiness can guide you through forming your LLC and finding the right licenses—all in one place.

Compare our packages

starter

Standard

Covers all your required filings with the state, 100% accuracy guaranteed.

$0

+ state fees

INCLUDED IN STARTER

  • Standard 7-10 day processing*
    More InfoWe prepare and submit your filing to the state within 7 to 10 business days.
  • 100% accuracy guarantee
    More InfoWe’ll file your paperwork quickly and accurately. If there are errors, our team will make it right.
  • Ongoing compliance offer**
    (state-required)
    More InfoThis covers state-required annual report filings and up to 2 amendments per year to maintain LLC protections and avoid fines (a $199 value).

pro

Most Popular

Fastest processing with ongoing state compliance and document protection

$199

+ state fees | renews at $199/yr

INCLUDED IN PRO

  • Fastest 1-day processing*
    More InfoWe prepare and submit your filing to the state within 1 business day.
  • 100% accuracy guarantee
    More InfoWe’ll file your paperwork quickly and accurately. If there are errors, our team will make it right.
  • Ongoing compliance (state-required)
    More InfoThis covers state-required annual report filings and up to 2 amendments per year to maintain LLC protections and avoid fines (a $199 value).
  • Operating agreement template
    More InfoThis essential document is like the constitution for your business, setting the rules that will govern how you operate and run your LLC.
  • Business document templates
    More InfoIncludes over 25 business document templates, including liability waivers, employment agreements, contracts, and more.
  • Business logo builder
    More InfoCreate your own unique and professional logo in seconds with the easy-to-use logo generator.
SPECIAL PRO OFFER

  • Website, domain, and email 30-day special offer included**
    More InfoSecure a business domain name and email and use the AI website builder to quickly and easily create a custom, professional website.

premium

Best Value

Fastest processing with full compliance and registered agent protection.

$349 $399 Save $50

+ state fees | renews at $399/yr

INCLUDED IN PREMIUM

  • Fastest 1-day processing*
    More InfoWe prepare and submit your filing to the state within 1 business day.
  • 100% accuracy guarantee
    More InfoWe’ll file your paperwork quickly and accurately. If there are errors, our team will make it right.
  • Ongoing compliance (state-required)
    More InfoThis covers state-required annual report filings and up to 2 amendments per year to maintain LLC protections and avoid fines (a $199 value).
  • Operating agreement template
    More InfoThis essential document is like the constitution for your business, setting the rules that will govern how you operate and run your LLC.
  • Business document templates
    More InfoIncludes over 25 business document templates, including liability waivers, employment agreements, contracts, and more.
  • Business logo builder
    More InfoCreate your own unique and professional logo in seconds with the easy-to-use logo generator.
  • Registered agent (state-required)
    More InfoMeet the state requirement to appoint a registered agent that will be available during all business hours (a $199/yr value).
  • Business advisor consultation
    More InfoGet a one-on-one consultation to ensure you have the services you need to confidently start and grow your business.
SPECIAL PREMIUM OFFERS

  • Website, domain, and email 30-day special offer included**
    More InfoSecure a business domain name and email and use the AI website builder to quickly and easily create a custom, professional website.
  • Invoicing and bookkeeping 60-day special offer included**
    More InfoMoney Pro Bookkeeping manages your finances, invoicing, payments, and taxes.

*Processing times are based on receiving complete information. ZenBusiness processing times do not include Secretary of State processing times, which can vary.

**Starter includes one optional free year of Worry-Free Compliance (renews at $199/yr).

† SPECIAL OFFERS – Each package includes special service offers. After the initial period ends, these services automatically renew at their regular price. You can cancel these services at any time before or after the introductory period ends.

Not sure which option is right for you?

Take a closer look at the package details to find the best fit for your business.

$0

+ state fees | does not renew

Starter

Standard

$199

+ state fees | renews at $199/yr

Pro

Most Popular

$349

$399

Save $50

+ state fees | renews at $399/yr

Premium

Best Value

Starter

$0

Pro

$199

Premium

$349

Starter

Standard

Pro

Most Popular

Premium

Best Value

First-year price More Info
$0
+state fees
$199
+state fees
$349$399Save 50
+state fees
Renewal price More Info
annually at $199/yr
annually at $399/yr
START STRONG
 
 
 
LLC formation service More Info
  • Name availability search
  • Articles of formation
  • Electronic document access
  • Dashboard with unlimited storage
  • 100% accuracy guarantee
  • 60-day money-back guarantee
LLC processing time More Info
Average time for our team to process
and deliver your documents to the state
Standard processing
Processes in 7-10 business days*
+$79 to upgrade to Rush
Rush processing included
Processes in 1 business day*
Rush processing included
Processes in 1 business day*
STAY PROTECTED
 
 
 
Worry-Free Compliance More Info
  • Compliance score
  • Required annual report filing
  • Up to 2 annual amendments
OPTIONAL 1 year offer**
Renews at $199/yr
Operating agreement template More Info
+$99
Business document templates More Info
+$99
Registered agent service More Info
+$199/yr
+$199/yr
STRENGTHEN AND GROWTH
 
 
 
Logo kit More Info
+$60
Online tools bundle More Info
  • Domain name with privacy
  • AI website builder
  • Business email address
SPECIAL OFFER Included FREE for 30 days** Renews at $15/mo
SPECIAL OFFER Included FREE for 30 days** Renews at $15/mo
Money Pro More Info
  • Invoicing
  • Expense tracking
+$30/mo
+$30/mo
SPECIAL OFFER Included FREE for 60 days** Renews at $30/mo
ZENBUSINESS ADVANTAGE
 
 
 
Award-winning lifetime support More Info
Compliance reminders and alerts More Info
Velo, your personalized AI assistant More Info
Mobile app, your business on the go More Info
Blueprint for Success program More Info
Special offers More Info
  • Bank of America
  • 1-800Accountant
  • Next Insurance
Business advisor consultation More Info

*Processing times are based on receiving complete information. ZenBusiness processing times do not include Secretary of State processing times, which can vary.

**Starter includes one optional free year of Worry-Free Compliance (renews at $199/yr).

† SPECIAL OFFERS – Each package includes special service offers. After the initial period ends, these services automatically renew at their regular price. You can cancel these services at any time before or after the introductory period ends.

Don't do it alone.

Our goal is to make business easy. We’ve got
experts available by phone to answer questions,
7 days a week. Let us handle the details so you
can focus on what you do best.

Contact us
Trustpilot logo 4.8 out of 5 stars 4.8 28,272 reviews • Excellent
MA

Maegan

2 reviews US
March 18, 2024

Continually friendly service from ZB

I called their support line and received amazing help from Josh. After a long stressful day, he managed to put a smile on my face and was able to help me resolve my issue.

Date of experience: March 18, 2024
MG

Mary

1 review US
March 18, 2024

Customer service was great.

Thank you Tanisha G, for assisting me in my questions.

Date of experience: March 18, 2024
MC

Mark

1 review US
March 18, 2024

Christian B was patient with me…

during a lengthy phone call- approx 1 hour. He helped me with a pop up I wanted to add to my website. My issue was resolved. He was professional and kind. Thank you for your help!

Date of experience: March 18, 2024
RB

Rick B

1 review US
December 7, 2022

I had no idea what to do to form my LLC…

I had no idea what to do to form my LLC. Zen made it painless and easy with multiple plans to choose from. Everything was A-plus handled and explained

Date of experience: December 07, 2022
TB

Timothy Baxter

1 review US
April 14, 2021

Great package deals with Zen Business

Zen Business gave me easy access to packages that are affordable and very helpful. The website page was easy to use and explained everything perfectly. Great job by Zen Business in creating such a great business format.

Date of experience: April 14, 2021
RW

Rodney Williams

1 review US
October 2, 2024

Tanisha G was outstanding

Tanisha G was superb. Thoughtful, insightful, proactive and most of all patient! I’m an instant and grateful fan

Date of experience: October 02, 2024
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Say Hello to Velo

Meet Velo, your personalized AI assistant that handles the hardest parts of running a business. It automates filings, tracks deadlines, builds your website, and more.

Velo adapts to your needs to eliminate the guesswork and help you build velocity for your business. It will even connect you with an expert for extra support when you need it.

Join over

850,000+

small business owners

Get started in minutes. Starts at $0 + state fees

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