License and permit applications may be rejected for a variety of reasons, depending on each issuing agency or department's requirements.

You can find specific license information on the related Description Pages in our Business Index A to Z. You may need to follow the agency or department's specific instructions, or contact them for further assistance.

Expiration dates of different licenses, permits, and certifications vary, and it is important to know how long each is valid. Operating a business without the required licenses, permits, or certifications is illegal and is subject to penalties.

For expiration information for the items you applied for, go to:

• Your license Description Page, in the Business Index A-Z. To view the Description Page, enter the name of the license, permit or certification in the Search window on the Business Index A - Z page and click on the appropriate link in the Search Results, or
• the agency that issues license, permit or certification
  

NY Business Express provides estimates on application processing times in the Index description pages. These are best estimates and application processing can vary depending on:

• the type of requirement;
• the completeness of the application;
• the agency issuing the requested license or permit; and
• any additional factors, such as an inspection or a fingerprint check.

Once you have submitted your application, NYBE will forward it to the appropriate New York State agency for processing. After the agency has finished processing your application, you will receive your license/certificate/filing/permit.

To view your application status:

1. Visit the NY Business Express home page.
2. Login to your account using the Your Account selection.
3. Once logged in, Visit Your Account under the Your Account selection.
4. Applications that were selected from your Business Wizard checklist or the Index will display under your recent activity tab of your dashboard.

For information on Cigarette Registration Renewals, see Cigarette and Tobacco Products.

Certain licenses, permits, and certifications are available for online application.

Access application description pages though the Business Index A-Z or walk through our Business Wizard to create a customized checklist to determine which are available online.

If you require additional information, please visit the issuing agency's website.

If you submitted your application through NY Business Express, you can check the status of your application by signing into your account. On the NY Business Express homepage top navigation bar you will see your name on the far right hand side. Click on your name and select 'Dashboard' from the drop down. You will then be in your 'Recent Activity' and will see the statuses of all your transactions. If you submitted your transaction outside of NY Business Express you can access the application Description Page in our Index and contact the appropriate agency directly.

If you did not submit your application through NY Business Express, contact the NYS Business Call Center. A representative will route your call to the appropriate agency.

After your materials have been received and the application has been processed, most agencies will issue your license, permit or certification.

For information about how to expand your out-of-state business into New York State, view the Starter Guide on "How to Start a Business" or contact the New York State agency that regulates your business type.

For example:

• If you are an insurance agent, contact the Department of Financial Services.
• If you are a real estate broker, contact the Department of State.

New York State Business First offers support for businesses relocating to New York State with a wide range of financial and technical assistance programs. For assistance, contact any of our resources:

• Empire State Development's Small Business Division
• NYS Small Business Development Center
• Entrepreneurial Assistance Program
• New York's Business Assistance Regional Offices

For more information, visit Empire State Development or the Business First Resource Center.

The fees for licenses, permits, and certifications vary greatly. In some cases, you may also be required to pay additional fees for examinations and inspections.

The description pages in the Business Index A-Z includes information on what fees you may need to pay, and how you can pay them. If you wish to view additional information about a license, permit, or certification:

1. Visit the NY Business Express home page.
2. Select Business Index A-Z.
3. Search for the license, permit, or certification using the search feature and/or filter.
4. Select the document you want to review.

If you have additional questions about the license you have applied for contact us or the NYS agency that issues the license.

Use federal Form SS-4, Application for Employer Identification Number, to apply for your EIN from the IRS. For more information on obtaining your EIN, see Employer Identification Number (EIN).

All businesses need a form of legal structure. There are four basic forms:

• sole proprietorship,
• partnership,
• limited liability company, and
• corporation.

Each has advantages and disadvantages, including different tax responsibilities. Consult a lawyer or accountant to learn about your options and decide which is best for you. Learn more about legal structures by accessing the Business Index A-Z and filtering on Legal Structures.