State Business Registration

Once your name is clear, you’ll register your business with your state. The exact process depends on your structure:

• Sole Proprietorship: In most states, you don’t register the business itself with the state — you just file a DBA if you’re operating under a name other than your legal name. Some states have a simple “assumed name” filing at the county level.
• LLC: You file Articles of Organization with your state’s Secretary of State. This is the document that legally creates your LLC. You’ll pay a filing fee ($50–$500 depending on your state) and typically receive confirmation within a few days to a few weeks.

After filing your LLC, you’ll receive a certificate of organization or formation — file this in Tab 3 of your binder. It’s proof your LLC exists.

DBA (Doing Business As)

A DBA — also called a trade name, fictitious name, or assumed name — lets you operate under a business name that is different from your legal name (for sole props) or your LLC’s legal name.

Example: Your LLC is “Marcia Dexter LLC” but you want to operate as “Sugar Crumbs Bakery.” You file a DBA for “Sugar Crumbs Bakery.”

DBA filings are usually at the county level and cost $10–$50. Some states require you to publish a notice in a local newspaper — your county clerk will tell you if that’s required.

Local Business License

Many cities and counties require a general business license (also called a business tax certificate or home occupation permit) for any business operating within their borders — including home businesses. This is separate from your state registration and separate from your cottage food permit.

How to find out what you need:

1. Search “[your city/county] home occupation permit” or “[your city] business license”
2. Call your city or county clerk’s office directly if the website is unclear
3. Ask specifically about home-based food businesses — there may be specific rules

Cost is typically $25–$100/year. Some jurisdictions don’t require one at all for home-based cottage food operations. Find out before you operate — not after.