Business License

Unfortunately, there is not one place to call to take care of everything that is involved with starting a new business. Depending on the nature of your new business, federal, state and local licenses and permits may be required. In most areas, there are zoning restrictions that may prevent you from operating a business from a particular location, including your home. Depending on the size of your business, it may be best to consult with an attorney before getting started. To find out what is required, contact the town(s) that you plan to operate in to see what there licensing requirements are. Privilege licenses are obtained from the Tax Collector’s office. For any requirements or questions regarding privilege licenses, please contact the Collector’s office (336) 786-3509. To find out what state licenses and permits are required, contact the North Carolina Business License Information Office at (919) 807-2166 or toll free in North Carolina (800) 228-8443.

Anyone doing business in City of Mount Airy, whether home-based or at another location; whether it is a sole proprietorship, a partnership, LLC, or corporation; full-time or part-time; regardless of size, unless the business is exempted by the NC Department of Revenue and/or federal laws.

Fees vary depending on the type of business. Please contact the Collector’s office at (336) 786-3509 for any requirements or questions regarding cost of privilege licenses. You can also review our Privilege License Fee Schedule to determine the correct amount due.

A privilege license must be obtained by not later than the first day of business operation. Licenses are issued for the period July 1 of one year through June 30 of the following year.

Yes, each person issued a license shall post the license in a conspicuous place in the regular place of business. If there is no regular place of business, the license shall be kept where it may be inspected at appropriate times.

Yes, business names need to be recorded with the Register of Deeds in the county or counties in which businesses plan to operate, and it is recommended that you do this before applying for a privilege license. If you are using your name in association with the business, it still needs to be recorded. This is considered a DBA (Doing Business As) name and registering it will protect your business name and give you legal recourse if someone else tries to use your DBA. Corporations must register their business names with the North Carolina Secretary of State’s Corporations Division.

If you are a sole proprietor, you probably don’t need one. If you are hiring employees, or forming a corporation or LLC, you can apply for Federal ID number by calling the IRS at (800) 829-1040.

No, the NC Department of Revenue issues a state sales tax number, which allows you to buy wholesale and sell retail. There may be a fee to set up this account; you can reach the NC Dept. of Revenue at (336) 896-7024.

The state license you have is good statewide in North Carolina; however, you may need additional city licenses because you are doing business within city limits. State and city governments are separate entities and may have different licensing requirements.

You will need to notify the Revenue Dept. at least 48 hours prior to the date of the pending sale, transfer, or termination of business.

Prospective business owners must contact the following offices before receiving a license.

Privilege License (Local Business)
300 S Main Street (2nd Floor)
Mount Airy, NC 27030
Phone: (336) 786-3509
All businesses must obtain a license to operate in the City limits

Planning Department/Zoning
300 S Main Street (2nd Floor)
Mount Airy, NC 27030
Phone: (336) 786-3520
All businesses must meet zoning regulations

Surry County Health & Nutrition Center Environmental Health
118 Hamby Road
Dobson, NC 27017
Phone: (336) 401-8325
The sale of food items may require a sanitation inspection

ABC Commission (ABC permit)3322 Garner Road
Raleigh, NC 27610
Phone: (919) 779-0700
To receive paperwork on obtaining a permit to sale alcoholic beverages

New business owners should also contact the following offices for the reasons stated:

Register of Deeds
201 E Kapp Street
Dobson, NC 27017
Phone: (336) 401-8150
To register the name of your business

Business Personal Property Listing
201 E Kapp Street
Dobson, NC 27017
Phone: (336) 401-8115
To list business assets for property tax (in January of each year)

Room Occupancy Tax
300 S Main Street (2nd Floor)
Mount Airy, NC 27030
Phone: (336) 786-3509
For hotel, motel, or bed & breakfast

Rental Vehicle Tax
300 S Main Street (2nd Floor)
Mount Airy, NC 27030
Phone: (336) 786-3509
For businesses providing short-term leased or rental vehicles

NC Department of Revenue8025 North Pointe Boulevard, Ste 250
Winston Salem, NC 27106
Phone: (336) 896-7024 Hours 8:00 a.m-4:30 p.m.
To get a state sales tax number for the purpose of tracking sales tax

Internal Revenue Service
Phone: (800) 829-1040
To get a Federal I.D. number

City Fire Inspections
439 Rockford Street
Mount Airy, NC 27030
Phone: (336) 786-3570
Businesses inside the city limits need fire inspection to assure compliance with fire codes

*This list does not necessarily include every possible office that should be contacted under every conceivable circumstance.