Steps to Apply for a Business License

• Contact the City of Hernando Office of Planning for zoning verification at 662-429-9095 or apply in person at 475 West Commerce Street Hernando, MS 38632
• Bring a signed lease for your business location
• State and Federal Tax ID Numbers
• Apply for a Business License Application
• Submit the required state licenses or permits depending on the type of business you are operating

Applying for a Home Business

• Contact the City of Hernando Planning Department at 662-429-9095 or apply in person at 475 West Commerce Street Hernando, MS 38632
• Apply for a Business License Application
• State and/or Federal Tax ID Numbers as needed

How to Start a Business (https://www.ms.gov/sos/onestopshop)

State Licenses and Permits

Interested in starting a business? Nearly all businesses need some form of license or permit to operate legally. However, licensing and permit requirements vary depending on the type of business you are operating, where it’s located, and what government rules apply. For more information click the link to the U.S. Small Business Administration website: www.sba.gov/content/what-state-licenses-and-permits-does-your-business-need

The State of Mississippi does not license all businesses; however, your business may need state and/or local licenses or permits depending on the particular activity you are engaged in. The Mississippi Small Business Development Center provides links to some of the Mississippi agencies.  You will also need to check with the City of Hernando, Office of Planning to determine local licensing requirements. The Small Business Administration has a Business License Permit Search tool to help identify the required licenses and permits. The official Mississippi government website maintains an incomplete list of professional licenses. Some (note, this is not a complete list) required licenses and web sites with information are:

• Automobile dealers Mississippi Motor Vehicle Commission
• Bail Bondsmen Licensing Licensing Division, Department of Insurance
• Commercial Vehicle Permits Mississippi Department of Transportation
• Health Facilities Licensure and Certification Mississippi State Department of Health (includes child care and nursing homes plus others)
• Insurance Agents-Licensing Licensing Division, Department of Insurance
• Insurance Companies-Licensing Licensing Division, Department of Insurance
• Managed Care-Licensing Licensing Division, Department of Insurance
• Private Ambulance Service Mississippi State Department of Health
• Check Advance State Department of Banking and Consumer Finance
• Building Contractors Mississippi State Board of Contractors
• Restaurants/Catering Mississippi State Department of Health (any business that has a food service permit must also have the ServSafe Food Sanitation Certification)
• Mortgage Lenders and/or Mortgage Brokers (no specific license but important info on this site) State Department of Banking and Consumer Finance
• Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors Mississippi State Board of Registration for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors
• Professional Geologists Mississippi State Board of Registered Professional Geologists
• State Tax Commission Mississippi Department of Revenue

Small Business Incentives

• Atmos Energy Corporation

• Entergy Mississippi, LLC

***Business licenses MUST be renewed yearly. Along with renewal, you MUST submit all required current licenses and permits associated with your business. (Beer Permits, ServSafe Certification, Health Dept. Inspection Report, etc.)