High Point Business License: Why There Isn't One and What You Need

You're starting a business in High Point, NC, and you assume you need a business license from the city. You search the High Point city website. You call the Guilford County offices. Then someone tells you: there is no High Point business license. This surprises almost every new business owner, but it's the reality. North Carolina abolished all local general business licenses back in 2015, and High Point has none to issue.

This article explains why that's the case, what you need to do instead, and how to ensure your High Point business stays compliant from day one.

Why High Point Has No Business License Requirement

North Carolina passed a statewide law in 2015 that eliminated all local general business licenses across the state. High Point, like every other NC city and county, no longer issues them. This was a significant simplification: business owners no longer had to navigate different licensing regimes in each town.

What this does NOT mean: you don't need to follow any rules. The elimination of local business licenses doesn't mean you can operate without oversight or accountability. It means the licensing framework is now handled at the state and occupational level, not the municipal level.

High Point and Guilford County still have the authority to regulate specific activities: contractors, food service, short-term rentals, alcohol service, health-related practices, and others. If your business falls into one of those categories, you will still need a license or permit. But a generic "business license" that covers simply operating in High Point? It does not exist.

What You Actually Need: Step by Step

Instead of one High Point business license, you'll follow a four-part path to compliance. Here's exactly what to do:

Step 1: Choose and Register Your Business Structure

Before anything else, you must register your business with the North Carolina Secretary of State. You have three main options: sole proprietorship, limited liability company (LLC), or corporation.

If you're filing an LLC or corporation, register with the NC Secretary of State online at https://www.sosnc.gov/online_filing/filing/creation. The filing fee for an LLC is $125. The processing time is 10 to 15 business days for standard filings, though online filing is faster than mail. If you need it sooner, same-day service costs an additional $200 and must be received by noon Eastern time.

If you're a sole proprietorship with no employees and no plans to hire them, you can skip Secretary of State registration. You will instead file a Doing Business As (DBA) certificate, also called an Assumed Business Name Certificate, with the Guilford County Register of Deeds. The fee is $26 for the first 15 pages. You can search for existing business names and check availability on the NC Secretary of State business registry before you file.

Step 2: Register for Sales Tax (If Applicable)

If your business sells tangible goods or certain services in North Carolina, you must register for sales and use tax. The registration is free, though you will collect and remit sales tax to the state at 4.75% (the base rate; Guilford County may have an additional local tax depending on your location in High Point).

Register online with the North Carolina Department of Revenue at https://www.ncdor.gov/taxes-forms/sales-and-use-tax/sales-and-use-tax-registration. Do not use a third-party site to register; the NCDOR warns that many charge fees for something the state provides free.

If you operate a service business with no sales of goods, you may not need sales tax registration. Confirm with NCDOR if you're unsure.

Step 3: Determine If You Need an Occupational License or Permit

This step is critical. Some businesses require specific state or local licenses, even though there's no general business license. Examples include contractors, electricians, plumbers, food service operators, childcare facilities, cosmetologists, and alcohol sellers.

To find out if your specific business requires a license, contact Business Link North Carolina (BLNC), a free service that tells you exactly what licenses and permits your business needs. Call them at 1-800-228-8443 or visit their website. BLNC provides one-on-one guidance based on your business type, location, and operations. This step can save you months of back-and-forth emails and phone calls.

You can also search High Point's municipal code and Guilford County ordinances for restrictions on your business type. The city may regulate home-based businesses, sign sizes, noise levels, parking, or zoning for certain industries.

Step 4: File Your Articles with Your Registered Agent

If you've formed an LLC or corporation, you must maintain a registered agent in North Carolina. This agent must be either an individual who lives in NC with a business office in the state, or a domestic or authorized foreign business entity. The agent's job is to accept legal notice and process on your behalf.

The cost to change or establish a registered agent or office is $5 (Form BE-06). Many small business owners use a registered agent service, which typically costs $100 to $200 per year.

You must update your registered agent information with the NC Secretary of State within 60 days if it changes. Failure to maintain a registered agent is grounds for administrative dissolution of your LLC or corporation.

Contractor and Construction: Special Note

If you're starting a contracting business in High Point, you may need a General Contractor license from the North Carolina Licensing Board for General Contractors. This is not a High Point or Guilford County license; it's state-level. Requirements include a written exam, financial documentation, and proof of liability insurance. The process typically takes 4 to 8 weeks.

Some specialty contractors (electrical, HVAC, plumbing) also need state licenses from their respective licensing boards. BLNC can confirm your exact requirements.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake 1: Waiting for a "business license" in the mail. You won't get one. There is no High Point business license to issue. Once you've registered your structure with the Secretary of State and your registered agent is in place, you're legally established. No certificate will arrive, and that's correct.

Mistake 2: Assuming you don't need sales tax registration. If you sell anything, register with NCDOR. The state actively pursues unpaid sales tax, and the penalties and interest compound quickly.

Mistake 3: Skipping BLNC guidance because it seems unnecessary. BLNC is free and can reveal licensing requirements you didn't know about. One call can prevent months of operating without required licenses.

Mistake 4: Setting up a business without a registered agent, or failing to update it. This is a common cause of administrative dissolution. If you change your agent and don't file Form BE-06, the state may dissolve your entity and you lose your business standing.

Mistake 5: Paying a third party to register for sales tax. Registration is free with NCDOR. If a service is charging you, they are adding unnecessary cost.

Zoning and Home-Based Business Restrictions

Even without a local business license, High Point's zoning code may restrict where you can operate. If you plan to run a business from your home, check with the High Point Planning and Development Services Department to confirm your home is in a zone that permits your business type. Some activities, such as commercial manufacturing or high-traffic retail, are not allowed in residential zones.

Zoning approval is separate from any state or occupational licensing. You need both.

Timeline and Cost Summary

Here's what to expect from registration to full setup:

• NC Secretary of State LLC filing: $125, 10 to 15 business days (faster online)
• Guilford County DBA filing (if applicable): $26, 1 to 2 weeks
• Sales tax registration: free, instant to a few days online
• Registered agent (if using a service): $100 to $200 per year
• Occupational licenses (if required): varies by profession, $50 to $500+ and 2 to 8 weeks

Total baseline cost for a simple LLC with no specialized licensing: around $225 to $325, plus registered agent fees if you use a service. Actual costs depend on your business type.

Expected Results

Once you've completed these steps, your business is legally established and compliant in North Carolina. You should expect:

• A business registration number from the Secretary of State (if you filed an LLC or corporation)
• Confirmation of sales tax registration from NCDOR (if applicable)
• Any required occupational licenses from the state or professional boards
• Confirmation of your registered agent status in the state database

You can verify your business registration at any time using the NC Secretary of State business search tool.

Resources

• NC Secretary of State Business Registration: https://www.sosnc.gov/divisions/business_registration
• Online Filing Portal: https://www.sosnc.gov/online_filing/filing/creation
• Business Name Availability Search: https://www.sosnc.gov/online_services/search/by_title/search_Business_Registration
• NC Department of Revenue (Sales Tax): https://www.ncdor.gov/
• Business Link North Carolina (BLNC): 1-800-228-8443, https://sbtdc.org/
• High Point Planning and Development Services: Check the City of High Point website for zoning inquiries and contact information

Disclaimer

This article is informational only and does not constitute legal or tax advice. Business licensing, tax obligations, and zoning regulations are complex and vary by specific business type and location. Consult a qualified North Carolina attorney or certified public accountant before making decisions about your business structure, licensing, or tax strategy. Additionally, verify all fees and requirements directly with the NC Secretary of State, NC Department of Revenue, and High Point city offices, as regulations and fees change. The information in this article reflects the state of NC law as of October 2026.