Privilege Business License

Any business located in Winston-Salem, or any business that sells or delivers a product or performs a service in Winston-Salem, is required to have a license. Exceptions are nonprofit organizations and/or businesses exempt under General State Statutes. Several different agencies may need to be contacted, depending on the type of business.

Call (336)747-6954 for more information about business licenses.
Rate schedule [pdf]
Privilege license applications are on the Forms page under License and Permit Applications.

A business name has to be registered with the Forsyth County Register of Deeds office.

A home-based business located within Forsyth County requires an occupation permit. This permit is obtained through City/County Inspections. See the Forms page for permit application.

A business operating pushcarts or peddling by foot in the Central Business District requires a permit from the Development Office. This permit will need to be obtained before applying for a license. See the Forms page for permit applications.

Listing of Local, State, and Federal Business Licensing Information

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Retail merchants are required by the State of North Carolina to obtain sales/use tax identification numbers. Call (336)896-7024 for more information.

Businesses selling alcoholic beverages need to obtain certain licenses/permits through the ABC Commission before applying for a City of Winston-Salem license. There are two locations in Winston-Salem: 2301 N. Patterson Ave. (336)761-2246 or 3127 Starlight Drive (336)788-7141.

A business that may have to meet health regulations should contact the Environmental Health Division at (336)703-3225.

Car dealerships should contact DMV Enforcement for information about dealer tags. Call (336)761-2286 for more information.

Day care facilities should contact the North Carolina Child Development office at (919)662-4527.

A business that has three or more individuals working for it should contact the NC Industrial Commission at (919)733-4820 concerning workers´ compensation.