How to Get a Business License in Irving: What You Need to Know (2026)
The Quick Version
Starting a business in Irving, TX requires permits and registrations across multiple government layers — federal, state, Dallas County (county), and city. The primary city-level requirement is the Certificate of Occupancy, issued by the Code Enforcement Department. Most businesses need 5 to 10 separate registrations, and the order you complete them matters because each step has dependencies on the ones before it.
The base fee for a Certificate of Occupancy in Irving is CO fee varies. Contact the Code Enforcement Department at 972-721-2201 for current requirements. More information is available at cityofirving.org.
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What Makes Irving Different
Irving has several characteristics that affect the licensing process:
- Similar CO system to Dallas
- Part of DFW metroplex — Dallas County layer
- Las Colinas area has specific development standards
The Permit Stack: What You Need
Most businesses in Irving need permits from four levels of government:
Federal: An EIN (Employer Identification Number) from the IRS — free and available instantly online at irs.gov/ein.
State (TX): LLC or Corporation filing through the Texas Secretary of State. Filing fee: $300 LLC, processing time: 2-5 business days.
County (Dallas County): Health permits (for food businesses), building inspections, and any county-specific requirements.
City (Irving): Certificate of Occupancy from the Code Enforcement Department. Base fee: CO fee varies. Phone: 972-721-2201.
How Long Does It Take?
Most businesses in Irving can be fully licensed and operational within 4 to 12 weeks, depending on the business type. Simple home-based businesses can often complete the process in 2 to 4 weeks, while restaurants, bars, and businesses requiring inspections typically take 8 to 12 weeks.
The dependency chain matters — some permits can't be applied for until others are in place. Getting the order wrong means delays and wasted time.
Don't Guess — Get Your Roadmap
Every business type has different requirements, and Irving has its own quirks that generic state guides miss. PermitBoard analyzes your specific business type against Irving's actual requirements and gives you a step-by-step plan with fees, timelines, and direct links to every form.