How to Get a Business License in Plano: What You Need to Know (2026)
The Quick Version
Starting a business in Plano, TX requires permits and registrations across multiple government layers — federal, state, Collin County (county), and city. The primary city-level requirement is the Certificate of Occupancy, issued by the Building Inspections 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 Plano is CO fee varies. Contact the Building Inspections Department at 972-941-7000 for current requirements. More information is available at plano.gov.
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What Makes Plano Different
Plano has several characteristics that affect the licensing process:
- Collin County — not Dallas County
- Corporate headquarters hub — streamlined business processes
- Legacy West area has specific requirements
The Permit Stack: What You Need
Most businesses in Plano 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 (Collin County): Health permits (for food businesses), building inspections, and any county-specific requirements.
City (Plano): Certificate of Occupancy from the Building Inspections Department. Base fee: CO fee varies. Phone: 972-941-7000.
How Long Does It Take?
Most businesses in Plano 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 Plano has its own quirks that generic state guides miss. PermitBoard analyzes your specific business type against Plano's actual requirements and gives you a step-by-step plan with fees, timelines, and direct links to every form.