getting a business license

I know this is something that varies state-to-state, but can someone give me a general idea of the fee's and requirements in getting a business license? I'm making a site that will be selling advertising space, and would really like to get a small business checking account and business license to have things done right (mainly because I want to look professional to advertisers, I don't think everyone would be comfortable with doing business with a site that is run from home). Any ideas?

What you probably want to do is form a corporation (inc.) or an LLC. You can get the forms from the Secretary of State's office.

Once you do that, then you will also need a Tax ID number. Then you should be able to open that small business checking account at your local bank. Just to be sure, though, call the bank and ask what they require as proof of ID, etc. to open the account. That generally will tell you what you need to do.

It actually varies from county to county. In Sacramento I needed a business lic. in Reno I did not. Both places I needed a fictitious name statement. That's all you need to go to the bank. Tax ID# for a sole proprietor is usually the SS#.

Pretty simple process, just call your city business office. They'll let you know everything.

This also varies from country to country. Also getting a licence protects you in your private capacity should something go wrong.

a corporation or LLC provides some protections. Sole Proprietor does not. To be a sole proprietor is much easier to set up and tax-wise, but zero legal protections between business and personal... they are considered one and the same.

To gget legal personal legal protection from business then incorporate or LLC.