Both licenses and permits are formal documents that give you permission to do something, but there are some key differences between the two. A license is usually granted to an individual, while a permit is usually granted to a business or organization. Licenses are often more specific in what they allow you to do, while permits tend to be more general. Finally, licenses typically need to be renewed on a regular basis, while permits typically don’t.
What is Permit?
A permit is a legal document issued by a government agency that gives permission to do something on or with land. For example, a building permit allows you to build a house. zoning permits regulate how land can be used and what type of development can take place. Permits are required for most construction projects, and they help to ensure that the work meets all applicable building codes and regulations. In some cases, you may need to get multiple permits before you can begin work. For example, if you’re planning to build a deck, you’ll need both a building permit and a zoning permit. The process of obtaining permits can be complex, so it’s important to consult with an experienced professional before beginning any project.
What is License?
A license: (from the Latin licentia, meaning “freedom”) is permission from an authority to do something that would otherwise be illegal. A license may be granted by a party to another party as an element of an agreement between those parties.
- A shorthand definition of a license is “an authorization to use licensed material.” Licenses typically take the form of a contract between the licensee and the licensor, whereby the licensor agrees to grant the licensee certain permissions to use certain materials under certain conditions. The nature of these permissions and conditions varies widely, but they can generally be categorized into two broad types: copyrights and patents.
- Copyrights are licenses that allow one party (the licensee) to make use of copyrighted material created by another party (the licensor), subject to certain conditions.
- Patents are licenses that allow one party (the licensee) to make, use, or sell a patented invention created by another party (the inventor or patent holder), subject to certain conditions. In both cases, the basic idea is that the licensor is granting the licensee permission to do something that would otherwise be illegal.
Differences between Permits and Licenses
- Though the terms “permit” and “license” are often used interchangeably, there are actually some important distinctions between the two. A permit is generally required when performing work that has the potential to impact public safety, such as electrical or plumbing work.
- A license, on the other hand, is typically needed when engaging in a business or profession that is regulated by the state, such as cosmetology or real estate. In both cases, the process of obtaining a permit or license usually involves completing an application, passing an exam, and paying a fee.
- However, the requirements can vary significantly from one state to another. For example, in some states, a cosmetology license can be obtained after completing a training program and passing an exam, while in others a degree from an accredited cosmetology school is also required. As a result, it’s important to research the specific requirements for your state before beginning the process of obtaining a permit or license.
Conclusion
Permits and licenses are two very different types of government-issued documents with different purposes. A permit is permission to do something, while a license is an official document that gives someone the right to do something. Permits are typically easier to obtain than licenses and often don’t require any sort of testing or certification.
For example, you may need a building permit from your local municipality in order to construct a new structure, but you won’t need a license from the state board of medicine in order to start practicing medicine. Licenses are more difficult to get than permits and usually involve some level of testing or certification.
