The license principle dates back to antiquity and is based on the sovereign’s authority. According to The Oxford English Dictionary, a license is “a permit from a government agency to own, use, or accomplish something.”
Patents, Copyrights, licenses, issuances, permits, proprietaries, prerogatives, and other privileges are all examples of intellectual property rights. They are examples of sovereign authorization of exclusive rights in the Anglo-American common law system.
What is Permit?
A permit, sometimes known as a license, is an official written statement stating that someone is permitted to perform something. In most cases, a state or municipal will provide permission in exchange for a fee. For example, a firearms permit or license allows the permit holder to buy, own, possess or carry a firearm subject to conditions.
Permits are required for one’s safety. When a person applies for a permit, the permitting authority not just reviews the plans but also, at times, sends an inspector to ensure that everything you are doing is right. It is not to review the design, but to ensure safety.
Permits are usually seen as a nuisance. Sometimes it seems that the permit adds extra expense to your plans or is a very tiring process. But it is necessary to get a permit when it comes to safety.
What Happens if You Get pulled Over with a Permit?
If you get pulled over with a permit, there are higher chances of getting a warning rather than directly being arrested. You are supposed to abide by the laws, and that’s all.
Having a permit in your hand proves that you abide by the laws, and it would save you from major problems and worries. For Instance, if you are driving and getting pulled over by the police officials, but you have a permit, don’t worry; slow down the car and stop it completely as soon as possible. Once the official reaches, he might ask for the permit, search for the vehicle, documents, etc. But he will leave you with a warning. It will also save you from legal liabilities that might arise without the permit in your hand.
Having a permit will save you from the fines and penalties, closure of business, closure of construction sites, heavy penalties, etc.
Types of Permits
- Business Permits: Businesses, including home businesses, must obtain a local city or country business permit. It allows the businessmen or holders to engage in the activities within the local jurisdiction.
- Sales Tax Permit: Sales Tax Permit is for the state one is working in that requires collecting sales tax. It generally happens if you sell goods online or offline. Such business required over sales tax is known as a sales tax permit or seller’s permit.
- Zoning Permit: The Zoning permit is required in places where certain types of businesses can or cannot operate. These regulations not only impact manufacturers or restaurants but also affects home businesses. Such permits are needed for places where you are not legally permitted to do the type of business you are operating.
- Home Occupation Permit: It is applied to home-based businesses.
- Health Permits: The businesses that involve the preparation or handling of food require a health permit.
- Fire Department Permit: Businesses requiring flammable material and several people must assemble in one place or are open to the public require a fire department permit. The local fire department issues the fire department permit.
- Environmental Permit: Environment Permits are technically Pollution Control Permits. The state or the local government requires certain businesses to obtain special pollution control permits. The businesses that need these permits generally discharge environmental contaminants into the air.
- Sign Permit: Before putting up any sign, the businesses must obtain a sign permit from the local authorities.
- Building Permits: Building Permits are the type of authorization that the government must grant to construct a new or existing building. The building permits are also of various types and may or may not be required at the very early stage. In the US, you may need a permit to replace a window or even the lawn sprinklers. It also includes a remodeling permit.
- International Driving Permit: It is required in the US, especially if you are from another country. To drive in the US, one must have a driving license from his own country and an International Driving Permit.
- Driving Permits: To drive legally in the US, one must get a driving permit for yourself. A person driving without a driving permit may face the consequences and may be denied the permit for a year if found in constant practice driving without a permit.
Conclusion
Once you have a permit, it will always be beneficial. Precaution is always better than cure. So, is the situation with the Permit. It is essential to have a permit wherever it is required as per law. It is a must to get a permit to fulfill the legal requirements and ensure one’s safety. Getting a permit might increase your cost, but it will always come with benefits that will prevail over the cost of the permit. The major advantages of the permit are to be kept in mind like safety, it might save you from a lawsuit.
FAQs
What is Permit, and why is it required?
A permit is a legal document that permits to do something. One is required to get a permit to ensure safety.
Do you need a permit to renovate your house?
A permit is required to renovate a house, and the permit officer will check the design and construction sight.
Can you deal in the manufacturing products like alcohol or firearms with normal business permits?
No, one cannot deal in the manufacturing products like alcohol or firearms with normal permits. For such kind of business, a special permit is required, known as Federal licenses and Permits.
How is a license different from a permit?
The difference between the license and permit is the expiration and validity period. The license is granted for a longer period, or else it can be permanent. However, the permits require renewal from time to time.