Updated September 2026 · 8 min read
Short answer: To get a resale certificate, first register for a sales tax permit (also called a seller’s permit) with your state’s tax department. Then fill out your state’s resale certificate form, or an accepted multistate form, and give it to each supplier so you can buy inventory without paying sales tax.
Many wholesale suppliers won’t open an account until they see one. If you’re wondering how to get a resale certificate, the process is usually free or low-cost and can often be done online in a day or two. This guide walks you through it.
Sales tax rules vary a lot by state. This is general information, not tax advice. Check with your state’s tax department or an accountant before you rely on it.
What is a resale certificate?
A resale certificate is a form you give to a supplier that says you’re buying goods to resell, not to use yourself. Because sales tax is meant to be collected once, from the final customer, the supplier can skip charging you sales tax on those items. You then collect sales tax when you sell to your customers.
It goes by many names
- Resale certificate
- Reseller’s permit or reseller’s license
- Sales tax exemption certificate (for resale)
- Certificate of resale
- Wholesale certificate or wholesale license (informal)
Don’t confuse it with your sales tax permit. The permit registers your business to collect sales tax. The resale certificate is the document you hand to suppliers. In most states you need the permit first.
| Document | Who issues or fills it out | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| Sales tax permit (seller’s permit) | Your state tax department issues it | Registers you to collect and file sales tax |
| Resale certificate | You fill it out (on your state’s form) and give it to suppliers | Lets you buy inventory for resale without paying sales tax |
| Business license | Your city, county, or state | General permission to operate a business locally |
How to get a resale certificate, step by step
At a glance: getting a resale certificate
1
Set up your business. Choose a structure and get an EIN if you need one.
2
Get a sales tax permit. Register online with your state’s tax department.
3
Fill out the form. Use your state’s resale form or an accepted multistate form.
4
Send it to suppliers. Give each supplier a signed copy and keep your own records.
Step 1: Set up your business basics
You’ll usually need your legal business name, address, business structure, and a federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS if you have employees or operate as a partnership or corporation. Sole proprietors can sometimes use their Social Security number instead, but many choose to get a free EIN anyway. If you’re still figuring out registrations, see do you need a business license to buy wholesale.
Step 2: Register for a sales tax permit
Go to your state’s department of revenue (or taxation) website and look for sales tax registration. Most states let you apply online. You’ll typically provide:
- Business name, address, and structure
- EIN or SSN
- Owner or officer information
- What you sell and your expected sales
- Your start date
Many states issue the permit for free. Some charge a small fee or require a security deposit. Processing can take from minutes to a few weeks.
Step 3: Complete the resale certificate
In most states, you don’t get a resale certificate in the mail. You fill out a state form yourself, listing your permit number and what you’re buying for resale. A few states issue a certificate directly. Check your state’s instructions.
If you buy from suppliers in several states, two multistate forms can help:
- The Streamlined Sales Tax (SST) Certificate of Exemption, used in states that are members of the Streamlined Sales and Use Tax Agreement.
- The Multistate Tax Commission’s Uniform Sales & Use Tax Resale Certificate, which the MTC says 36 states have indicated can be used as a resale certificate, with state-specific notes on the form.
Not every state accepts these, and some have conditions. Read the instructions on the form and confirm with the state if you’re unsure.
Step 4: Give it to your suppliers
Send a signed copy to each wholesale supplier, usually when you apply for a wholesale account. Many suppliers also ask for it when you first ask for wholesale pricing. Keep a copy of every certificate you send, along with the date.
5
States with no statewide sales tax: AK, DE, MT, NH, OR
36
States the MTC says have indicated its uniform form can be used for resale
$0
Common state fee for a sales tax permit (some states charge a fee or deposit)
What if your state has no sales tax?
Alaska, Delaware, Montana, New Hampshire, and Oregon don’t have a statewide sales tax. (Alaska allows local sales taxes.) If you’re based in one of these states, you may not have a state permit to list. Suppliers in other states may still ask for documentation. Many will accept a multistate form or your home state’s business registration, but policies vary, so ask the supplier what they need.
Rules for using a resale certificate correctly
Checklist: Using your resale certificate the right way
- ✅ Only use it for items you’ll actually resell (or that become part of a product you sell)
- ✅ Don’t use it for supplies you use yourself, like shelving, computers, or cleaning products
- ✅ Keep your sales tax permit active and file returns on time, even if you had zero sales
- ✅ Update suppliers if your business name, address, or permit number changes
- ✅ Check whether your state’s certificates expire and need renewal
- ✅ Keep copies of every certificate you give out
Misusing a resale certificate to avoid tax on personal or business-use items can lead to back taxes, penalties, and interest. When in doubt, pay the tax.
What happens with items you pull from inventory?
If you buy something tax-free for resale but later use it yourself (for example, a display sample), many states require you to report and pay use tax on it. Your state tax department’s website explains how.
Why suppliers ask for it
Suppliers ask for a resale certificate for two reasons. First, it proves you’re a real business, which is why many wholesale accounts require one. Second, it protects the supplier. If they don’t collect sales tax and can’t show a valid certificate on file, the state may hold them responsible for the uncollected tax. For the bigger picture of how accounts get opened, read how wholesale works.
FAQ
How much does it cost to get a resale certificate?
In many states, registering for a sales tax permit is free and the resale certificate form costs nothing. Some states charge a small registration fee or ask for a security deposit.
How long does it take to get a resale certificate?
Online registration is often approved quickly, sometimes the same day, though some states take a few weeks. Once you have your permit number, you can fill out the resale form right away.
Can I use my resale certificate in another state?
Sometimes. Many states accept out-of-state resale certificates or the multistate forms, but some have special rules. Check the supplier’s state requirements.
Do I need a resale certificate to buy wholesale?
Not always, but many suppliers require one to open a wholesale account. Without one, you may be refused or charged sales tax on your orders.
Bottom line
Getting a resale certificate is mostly paperwork. Register for a sales tax permit with your state, complete your state’s resale form or an accepted multistate form, and send it to each supplier. Use it only for inventory you’ll resell, keep copies, and stay current on your sales tax filings.
Wholesale Handbook 
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