Do I need a Travel Agent License?

I have been asked by many people if they need a travel agent license to start their home based business. The answer is "no" for most states in the United States.



My research has found Rhode Island to be the only state that requires certification. Make sure you check with your own state regulators to be sure. I am not aware of any state or local governments that require you to take a written exam and proof of education to obtain a certification like occupations are require to do.

Before you start your home-based business, make sure you check with your local governments to see if you are required to file your residence as a home based business and that there are no ordinances against this type of business in your neighborhood. This should not be a problem with any local government based on the nature of the home-based business. You will not have a large increase in traffic to your residence to conduct business, there is no increase in noise to the neighborhood and last but not least you will not be dealing with hazardous material.

You do not have to be certified to have a home-based agency. Some host agencies like YTB will let you start with no experience and offer online training if you desire the knowledge. Some host agencies want only experience and others will accept travel school graduates with no experience. Most agencies will sign you up with no experience and offer online or home study programs.

Some states require you to register with them such as in Florida but this is not a certification law but a way of taxing you. You do not need to pass a test to register under these state laws for a travel agent license.

Travel Agent License: Back to Become a Travel Agent.