[header] How to become a credit card merchant [title] Get a business license if you don't have one. [step] Visit the website for your state's secretary of state and apply for a business license if you don't already have one. You'll need the license to apply for a merchant account and for several other steps down the line. 
You'll have to wait until you actually have the license before moving forward with your credit card merchant application. [substeps] Getting a business license may require a small fee, depending on your business type and state.