{"id":9043,"date":"2026-11-02T14:31:19","date_gmt":"2026-11-02T11:31:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/legalbit.top\/en\/?page_id=9043"},"modified":"2026-11-02T15:01:38","modified_gmt":"2026-11-02T12:01:38","slug":"usa-crypto-licensing","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/legalbit.top\/en\/usa-crypto-licensing\/","title":{"rendered":"Crypto licensing in the USA"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"lbx lbd\">\n<style>body.page-id-9043{--lbx-hero:url(https:\/\/legalbit.top\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/us-crypto-licence-hero.webp)}<\/style>\n<style>.lbx .lbs-two{display:grid;grid-template-columns:minmax(0,1fr) 300px;gap:32px;align-items:start}.lbx .lbs-steps{display:flex;flex-direction:column}.lbx .lbs-st{display:grid;grid-template-columns:44px minmax(0,1fr);gap:16px;padding-bottom:26px;position:relative}.lbx .lbs-st:not(:last-child)::after{content:\"\";position:absolute;left:21px;top:46px;bottom:2px;width:2px;background:#d5deec}.lbx .lbs-n{width:44px;height:44px;border-radius:50%;background:#0a2145;color:#fff;display:grid;place-items:center;font-weight:800;font-size:16px}.lbx .lbs-t{font-size:18px;font-weight:800;line-height:1.3;margin:8px 0 6px;color:#0a2145}.lbx .lbs-d{font-size:15px;line-height:1.6;color:#44546f}.lbx .lbs-g{margin-top:10px;display:inline-flex;gap:8px;align-items:baseline;background:#e6eefc;padding:8px 12px;border-radius:8px;font-size:13px;color:#0a2145}.lbx .lbs-g small{font-size:11px;text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:.06em;color:#0b4fa8;font-weight:700}.lbx .lbs-side{position:sticky;top:90px;background:#0a2145;color:#fff;border-radius:14px;padding:20px;display:flex;flex-direction:column;gap:12px}.lbx .lbs-side small{font-size:11px;letter-spacing:.06em;text-transform:uppercase;color:#9fd8ea;display:block}.lbx .lbs-big{font-size:26px;font-weight:800;line-height:1.1;color:#fff}.lbx .lbs-side b{font-size:14px;line-height:1.4;display:block;color:#fff}.lbx .lbs-side hr{border:0;border-top:1px solid rgba(255,255,255,.18);margin:0}.lbx .lbs-side button{background:#2563eb;color:#fff;border:0;border-radius:10px;padding:12px;font-weight:700;cursor:pointer;font-size:15px}@media(max-width:820px){.lbx .lbs-two{grid-template-columns:1fr}.lbx .lbs-side{position:static}}<\/style>\n<ul class=\"lbx-kpi\">\n<li><small>Who it suits<\/small><b>Exchanges, custodians, wallets and payment services that serve US customers<\/b><\/li>\n<li><small>Federal step<\/small><b>FinCEN registration as a money services business, within 180 days after the business is established<\/b><\/li>\n<li><small>State step<\/small><b>Separate licences from state regulators, and a BitLicense in New York<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div class=\"lbd-g\">\n<div class=\"lbd-main\">\n<p class=\"lbx-lead\">There is no single crypto licence in the USA. A business first registers with FinCEN as a money services business, then obtains state licences where its customers live, and checks whether securities or commodities law also applies. Federal registration is not a licence and does not replace the state ones. We map the layers for your model, prepare the filings and plan the order of the work. Our article on <a href=\"\/en\/sec-regulation-crypto-assets\/\">SEC regulation of crypto assets<\/a> covers the securities side.<\/p>\n<section>\n<h2>What clients come to us with<\/h2>\n<ul class=\"lbd-chk\">\n<li>You plan to serve US customers and want to know which regulators are involved<\/li>\n<li>You are a foreign company and need to know who your US agent should be<\/li>\n<li>You are deciding which states to enter first<\/li>\n<li>You need the New York route and want to compare a BitLicense with a trust charter<\/li>\n<li>You want to know whether your token or service raises securities questions<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/section>\n<section>\n<h2>How the process works<\/h2>\n<div class=\"lbs-two\">\n<div class=\"lbs-steps\">\n<div class=\"lbs-st\">\n<div class=\"lbs-n\">1<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"lbs-t\">Mapping the layers<\/div>\n<div class=\"lbs-d\">Administrators and exchangers of convertible virtual currency are treated as money transmitters under FinCEN guidance, while ordinary users are not. We test your model against that guidance, against state rules and against securities law before any filing.<\/div>\n<div class=\"lbs-g\"><small>What you get<\/small>A regulatory map with a filing order<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"lbs-st\">\n<div class=\"lbs-n\">2<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"lbs-t\">FinCEN registration<\/div>\n<div class=\"lbs-d\">You file FinCEN Form 107 through BSA E-Filing, one form per business, within 180 days after the business is established. A foreign business names a US resident agent and a US location for its records. Registration is renewed every two years and repeated within 180 days after certain ownership changes. Records are kept for five years.<\/div>\n<div class=\"lbs-g\"><small>What you get<\/small>A registered business and a renewal calendar<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"lbs-st\">\n<div class=\"lbs-n\">3<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"lbs-t\">State licences<\/div>\n<div class=\"lbs-d\">Money transmitter licences come from state regulators and are usually filed through the NMLS system. Each state has its own capital, bonding and management rules, and many states are adopting a model law for money transmission. We prepare one core package and adapt it state by state.<\/div>\n<div class=\"lbs-g\"><small>What you get<\/small>A state-by-state application plan<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"lbs-st\">\n<div class=\"lbs-n\">4<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"lbs-t\">New York BitLicense<\/div>\n<div class=\"lbs-d\">Virtual currency business activity involving New York or New Yorkers needs a BitLicense under 23 NYCRR Part 200, filed through NMLS, with capital and a surety bond or trust account of generally at least USD 500,000. A BitLicense does not replace a New York money transmitter licence, and a limited purpose trust company charter is an alternative.<\/div>\n<div class=\"lbs-g\"><small>What you get<\/small>A New York route chosen and filed<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"lbs-st\">\n<div class=\"lbs-n\">5<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"lbs-t\">Securities and commodities check<\/div>\n<div class=\"lbs-d\">Some tokens and services fall under securities or commodities law, which brings registration or exemption questions. We assess this before launch.<\/div>\n<div class=\"lbs-g\"><small>What you get<\/small>A written view on securities risk<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"lbs-side\">\n<div><small>FinCEN deadline<\/small><\/p>\n<div class=\"lbs-big\">180 days<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<hr>\n<div><small>Renewal<\/small><b>Every two years<\/b><\/div>\n<hr>\n<div><small>Price of our work<\/small><b>Fixed price, quoted before work starts<\/b><\/div>\n<p><button type=\"button\" class=\"popmake-5262\">Get a consultation<\/button><\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section>\n<h2>What to check before applying<\/h2>\n<div class=\"lbd-acc\">\n<details open>\n<summary>Penalties for operating unregistered<\/summary>\n<p>FinCEN registration is required whether or not a state licenses the business. Failure to register carries civil penalties per violation and possible criminal liability.<\/p>\n<div class=\"lbd-got\"><small>Result<\/small><span>A launch plan that starts only when the filings are in place<\/span><\/div>\n<\/details>\n<details>\n<summary>Banking and compliance<\/summary>\n<p>Banks ask for evidence of registration and licences. We prepare the compliance programme and the file for the bank in parallel. See <a href=\"\/en\/pricing\/\">our pricing<\/a> and <a href=\"\/en\/usa-company-registration\/\">company registration in the USA<\/a>.<\/p>\n<div class=\"lbd-got\"><small>Result<\/small><span>A compliance file ready for the bank<\/span><\/div>\n<\/details>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section>\n<h2>Questions<\/h2>\n<div class=\"lbx-faq\">\n<details>\n<summary>Is FinCEN registration a licence?<\/summary>\n<p>No. It is a federal registration. States license money transmission separately.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n<details>\n<summary>Do we need a US company?<\/summary>\n<p>A foreign business must name a US resident agent. Whether to form a US company depends on the states and the bank, and we advise on it.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n<details>\n<summary>Do we need a licence in every state?<\/summary>\n<p>Usually you need one in each state where you serve customers, unless an exemption applies. Starting with a few states is common.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n<details>\n<summary>Is the BitLicense required for everyone?<\/summary>\n<p>For virtual currency business activity involving New York. Merchants who only accept crypto for goods and consumers investing for themselves are outside it.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"lbd-srcs\">\n<details>\n<summary><span>Sources<small>5 documents<\/small><\/span><\/summary>\n<ul class=\"lbd-src\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.fincen.gov\/index.php\/money-services-business-msb-registration\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">FinCEN, MSB registration<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.fincen.gov\/resources\/statutes-regulations\/guidance\/application-fincens-regulations-certain-business-models\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">FinCEN, guidance FIN-2019-G001 on convertible virtual currency business models<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.law.cornell.edu\/cfr\/text\/31\/1022.380\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">31 CFR 1022.380, registration of money services businesses<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.csbs.org\/newsroom\/csbs-issues-money-transmitter-guidance-virtual-currency-and-capital\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">CSBS, money transmitter guidance on virtual currency<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dfs.ny.gov\/virtual_currency_businesses\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">NYDFS, virtual currency businesses<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/details>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"lbd-cta\">\n<div>\n<p class=\"lbd-cta-t\">Want to get licensed in the USA?<\/p>\n<p class=\"lbd-cta-s\">We are ready to help. Tell us about your project and we will reply within one business day.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><button type=\"button\" class=\"lbd-b popmake-5262\">Get a consultation<\/button><\/div>\n<p class=\"lbx-back\"><a href=\"\/en\/#services\">All services<\/a> \u00b7 <a href=\"\/en\/crypto-legal-services\/\">Crypto<\/a> \u00b7 <a href=\"\/en\/\">\u2190 Home<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><script type=\"application\/ld+json\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@type\":\"Service\",\"name\":\"Crypto licensing in the USA\",\"description\":\"FinCEN registration, state money transmitter licences, the New York BitLicense and securities checks for crypto businesses in the USA.\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/legalbit.top\/en\/usa-crypto-licensing\/\",\"provider\":{\"@type\":\"LegalService\",\"name\":\"LegalBit\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/legalbit.top\/\"},\"areaServed\":\"Worldwide\"}<\/script><br \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@type\":\"FAQPage\",\"mainEntity\":[{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Is FinCEN registration a licence?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"No. It is a federal registration. States license money transmission separately.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Do we need a US company?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"A foreign business must name a US resident agent. Whether to form a US company depends on the states and the bank.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Do we need a licence in every state?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Usually you need one in each state where you serve customers, unless an exemption applies.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Is the BitLicense required for everyone?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"For virtual currency business activity involving New York. Merchants who only accept crypto for goods and consumers investing for themselves are outside it.\"}}]}<\/script><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>How crypto businesses get permission to operate in the USA: FinCEN registration, state money transmitter licences, the New York BitLicense and securities rules.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"folder":[],"class_list":["post-9043","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/legalbit.top\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/9043","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/legalbit.top\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/legalbit.top\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/legalbit.top\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/legalbit.top\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=9043"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/legalbit.top\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/9043\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":9090,"href":"https:\/\/legalbit.top\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/9043\/revisions\/9090"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/legalbit.top\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=9043"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"folder","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/legalbit.top\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/folder?post=9043"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}