"License" means the whole or part of any State agency permit, certificate, approval, registration, charter or similar form of permission to engage in a profession, trade, business or occupation and any notification required to be made to any State agency that a profession, trade, business or occupation is being engaged in or is expected to be commenced; provided that "license" shall not include any original charter or certificate of incorporation granted by any State agency;
"State agency" means the legislative or executive branch of the State, including, but not limited to, any department, board, bureau, commission, division, office, council, agency, or instrumentality thereof, or independent agency, public authority or public benefit corporation.
N.J.S. § 18A:71C-19