Do you have a local Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife, or whatever? That's where I'd go. If you don't know where one is at, the state website should be able to direct you to where the closest one is. I don't think that most states have that information on the web, and if they do, it is sometimes difficult to find. Ohio is online, and it just gives you a general overview, yet still doesn't have all the details, it basically tells you that it's illegal to have them without a permit. I still had to go to the State Wildlife department in order to obtain a permit and to get details.
I would assume that the species of bird will determine whether you need a permit or not. You may have already looked at this, but it may give you an idea of what to somewhat expect:
http://www.thatquailplace.com/smf/index.php?topic=2942.0