Can I get a pet emu without a license?

U.S. Federal law only prohibits private ownership of animals that are endangered or threatened without a license. Since emus are neither, you can own them without a license. However, state laws may prohibit or restrict their ownership. There will most certainly be zoning ordinances too as most localities classify them as livestock. In Virginia, for example, the only laws are zoning regulations in the city. It is perfectly legal to own them in more rural areas and many people do. I've noticed emu farming is becoming rather popular here. They're quite tasty actually.