Business licenses and permits in California

Use CalGold to find what your city, county and line of work require. Most cities and counties require a business license; not all do.

What’s different in California

• The general business license is local, where one is required. Your city issues it, or the county outside city limits. Some cities call it a business tax registration. Not every area requires one: unincorporated San Diego County doesn’t.
• One state lookup tool. CalGold lists the permits for your city and business type, and who issues each. It’s still being built out, so confirm with each agency.
• Most licensed professions can’t use an LLC, such as law, medicine or accounting. Contractors can, with a $100,000 worker bond and at least $1,000,000 in liability insurance.

Do this

1. Look yourself up in CalGold by location and business type. Save the list; it’s your checklist.
2. Get a local business license if your city or county requires one. Ask your city’s business license or business tax office, or the county if you’re in an unincorporated area.
3. Check zoning before you sign a lease. Home or rented space, ask your city’s planning department (or the county’s) whether your activity is allowed at that address.
4. Get any state license your work needs. The CalGold list names the boards and departments that apply. Licensed professionals: confirm your board accepts your business structure.
5. Selling goods? You also need a seller’s permit.
6. Ask for help if the list gets long. GO-Biz helps businesses of any size with permits and regulations, and your local Small Business Development Center offers free one-on-one advice.

What you get back

A local business license where one is required, plus one license or permit per agency on your CalGold list. Each renews on its own schedule, so note the dates.