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Licenses and Permits

I. State Requirements

1. If you are forming a corporation or partnership in California, you will need to register with the Secretary of State's Office in Sacramento. For current information on fees and procedures, contact the Secretary of State's Office.

Secretary of State

Business Programs
1500 11th Street
Sacramento, CA 95814
Information: (916) 653-7315
Name Availability Unit: (916) 654-7960

Los Angeles Branch:

300 S. Spring Street, Suite 12513
Los Angeles, CA 90013
(213) 897-3062

The Secretary of State Office also regulates notary public licensing. Contact the offices listed below for further information.

Secretary of State

Notary Public Division
1500 11th J Street
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 653-3595

Many businesses and trades must meet special qualifications established by the State of California, and a license is required in order to engage in such a business or trade in California. The state of California has set up a website that can help you determine just which licenses and permits you may need for a particular type of business at CALGOLD.

Businesses that are involved with food, water, and air quality issues in the State of California may also be required to obtain special permits. Contact the Commerce & Economic Development Program for additional information on how to obtain these permits. The Office of Permit Assistance publishes an electronic handbook: California Permit Handbook, which offers helpful hints and links in helping businesses obtaining special permits.S

Following is a selected list of state departments that regulate and issue various professional licenses and permits.

II. City Requirements

1. Business License
Anyone conducting business in the City of Los Angeles is required to obtain a business license from the Office of Finance of the City of Los Angeles. The Business License is renewed annually when the City’s business tax is paid. (If your business is located in the unincorporated area of the County of Los Angeles, contact the County's Treasurer and Tax Collector’s Office at (213) 974-2011).

2. Zoning Requirement
Before signing a lease or beginning operations, make sure your proposed business location complies with local zoning regulations. Contact the Call Center of the Building and Safety Department at (888) LA4-BUILD or (888) 524-2845 or (888) 883-8389 (TDD devices) or (213) 482-0000 to find out whether your proposed location complies with the City's zoning regulations. If your proposed use and location do not comply with the zoning regulations, you will have to apply for a Conditional Use Permit (or a zone change). Each city has its own zoning laws. The County of Los Angeles has zoning laws for unincorporated areas.

3. Sign Ordinance
For reasons of general appearance and public safety, the City requires sign permits and building permits whenever you install, move, or remove signs. Contact the Call Center of the Building and Safety Department at (888) LA4-BUILD or (888) 524-2845 or (888) 883-8389 (TDD devices) or (213) 482-0000 for guidance in applying for such permits.

4. Special Permits
For reasons of public safety, several types of business activities in the City of Los Angeles require special permits. These are usually either Police or Fire permits. There are numerous occupations that require either or both of these permits.

To see if you need a Police Permit, contact the Office of Finance, Tax and Permit Division at (213) 978-1521. To see if you need a Fire Permit, contact the Los Angeles Fire Department, Bureau of Fire Prevention and Public Safety at (213) 482-6900.

III. Additional Permits Required by the City or County

1. Health Permits
The County of Los Angeles regulates health permits, and many business activities must obtain such a permit. The businesses that require a health permit include (but are not limited to) operators of swimming pools, spas, hotels, movie theaters, and any type of food establishment (including food storage, market, and restaurant.) You are required to contact the County Department of Health Services, Environmental Health division. You can find the proper number for your type of business at their website Environmental Health Contact List. The cities of Pasadena and Long Beach operate their own public health departments separate from the rest of the County of Los Angeles.

2. Hazardous Materials Certificate
Businesses using, storing, handling or disposing of hazardous materials must comply with various codes and laws regarding the health and safety issues. Contact the following city departments for further information.

Los Angeles City
Fire Department
Hazardous Material Unit
200 N Main St, Room 1780
Los Angeles, CA 90012
(213) 485-5977

3. Vendor Registration Number (VRN)
There is a class of vendors that conducts business within Los Angeles city limits in a manner that would not subject them to a business tax liability. For example, as a result of a newspaper ad, a New York publishing company accepts by telephone and ships the books by common carrier to the City of Los Angeles. After investigation and confirmation by the Office of Finances, businesses that are not required to pay a business tax may be issued a Vendor Registration Number that will establish their non-taxable status. The VRN accounts will be reviewed on an annual basis. For further information, contact the Office of Finance at (213) 473-5901.