Be a Successful Street Vendor
There are many important steps and resources that will help you become a successful street vendor.
Overview & Permits
View a selection of short recorded info sessions to help you understand what you need to do to become a permitted vendor in the city of Los Angeles.
Cell-Ed Pathways for Learning
Two pathways feature free micro-lessons on business, community safety, and internet skills, specifically built for street vendors. Learn by using Cell-Ed on your phone.
Small Business Help
Get help and assistance from the Los Angeles Public Library and L.A. City's BusinessSource Centers.
Street Vendor FAQs & Resources
In order to get your Business Tax Registration Certificate (BTRC) for the City of Los Angeles, you’ll need to have a name for your business. When you’re registering your business with the City of L.A., make sure that nobody else is using it.
If you live in L.A. County, use this tool to make sure that your business name is unique:
- Find Your Fictitious Business Name
- Type your Fictitious Business Name (The name of your business)
- Check the box “I am not a robot”
- Click “Search”
- Look at the results. If there are no results, then your Business Name is available!
If you own a business, an ITIN will help you to open a bank account, pay taxes, register your business and more. To apply for an ITIN, you will need:
- A W-7 application form
- Two pieces of supporting documentation
Here are some examples of supporting documentation:
- Passport (stand-alone document)
- National identification card (must show photo, name, current address, date of birth, and expiration date)
- U.S. driver’s license
- Civil birth certificate (required for dependents under 18 years of age)
- Foreign driver’s license
- U.S. state identification card
- Foreign voter’s registration card
- U.S. military identification card
- Foreign military identification card
- Visa
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) photo identification
- Medical records (dependents only - under 6)
- School records (dependents only - under 14, under 18 if student)
At least one document must have your photo.
All documents must be originals or certified copies.
You can also apply for an ITIN at an IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center office. They can help you complete the W-7 form, and make certified copies of your important documents so you don’t lose them.
Do you want to own a business in Los Angeles? Having the right permits is a great place to start. Here are the permits that you will need for your business.
For more detailed information, please review the recorded presentations on permits and certificates.
| Permit Name | Where to get it |
|---|---|
| BTRC (Business Tax Registration Certificate) | Los Angeles Office of Finance |
| Seller’s Permit | CDTFA (California Department of Tax and Fee Administration) |
| Public Health Permit | L.A. County Public Health |
| Streets LA Vending Permit | City of Los Angeles Department of Public Works |
Do you want to own a business in Los Angeles? Having the right permits is a great place to start. Here are the permits that you will need for your business.
For more detailed information, please review the recorded presentations on permits and certificates.
If you sell merchandise:
| Permit Name | Where to get it |
|---|---|
| BTRC (Business Tax Registration Certificate) | Los Angeles Office of Finance |
| Seller’s Permit | CDTFA (California Department of Tax and Fee Administration) |
| Streets LA Vending Permit | City of Los Angeles Department of Public Works |
Small Business Telephone Consultation
Part of the Los Angeles Public Library's New Americans Initiative, get one-on-one help with:
- Business Structures
- Permit/Licenses
- Access to Capital
- Sidewalk Vending Consulting
Services are free and available in English and Spanish. If further assistance is needed, in-person appointments may be arranged.
BusinessSource Centers
The BusinessSource Centers provide free assistance for the City of Los Angeles Sidewalk and Park Vendor Permit Program. Bilingual advisors are available to help complete the required documentation to secure the City of L.A., State of California and County of Los Angeles Permits.
Vendor Permit Programs and Rules
- Streets LA operates the City of Los Angeles Sidewalk and Park Vendor Permit Program.
- Recreation & Parks has rules and regulations for the City of Los Angeles Park Vending Permit Program.
Vending Phone Line: 213-814-1144. Use this number to voice concerns and communicate about non-emergency tips to Streets LA investigators.
Find a Lawyer
Do you know a lawyer in your community? If you live in Los Angeles, the Victim Assistance Program can help you to find one. Visit them online to request assistance or to find the nearest office location to you.
Immigration Resources
If you have been a victim of a serious crime, you could qualify for a U Visa. The U Visa allows eligible people to live and work in the United States for four years. After that, you could qualify for permanent resident status. If you have questions about immigration or U Visas you can make appointments for a consultation for free with the Los Angeles New Americans Initiative or call 213-228-7390.
Reporting a crime or harassment
24-Hour Anonymous Hotline: 800-222-8477. Best for contacting the police after an incident has occurred. After you call, law enforcement will contact you within 10 days to get follow-up information.
Additional Assistance for Vendors and Know Your Rights
- L.A. Street Vendor Campaign Learn about vending permits and advocate for your rights.
- Community Power Collective (CPC) Learn about issues in your community like: land use, affordable housing, public transit, and street vendor rights.
- Inclusive Action For the City Inclusive Action has become a leader in the citywide campaign to create a permit system for street vendors.
- East L.A. Community Corporation (ELACC) ELACC can help you with taxes, financial counselling, lending circles and more.
Be a Successful Street Vendor was made possible by a grant from the American Library Association and Google. The Library worked with Community Power Collective, KLBRI, Immigrants Rising, Inclusive Action for the City, Public Counsel, and local street vendors to build and compile useful resources to help vendors succeed.
