How To Register For A Business License In California

The state of california may also have different state of california business licenses that you will need to get in addition to the city general business license such as a seller s permit from the california state board of equalization.

How to register for a business license in california. Find information about local state and federal business registration processes permits licenses and certifications below. Thank you for your interest in registering a business with the california secretary of state s office. The secretary of state supports california businesses by registering business entities and processing millions of filings and records requests each year. Depending on your type of business you may be required to hold one or more permits licenses or accounts. Use the guidelines below for how to register a business in california.

Similarly if you plan on selling or leasing products then you must obtain a seller s permit. Business license there is no general state of california business license however many cities require businesses to be licensed in order to operate. But they must file a fictitious business name statement at the county level. For example if you intend to operate a car wash then you must obtain a car washing polishing registration certificate from the division of labor standards. Depending on the nature and type of business you may be required to get additional licenses.

Rules for business registration vary depending on location and what the business does. There are several key steps to launching a business in the state of california. Find out if you need additional licenses. You can either print the application from the city of fresno website or you can request one in person at the finance department in city hall at 2600 fresno street room 1096. Sole proprietors in california don t have to register at the state level.

The california business investment services unit provides tailored site selection services for businesses real estate executives and site selection consultants. Business types and activities generally determine the licenses and permits needed to operate a business legally in california. The california department of tax and fee administration administers many tax and fee programs. Generally all businesses that wish to conduct business in california need to register and form their legal entity with the california secretary of state s office file appropriate taxes register as an employer and obtain business licenses and other permits from appropriate cities or counties. How do i register for a permit license or account.

Registering a business and finding the proper permits can be challenging. A brief overview of the following types of legal business structures available in california can be found on our entity types website. Choose a business structure.