California Business Permits & Licenses

Every filing this California guide covers, laid out with cost, timeline, and the direct link to the California agency that issues it.

All permits & licenses covered

• LLC Formation — anyone starting a business as a legal entity
• Business License — any business operating in a city or county that requires local licensing
• Food Truck Permit — mobile food vendors, food trucks, and mobile food carts
• Short-Term Rental Permit — Airbnb, VRBO, and other short-term rental hosts
• Cottage Food License — home bakers and home food producers of non-hazardous foods (bread, jam, cookies, granola)
• Sales Tax Registration — any business selling taxable goods or services in the state
• Employer Registration — any business with W-2 employees
• Contractor License — general contractors and specialty trades (electrical, plumbing, HVAC, roofing)
• Home Occupation Permit — anyone running a business from their residence
• DBA Filing — sole proprietors, partnerships, and LLCs operating under a name different from the legal registered name
• Sign Permit — commercial businesses installing exterior signage
• Sidewalk Cafe Permit — restaurants and cafes wanting to serve on the public sidewalk
• Building Permit — property owners and contractors doing structural, electrical, plumbing, or mechanical work
• Health Department Permit — restaurants, food retailers, and any business serving prepared food to the public
• Alcohol License — restaurants, bars, and retail stores selling beer, wine, or spirits
• Cosmetology License — hair stylists, estheticians, nail technicians, and barbers
• Massage Therapy License — licensed massage therapists (LMT)
• Childcare License — in-home daycare providers and childcare centers
• Professional License — regulated professionals (real estate agents, insurance producers, financial advisors, private investigators, notaries)
• Reseller Permit — wholesalers and retailers buying inventory tax-free for resale

Top cities in California

Most city-level rules follow state law, with the city adding its own business tax registration and zoning. This site's California pages apply to all cities below.

Where to file in California

• Business filings: https://bizfileonline.sos.ca.gov
• Secretary of State: https://www.sos.ca.gov
• Tax authority: https://www.cdtfa.ca.gov
• Labor / workforce: https://www.edd.ca.gov