Do I need a business license in Los Angeles?

Yes, entrepreneurs operating a business in LA must obtain a business license in Los Angeles. This article will discuss how to get a business license in Los Angeles. Nakase Wade is a law firm that provides complete services to entrepreneurs to start a business.

Los Angeles Business License

Starting a business in Los Angeles is exciting and confusing at the same time. All individuals or entities conducting business activities within the City of Los Angeles are required to apply for and obtain a Business Tax Registration Certificate with the City of Los Angeles, Office of Finance. You may also have to register for a business license in Los Angeles with other Federal, State, and Local government agencies depending on the structure and location of your business. It is very important for entities to obtain a Los Angeles business license.

How to register for a Los Angeles business license?

Anyone can register for a Los Angeles business license by either visiting one of our service locations or utilizing our Online New Business Registration service. One can find a service location if they look up a business license in Los Angeles.

To register for a Los Angeles business license, you will need to provide:

Your Social Security Number if your business is a Sole Proprietorship or your Federal Employment Identification Number (EIN) if your business is a Partnership, a Corporation, a Limited Liability Company (LLC), or a trust
A description of your business activities
Your legal business name and fictitious name (DBA) if any
Your business start date in Los Angeles
The exact business address and primary mailing address for your business location if different from the business location
Your business contact information

Please note that additional information may be required to register for a Los Angeles business license. Once you completed the registration process you will receive a temporary Business Tax Registration Certificate or Registration Number. A permanent Business Tax Registration Certificate will be mailed within 4 to 6 weeks.

Depending on your business, you may also need to register for Police, Fire and/or Tobacco permits on top of registering for a Los Angeles business license. The Office of Finance online application will help you identify whether these are necessary.

How do I look up a business license in Los Angeles?

One can look up a business license in Los Angeles at the Los Angeles City Hall Tax & Permit Office, where they can give you the business owner’s name and address for a licensed business in the City of Los Angeles. You can go in person or search online. Fees may apply.

Los Angeles County Business License

225 N Hill St #109, Los Angeles, CA 90012

Tel: (844) 663-4411 | Map

If the business filed a Fictitious Business Name Statement with the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder’s Office, you could get a copy. This will provide you with the owner’s name and address for a business in the County of Los Angeles. To look up a business license in Los Angeles, you can go in person, but appointments are required. You can also request the information by mail.

Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder’s Office

12400 E. Imperial Hwy, Norwalk, CA 90650 | Map

Check their website to perform an online search of business filings. You can reach them by phone at (562) 462-2177.

Small Business Attorney Los Angeles Free Consultation

Nakase Wade’s small business attorney in Los Angeles can assist you with startups and business formation. Our Los Angeles small business attorney charges a low flat rate for most business formation which includes obtaining a business license in Los Angeles. Please call for a free consultation: 800-484-4610

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What Services Does a California Business Lawyer Provide?

A California business lawyer helps protect your company by providing legal guidance on structure, taxation, contracts, and compliance. Their services ensure you avoid costly mistakes and navigate disputes, allowing you to focus on growth.

Where Can I Find a Business Lawyer?

Find a skilled business lawyer to navigate legal matters like contracts, trademarks, and liability issues. Protect your company with expert legal advice and support.

What Are the Requirements for a Business Contract Termination Letter?

A contract termination letter must clearly state the reason for termination, reference the original contract, and follow required notice procedures. Ensuring proper documentation and adherence to contract terms helps prevent legal disputes and wrongful termination claims.

Are Verbal Contracts Binding in California?

A verbal contract can be legally binding in California, but proving its terms in court is often difficult. Written agreements provide stronger legal protection, reducing risks of disputes and misunderstandings.

Where Can I Find a Business Lawyer Near Me?

Find a business lawyer by seeking referrals, researching credentials, and ensuring they specialize in your industry’s legal needs. Schedule consultations to assess their expertise, compatibility, and pricing structure before making a final decision.

What Is the Statement of Information and When Is It Required?

A Statement of Information is a required filing for California corporations and LLCs, providing key business and leadership details. Filing deadlines vary, requiring annual or biennial submissions to maintain compliance and avoid penalties.

What Is Indemnity and How Does It Apply to Insurance Contracts?

Indemnity protects individuals and businesses from financial loss by ensuring compensation for damages under legal agreements, including insurance contracts. Various indemnity policies cover liability, property damage, and professional risks, with terms defining coverage limits and exclusions.

What Is Gross Profit and How Is It Calculated in Financial Statements?

Gross profit represents the revenue remaining after deducting the cost of goods sold, helping businesses assess production efficiency and pricing strategies. Calculating gross profit involves subtracting direct expenses from revenue, providing insights into cost control and financial performance.

What Is Gross Income and How Does It Differ From Net Income?

Gross income includes all earnings before deductions, while net income is what remains after taxes and expenses. Understanding these figures helps determine tax obligations, loan eligibility, and overall financial health.

What Is Beneficial Ownership Information and Why Is It Important for Compliance

Beneficial ownership information helps prevent financial crimes by increasing transparency in corporate structures. Businesses should stay informed on reporting requirements to avoid penalties and ensure compliance with evolving regulations.

What Is Arbitration and How Does It Resolve Disputes?

Arbitration resolves disputes by allowing a neutral third party to make binding decisions, offering privacy and efficiency over traditional litigation. Businesses and individuals prefer arbitration for its speed, cost savings, and adaptability, ensuring enforceable outcomes across various legal frameworks.

What Is a Corporation, and How Does It Differ From an LLC?

A corporation is a separate legal entity owned by shareholders, while an LLC offers flexible management and pass-through taxation. Corporations require stricter compliance and structured oversight, whereas LLCs provide fewer formalities and adaptable ownership structures.

How Do You Incorporate a Business, and What Are the Benefits?

Incorporating a business creates a separate legal entity, protecting personal assets and offering potential tax advantages. This process enhances credibility, simplifies ownership transfer, and provides growth opportunities while requiring compliance with specific regulations.

How Do You Get an LLC, and What Are the Benefits of Forming One?

An LLC provides liability protection, tax flexibility, and management freedom for business owners. Follow seven simple steps to establish one efficiently.

How Do You Start a Business, and What Are the Legal Requirements?

Starting a business in California requires careful planning, legal compliance, and financial preparation. From selecting a business structure to obtaining permits, tax registration, and funding, each step is crucial for long-term success.

How Do Accrual Accounting and Cash Accounting Differ in Financial Management?

Accrual accounting records transactions when they are earned, while cash accounting records them when money changes hands. Choosing the right method impacts taxes, financial planning, and cash flow management for businesses.

Do I Need a Permit to Operate a Vending Machine?

A vending machine business requires permits, including a business license, EIN, and compliance with state and federal regulations. Proper location approval, ADA compliance, and product labeling are essential for legal operation and profitability.

Are There Grants Available to Start a Business?

Government and private grants provide funding to help entrepreneurs start businesses, with eligibility varying by industry, location, and business type. Opportunities include federal programs, state initiatives, and private grants supporting startups, research, and minority-owned businesses.

What Is a Stock Corporation in California – General Requirements?

A stock corporation in California raises capital by selling shares, granting investors ownership and voting rights while maintaining limited liability. These corporations, classified as C or S, follow specific legal steps, including filing Articles of Incorporation and drafting corporate bylaws.

Is a Contract Valid Only if It Is in Written Form?

A contract can be legally binding whether written or verbal, but some agreements, such as real estate deals, require written documentation. A valid contract must include clear terms, mutual agreement, legal capacity, consideration, and intent to create enforceable obligations.

What Is a Cash Receipt and Why It Matters for Business Transactions

A cash receipt records the exchange of cash during a transaction, detailing the amount, parties involved, and purchase specifics. Maintaining accurate cash receipts supports tax reporting, financial management, and dispute resolution while ensuring compliance with audits.