Establishing Your Business in California
Business Permits, Licensing and Registration
Do you plan to hire employees?
Register as an Employer
All California businesses that hire employees are required to register with the California
Employment Development Department. If you hire or plan to hire employees, click on
Employer Registration (link to http://www.edd.ca.gov/Payroll_Taxes/Electronic_Filing_Registration_and_Payment_Information.htm) to access
detailed information and forms for registering as an employer.
Does your type of business or profession require permits, licenses or registrations?
Business Permits, Licensing and Registration Requirements
Get information on the business permit, licensing and business and professional registration
requirements by type of business and location from Business Permits, Licenses and Registrations
Made Simple.
Professional Licensing
Find out whether your profession requires licensing by the California Department
of Consumer Affairs. If it does, you can access online professional licensing
services provided by the Department. This site also provides links to other licensing information.
Occupation Profile
This site allows you to create an occupational profile and find a wealth of information on that
occupation, including the licensing requirements and the name of the organization to contact.
America's Career Info Net -
Licensed Occupations
This national site offers a "Licensed Occupations" tool to find contact information about
licenses in each state.
Federal Requirements for Operating a Business
Access information on federal requirements for operating a business.
Business.gov
Business.gov guides you through the maze of federal government rules and regulations,
and provides access to services and resources to help you start, grow, and succeed in business.