Look up your business license in Daly City
Get your Daly City, California business license record sent to your inbox.
What Licenses Do You Need in Daly City?
Business license requirements in Daly City, California depend on your industry, business activities, entity type, and location. Most businesses need several types of licenses to operate legally.
Daly City Business License
A general business license or business tax certificate from the City of Daly City is typically required for any business operating within city limits.
California State Registrations
State-level tax registrations, professional licenses, and regulatory filings required by California agencies.
Professional Licenses
If you provide professional services in Daly City (legal, medical, engineering, accounting), you must hold the appropriate state-issued credentials.
Zoning Compliance
Your business location in Daly City must comply with local zoning ordinances. Home-based businesses may need a home occupation permit.
Industry Permits
Food service, health, fire, alcohol, and other industry-specific permits may be required depending on your business activities in Daly City.
Federal Licenses
Businesses in regulated industries (alcohol, firearms, broadcasting, transportation) must also obtain federal licenses and permits.
Licensing Office
City of Daly City, Finance Department — Business License Division
333 90th Street
Daly City, CA 94015
Mon-Thu 8:30 AM - 3:00 PM; Fri 8:30 AM - 11:00 AM
Information verified as of June 11, 2026
Web VerifiedBusiness Licensing in Daly City
Daly City business licenses are administered through the Finance & Administrative Services Department. The city uses HdL Companies for online processing.
Important Dates & Deadlines
Renewal Due Date
October 1
Renews annually
Late Payment Penalties
10% per month on payments received after October 1 (increasing 10% per month, maximum 100%); plus 1.5% per month interest accruing from October 2
What You Need to Apply in Daly City
Did You Know? — Daly City Business Licensing Facts
Finance & Administrative Services Department handles licensing
Uses HdL portal for online processing
Home Occupation Application available as PDF on city website
Daly City Business License Forms
Business License Requirements & Application
Forms
Commercial Vehicle Permit
Residential Parking Permit
Application Forms
Home Occupation Permit Application (PDF)
Rental Property Supplemental Information Form (PDF)
Apply for Business License Online
Business License Online Application
HdL Application Form
Fee Schedule
| Fee | Amount | Period |
|---|---|---|
Business license tax Business license tax: $110 minimum annually (varies by business type and gross receipts above minimum) | Varies | varies |
State mandate (CASp/SB-1186) fee — annually | $4 | annual |
Daly City License Requirements
Business License
All businesses operating within Daly City city limits must obtain a business license prior to commencing operations.
All businessesZoning Compliance
Your business location must comply with Daly City's zoning ordinances. Contact the Planning Department to verify zoning before applying for a business license.
All businessesHome Occupation Permit
Home-based businesses in Daly City must obtain a home occupation permit in addition to a standard business license.
home basedFrequently Asked Questions
How CLS Helps Businesses in Daly City
Navigating business licensing in Daly City, CA doesn't have to be complicated. CLS provides end-to-end licensing support so you can focus on what matters—running your business.
License Research
We identify every license and permit required for your specific business in Daly City.
Application Filing
Our specialists prepare and submit all applications, ensuring accuracy to prevent delays.
Renewal Management
We track every renewal date and handle the process proactively—no missed deadlines.
Dedicated Support
A real compliance expert assigned to your account—not a chatbot or call center.
Complete Compliance in Daly City, CA
CLS is the only provider that combines business licensing with a full suite of compliance services—all managed in one platform.
Penalties for Operating Without a License in Daly City
Businesses found operating without required licenses in Daly City, CA can face penalties ranging from late-fee surcharges to four-figure fines per violation, cease-and-desist orders, revocation of existing permits, inability to enforce contracts, and in some cases criminal misdemeanor charges. Don't risk your business.
Get a free compliance assessmentFind Your City's Business License Requirements in Seconds
Every city has different fees, deadlines, and penalties. Miss your filing window and penalties range from late-fee surcharges to four-figure fines — and operating unlicensed can mean forced closure. Search below to get the exact requirements for your location.
Not sure what you need? Get a free compliance assessment — our licensing experts will identify every requirement for your business.
How to Get a Business License in Daly City, CA
Follow these steps to obtain your Daly City business license. Requirements vary by business type, but this is the general process for most businesses in Daly City, CA.
Choose Your Business Structure
Before applying for a Daly City business license, determine your entity type (sole proprietorship, LLC, corporation, partnership). Your structure affects which licenses you need and how you register with California and the IRS.
Check Zoning Requirements
Verify that your business location in Daly City is zoned for your intended use. Contact the Daly City Planning Department for zoning verification. Home-based businesses typically need a home occupation permit.
Register with the State of California
Register your business entity with the California Secretary of State (if applicable), obtain an EIN from the IRS, and register for state tax obligations including sales tax and employer withholding.
Apply for Your Daly City Business License
Submit your business license application to the City of Daly City, Finance Department — Business License Division. Online applications are available. Include all required documentation and fees.
Obtain Additional Permits
Depending on your industry in Daly City, you may need additional permits — health department permits for food service, fire department approval, alcohol licenses, professional licenses, or industry-specific certifications.
Display Your License and Stay Compliant
Once issued, display your Daly City business license prominently at your place of business. Licenses renew annually. Track renewal deadlines to avoid penalties and late fees.
Business Licensing in Other California Cities
CLS also provides business license services in these California cities.
Sources & Verification
Daly City, California business license information on this page was compiled and verified by Corporate Legal Services from official government sources — last verified .
Daly City business license information last verified June 11, 2026. Fees, deadlines, and requirements are subject to change. Verify with Daly City or contact CLS for current requirements.
Content reference: CCP-F90B5DBD940A