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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.
A general business license or business tax certificate from the City of Daly City is typically required for any business operating within city limits.
State-level tax registrations, professional licenses, and regulatory filings required by California agencies.
If you provide professional services in Daly City (legal, medical, engineering, accounting), you must hold the appropriate state-issued credentials.
Your business location in Daly City must comply with local zoning ordinances. Home-based businesses may need a home occupation permit.
Food service, health, fire, alcohol, and other industry-specific permits may be required depending on your business activities in Daly City.
Businesses in regulated industries (alcohol, firearms, broadcasting, transportation) must also obtain federal licenses and permits.
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 VerifiedDaly City business licenses are administered through the Finance & Administrative Services Department. The city uses HdL Companies for online processing.
October 1
Renews annually
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
Finance & Administrative Services Department handles licensing
Uses HdL portal for online processing
Home Occupation Application available as PDF on city website
| 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 |
All businesses operating within Daly City city limits must obtain a business license prior to commencing operations.
All businessesYour 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-based businesses in Daly City must obtain a home occupation permit in addition to a standard business license.
home basedNavigating 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.
We identify every license and permit required for your specific business in Daly City.
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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 assessmentEvery 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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
CLS also provides business license services in these California cities.
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.