Look up your business license in Long Beach
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What Licenses Do You Need in Long Beach?
Business license requirements in Long Beach, California depend on your industry, business activities, entity type, and location. Most businesses need several types of licenses to operate legally.
Long Beach Business License
A general business license or business tax certificate from the City of Long Beach 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 Long Beach (legal, medical, engineering, accounting), you must hold the appropriate state-issued credentials.
Zoning Compliance
Your business location in Long Beach 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 Long Beach.
Federal Licenses
Businesses in regulated industries (alcohol, firearms, broadcasting, transportation) must also obtain federal licenses and permits.
Licensing Office
City of Long Beach, Financial Management — Business License Division
411 W. Ocean Boulevard
Long Beach, CA 90802
Counter: Mon-Tue 8AM-4PM, Wed 9AM-4PM, Thu-Fri 8AM-4PM (closed 12-1PM daily); Phone: Mon-Fri 8AM-4PM
Information verified as of June 11, 2026
Web VerifiedBusiness Licensing in Long Beach
Long Beach requires all businesses operating within the City — including property owners, independent contractors, and home-based businesses — to obtain a business license and pay a business license tax. The city uses a fiscal year cycle (July 1 - June 30) and charges a base tax plus per-employee fee that varies by business classification. Even exempt nonprofits and disabled veterans must still apply for and obtain the license itself.
Important Dates & Deadlines
Renewal Due Date
Bill mailed 15 days before expiration; 30 days after due date to pay without penalties (July 1 - June 30 fiscal year)
Renews annually
Late Payment Penalties
25% penalty after 30 days past due date. Additional 10% penalty on the 1st of each subsequent month. Criminal prosecution possible for operating without a license.
What You Need to Apply in Long Beach
Did You Know? — Long Beach Business Licensing Facts
Long Beach uses a fiscal year (July 1 - June 30) for business licenses, not a calendar year
Even exempt nonprofits and disabled veterans must still apply for and obtain the business license
Nonprofits operating a for-profit activity pay half the normal tax rate
Employee counts include owners, managers, partners, and family members who work in the business
The $4 ADA fee is mandated by California state law (SB 1186) and funds disability access education
Out-of-city businesses operating in Long Beach also need a license — base fee starts at $114.59 for 3 months
Who Is Exempt from Long Beach Business Licensing?
Nonprofits (religious, charitable, educational, fraternal, philanthropic) — exempt from business license tax; required documentation: IRS 501(c) letter + California Secretary of State letter confirming non-profit qualification + Articles of Incorporation + two prior years of IRS 990 returns (waived if newly created); nonprofits operating a for-profit activity owe half the normal tax | Armed forces veterans who are California residents and sole business owners — exempt from business license tax; required documentation: CA residency proof (driver's license or utility bill) + military discharge documentation | Disabled veterans who vend goods (excluding liquor), are physically unable to obtain a livelihood by manual labor, and are honorably discharged California residents — exempt from business license tax; required documentation: CA residency proof + military discharge documentation + VA disability proof | All exempt entities must still apply for and obtain the business license itself
Fee Schedule
| Fee | Amount | Period |
|---|---|---|
Fee structure Fee structure: annual flat tax plus per-employee fee by business classification (not gross receipts-based | Varies | varies |
State ADA/SB-1186 (CASp) fee State ADA/SB-1186 (CASp) fee — mandatory on all licenses (permanent per AB 2164) | $4 | annual |
Long Beach License Requirements
Business License
All businesses operating within Long Beach city limits must obtain a business license prior to commencing operations.
All businessesZoning Compliance
Your business location must comply with Long Beach's zoning ordinances. Contact the Planning Department to verify zoning before applying for a business license.
All businessesHome Occupation Permit
Home-based businesses in Long Beach must obtain a home occupation permit in addition to a standard business license.
home basedFrequently Asked Questions
How CLS Helps Businesses in Long Beach
Navigating business licensing in Long Beach, 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 Long Beach.
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 Long Beach, 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 Long Beach
Businesses found operating without required licenses in Long Beach, 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 Long Beach, CA
Follow these steps to obtain your Long Beach business license. Requirements vary by business type, but this is the general process for most businesses in Long Beach, CA.
Choose Your Business Structure
Before applying for a Long Beach 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 Long Beach is zoned for your intended use. Contact the Long Beach 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 Long Beach Business License
Submit your business license application to the City of Long Beach, Financial Management — Business License Division. Online applications are available. Include all required documentation and fees.
Obtain Additional Permits
Depending on your industry in Long Beach, 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 Long Beach 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
Long Beach, California business license information on this page was compiled and verified by Corporate Legal Services from official government sources — last verified .
Long Beach business license information last verified June 11, 2026. Fees, deadlines, and requirements are subject to change. Verify with Long Beach or contact CLS for current requirements.
Content reference: CCP-0D12B4E57091