Look up your business license in Los Angeles
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What Licenses Do You Need in Los Angeles?
Business license requirements in Los Angeles, California depend on your industry, business activities, entity type, and location. Most businesses need several types of licenses to operate legally.
Los Angeles Business License
A general business license or business tax certificate from the City of Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles (legal, medical, engineering, accounting), you must hold the appropriate state-issued credentials.
Zoning Compliance
Your business location in Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles.
Federal Licenses
Businesses in regulated industries (alcohol, firearms, broadcasting, transportation) must also obtain federal licenses and permits.
Licensing Office
City of Los Angeles, Office of Finance
200 North Spring Street, Room 101
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Phone: Mon-Thu 9AM-3PM, Fri 9AM-2PM; Main Office: Mon-Tue 8AM-4PM, Wed 9AM-4PM, Thu 8AM-11:30AM, Fri closed; counter closed daily 11:30AM-12:30PM for lunch
Information verified as of June 11, 2026
Web VerifiedBusiness Licensing in Los Angeles
Los Angeles requires a Business Tax Registration Certificate (BTRC) for every person or entity engaging in business within the City. LA uses a gross receipts-based tax with rates ranging from $1.01 to $4.25 per $1,000 depending on business classification. The first year of new business activity is not exempt — taxes are paid the following year at renewal. LA offers a Small Business Exemption for businesses with $100,000 or less in gross receipts.
Important Dates & Deadlines
Renewal Due Date
January 1 (delinquent after first business day of March)
Renews annually
Late Payment Penalties
0.7% interest per month on unpaid principal tax, accruing from March 3, 2026 (rate recalculated annually to reflect avg. federal short-term rate + 3 pts); standard late-filing penalty stepped by date: 5% as of March 3, 10% as of April 1, 15% as of May 1, 20% as of June 1, 40% as of July 1; if a 45-day extension is granted and payment remitted is less than 90% of actual tax due, a separate 20% penalty applies on the unpaid principal balance; operating without a BTRC is a misdemeanor: fine up to $1,000 and/or up to 6 months in jail
What You Need to Apply in Los Angeles
Did You Know? — Los Angeles Business Licensing Facts
LA calls its business license a "Business Tax Registration Certificate" (BTRC) — not a business license
Working in LA for just 7 or more days per year triggers the registration requirement
The first year of business is NOT exempt from taxation — you pay at renewal the following year
Small Business Exemption: businesses with $100,000 or less in gross receipts can qualify
Creative Artist Exemption: artists with worldwide gross receipts under $300,000 may be eligible
Operating without a BTRC is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine up to $1,000 and/or 6 months in jail
Renting out 3 or fewer residential units is exempt from registration
Sharing economy workers (Airbnb hosts, Uber/Lyft drivers) must obtain a BTRC
LA has TWO office locations: Main (200 N Spring St) and Valley (6262 Van Nuys Blvd)
You receive a temporary BTRC or registration number immediately; the permanent certificate takes 4-6 weeks by mail
Who Is Exempt from Los Angeles Business Licensing?
Small Business Exemption ($100K or less in gross receipts, must file by March deadline); Creative Artist Exemption ($300K or less worldwide); nonprofits with 501(c)(3) can request exemption; insurers paying state in-lieu taxes; government agencies; persons renting 3 or fewer residential units; public universities
Los Angeles Business License Forms
Online BTRC Registration/Renewal
Register, renew, or pay business tax online
BTRC Application (PDF, 2025)
Downloadable application for Business Tax Registration Certificate
Business Tax Rate Table (PDF)
Complete tax rate schedule by business classification
Business Tax Calculator (Beta)
Estimate your LA business tax online
Fee Schedule
| Fee | Amount | Period |
|---|---|---|
Retail Sales (LGR2) /1000 | $1.27 | annual |
Wholesale Sales (LGR1) /1000 Wholesale Sales (LGR1) /1000 — wholesale was consolidated from old L042 into LGR1 at by 2015 Ordinance #183419, not | $1.01 | annual |
Collection Agency / Personal Property Rental (L046) /1000 | $2.55 | annual |
Commission Broker (L047) /1000 | $3.15 | annual |
Miscellaneous Services (L048) /1000 | $3.56 | annual |
Professions & Occupations / HMO (L049) /1000 | $4.25 | annual |
State AB-1379 CASp fee per registration or renewal where a tax payment State AB-1379 CASp fee per registration or renewal where a tax payment is due (LA annulled the 2024 sunset, fee remains indefinitely) | $4 | annual |
Los Angeles License Requirements
Business Tax Registration Certificate
All businesses operating in the City of Los Angeles must obtain a BTRC. This includes businesses with no physical location in LA but conducting business within city limits.
All businessesZoning Clearance
Check with the Department of City Planning to ensure your business location is zoned for your intended use.
All businessesFire Department Approval
Certain business types require fire department inspection and approval before opening.
specific industriesHome Occupation Permit
Home-based businesses in Los Angeles must obtain a home occupation permit in addition to a standard business license.
home basedFrequently Asked Questions
How CLS Helps Businesses in Los Angeles
Navigating business licensing in Los Angeles, 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 Los Angeles.
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 Los Angeles, 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 Los Angeles
Businesses found operating without required licenses in Los Angeles, 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 Los Angeles, CA
Follow these steps to obtain your Los Angeles business license. Requirements vary by business type, but this is the general process for most businesses in Los Angeles, CA.
Choose Your Business Structure
Before applying for a Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles is zoned for your intended use. Contact the Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles Business License
Submit your business license application to the City of Los Angeles, Office of Finance. Online applications are available. Include all required documentation and fees.
Obtain Additional Permits
Depending on your industry in Los Angeles, 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 Los Angeles 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
Los Angeles, California business license information on this page was compiled and verified by Corporate Legal Services from official government sources — last verified .
Los Angeles business license information last verified June 11, 2026. Fees, deadlines, and requirements are subject to change. Verify with Los Angeles or contact CLS for current requirements.
Content reference: CCP-E15D230C9BE5