How to Get a Business License in Santa Ana

What Is a Business License

A business license is a simple document that’s issued by the city of Santa Ana. Its purpose is to provide the city with your tax information, but it also ensures that your company remains in good standing. There are also state and federal licenses that you may need to file for if you plan on selling goods like tobacco, firearms, or alcohol.

Additionally, you’ll need a business license if you plan on selling anything online, in-person, or out of your garage. Make sure you keep this in mind and apply for a business license before you start producing income in the city to avoid penalties.

Does California Require a Business License?

No, California does not require businesses to have a general state license. That said, you’ll need a license if you plan on doing business in any of California’s cities. For this reason, you’ll need a license if you plan on doing business in Santa Ana or other California cities.

You also need a unique license for each county, so even if you have a license in a different state you’ll need to apply for a license in Santa Ana as well.

Santa Ana Business License Requirements: Who Needs a Business License in Santa Ana?

Anyone who wants to do business in Santa Ana needs a business license. The city states that anyone who wants to engage in business activities must maintain a license to do so.

Also, you’ll need a separate license for each type of business that you plan on doing in Santa Ana, even if it’s under the same business name or company. Therefore, it’s best to apply for one right after you apply for your license.

How Much Does a Santa Ana Business License Cost?

Santa Ana business licenses can cost as little as $10 or upwards of $500 depending on how much revenue your company generates. You can learn more about the factors that influence the cost of a business license in Santa Ana here.

Ultimately, the cost of a license comes down to the number of employees you have, the types of licenses you need, and how much revenue your company will generate.

Santa Ana doesn’t make the process difficult if you want to get a license. However, you do have to register a business first and make sure you get the necessary state and federal permits as well. Learn more about how to get a business license in Santa Ana below.

Step 1: Start a Business

First and foremost, you need to start a business in California if you want to apply for a license.

You’ll need to complete the following steps to start a business in Santa Ana:

Register the name of your business with the Secretary of State and acquire any domains associated with that name (if you plan on going online).
Come up with a business plan that you can provide.
Get zoning approval and make sure you have disability access.
Form a legal entity for your company (sole proprietorship, partnership, LLC).
Purchase insurance if you need it.

Depending on the type of business you’re starting, you may need to provide additional information. Thankfully, we have additional resources that can help you start a business in Santa Ana.

Step 2: Santa Ana Business License Application

The next step is to focus on the application process for your license. From there, you need to fill out all of the forms and meet the necessary business license requirements in Santa Ana. These requirements include:

Business name
The start date for your business
Any residential or commercial locations you have
EIN or Social Security number
The legal entity for your business (sole proprietorship, partnership, LLC)
Address and phone number for your business
Business plan and estimated revenue
California driver’s license number

Once you fill out the necessary forms and submit your payment, you can mail the license to City Hall, head there in person, or use a fax machine. The process takes about three to twelve days from start to finish.

It’s also important to note that your business needs to be in accordance with accessibility laws in Santa Ana. You can learn more about these laws via the California Commission of Disability Access.

Can You Get Your Santa Ana Business License Online?

Unfortunately, you have to have your business license forms mailed to you or visit city hall in person to get them, and then mail them back or submit them in person at city hall.

Luckily, most other permit and license applications can be procured and submitted online, which we get into next.

Step 3: Apply for Permits, Federal Licenses, and State Licenses

Once you apply for any local licenses that you need, you also have to consider licenses you need from the state or federal government. You’ll need a license for the sale of firearms, tobacco, alcohol, and several other regulated products.

States like California that have legalized marijuana will also require a license if you plan on selling it, so it’s important to consider these licenses as well. A great example is a County of Orange Health Permit, which is issued by the Orange County Health Care Agency; this license is needed to sell food.

Unfortunately, failing to get these licenses can result in penalties and being unable to run your business properly. You can learn more about how to get these business licenses in California here.

Santa Ana Business License Renewal

Your Santa Ana business license doesn’t last forever. If you want to avoid penalties and fees, you need to renew your license annually. The year after you apply for your license a reminder and notice for renewal will be sent to you 30 days before you have to renew the license; this depends on when you file for the license.

Get a Business License Today

Santa Ana makes running a business a breeze, but you have to follow each step carefully.

Leaving out any of the requirements or failing to file for something as simple as a Home Occupation Permit can hold up the process and prevent you from growing your business. In fact, you even have to get a business license if you plan on selling goods or services online in Santa Ana.

Thankfully, the steps that we outlined in our article are enough to get you started and we have plenty of additional resources to help if you need more assistance.