How to Get a Business License in Long Beach, California

Long Beach requires a business license to operate legally within city limits. The process itself is straightforward — you apply, pay a predictable fee, and typically get licensed within two weeks. But there’s a crucial sequence you need to follow first, and certain business types face additional requirements that can extend your timeline. Understanding the prerequisite chain and the exact fee structure now saves you from submitting incomplete applications or discovering missing permits mid-launch.

What Long Beach Requires vs. What California Requires

California has no statewide business license. There’s no state-level document that says “you’re approved to do business.” Instead, the state requires you to register your entity (LLC or corporation) with the Secretary of State, obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS, and — if you’re selling physical goods — register for a Seller’s Permit with the California Department of Tax-Fee Administration (CDTFA). These registrations establish your legal existence and tax obligations at the state level.

But none of those registrations let you operate in Long Beach. The city business license is your local operating authority. It’s what tells Long Beach that you exist, where you’re doing business, what you’re doing, and what you’ll pay to do it.

Both layers are mandatory. You need state registrations AND the Long Beach business license.

This applies whether you work from home or rent a commercial storefront. Independent contractors and home-based business owners sometimes assume they’re exempt from local licensing — they’re not. Long Beach requires a license for any business operating within city limits, regardless of location or business structure.

The Prerequisite Chain

Long Beach won’t process your business license application until you have your state registrations in place. The city asks for your EIN and Seller’s Permit number (if applicable) as part of the application. So follow this order:

Step 1: File your entity with the California Secretary of State

Form an LLC or corporation at bizfileOnline.sos.ca.gov. An LLC costs $70 (Articles of Organization, Form LLC-1). A corporation costs $100 (Articles of Incorporation). You’ll receive your Secretary of State filing confirmation via email — this is your proof of state registration.

Step 2: Get an EIN from the IRS

You need an Employer Identification Number even if you have no employees. The IRS issues them free at irs.gov/ein. Apply online and you’ll receive your EIN instantly by email. Write it down — you’ll need it for the Long Beach application and for opening a business bank account.

Step 3: Register for a CDTFA Seller’s Permit (if applicable)

If your business sells tangible goods — retail inventory, manufactured products, wholesale — you must register for a Seller’s Permit with the California Department of Tax-Fee Administration at cdtfa.ca.gov. Registration is free. The permit allows you to collect sales tax and file returns with the state. If you’re a service-only business (consulting, freelancing, repairs) or reselling digital goods, you may not need a Seller’s Permit, but verify with CDTFA based on your specific business model.

Step 4: Apply for your Long Beach business license

Once you have your Secretary of State confirmation and EIN, you’re ready. If you have a Seller’s Permit, include that number too.

Application Process

You can apply online, by mail, or in person. Most applicants use the online portal — it’s the fastest route.

Where to apply:

Business License Division 411 W. Ocean Boulevard, Long Beach, CA 90802 (City Hall) Phone: (562) 570-6211 Email: [email protected]

What you’ll need to provide:

Driver’s License Number and Social Security Number of the owner (or one partner or officer if your business is structured as a partnership or corporation)
Legal business name
Business type/industry classification
Business address (the physical location where you operate)
Phone number
Mailing address
Residential address of the owner

The application must be complete and accurate before the city issues your license. Incomplete applications get sent back, which delays processing.

Processing timeline:

Most business licenses are processed and issued within two weeks or less. However, some business types trigger additional requirements. If your business requires a city inspection (food establishments, certain retail, construction-related work) or City Council approval (certain entertainment venues, large entertainment events, specific alcohol licenses), the timeline extends. These reviews can add 4–8 weeks, sometimes longer. The city will notify you during the application phase if your business type requires either inspection or City Council approval.

Fee Schedule (12-Month License)

Long Beach publishes exact fees. There’s no guessing at gross receipts brackets or hidden surprises.

Base license fee:

Home-based business or independent contractor: $252.84
Commercial location (standard business): $412.26
Out-of-city business operating in Long Beach (e.g., a company headquartered elsewhere but conducting business within the city): $458.35

Per-employee surcharge:

Depending on your business type, you pay an additional fee per employee. The range is $10.69 to $32.08 per employee. For example, a retail business might pay $18.42 per employee, while a professional service might pay $10.69 per employee. The city will specify the per-employee rate for your business classification.

State mandated ADA fee:

All licenses include a $4.00 State Mandated ADA Fee.

Shorter-term licenses:

If you don’t want to commit to 12 months, the city offers shorter terms:

3-month license: $114.59 base
6-month license: $229.17 base
9-month license: $343.76 base

(Plus per-employee surcharge and the $4.00 ADA fee, prorated.)

Payment:

Pay online via the city’s portal, by mail, or in person at City Hall. Credit card, check, and electronic transfer are accepted depending on method.

Example:

You’re opening a small retail shop in Long Beach with three employees. Your base fee is $412.26. Retail per-employee surcharge is $18.42 per employee. Three employees = $55.26. Add the $4.00 ADA fee. Your total: $471.52 for a 12-month license.

You can calculate your exact fee before you apply. No surprises.

Industry-Specific Permits

Your Long Beach business license is the general operating permit. Certain industries require additional licenses or permits from other agencies, state or local.

Food businesses:

If you’re opening a restaurant, café, food truck, bakery, or any food preparation operation, you need a health permit. Unlike most of California, Long Beach runs its own health department — one of only three cities in the state with independent jurisdiction. You don’t go through LA County Health.

Contact: Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services, Bureau of Environmental Health, (562) 570-4132.

The health department inspects your facility, approves your menu and food handling procedures, and issues a health permit. This permit is separate from your business license and is required before the city will issue your business license.

Exception — food trucks: Food trucks are subject to LA County Public Health Department regulations. You need a valid LA County health permit before Long Beach will issue your business license. After you have the county permit, the city license follows.

Alcohol sales:

If you’re selling beer, wine, or liquor, you need an Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) license from the state. This is in addition to your Long Beach business license. ABC licenses are issued by the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control, which has field offices throughout California. The application process takes 4–6 weeks and includes public notice and potential objections from neighbors. You can operate under a temporary ABC permit while your permanent license is pending.

Construction and contracting:

If you’re performing construction work, electrical work, plumbing, HVAC, or other licensed trades, you need a license from the California State License Board (CSLB) before you can legally work in Long Beach (or anywhere in the state). The CSLB license is separate from the business license and requires exam passage, experience documentation, and sponsorship. This is a state requirement, not a Long Beach requirement, but Long Beach will ask about it during your application.

Cannabis:

Cannabis retailers, distributors, and cultivators operate under a separate, specialized licensing process administered by the Long Beach Department of Cannabis Regulation. The application requires City Council approval, extensive background checks, and compliance with strict local regulations. If you’re in the cannabis industry, contact the Department of Cannabis Regulation directly — this is not a standard business license.

Renewal and Compliance

Your Long Beach business license expires 12 months after issuance and must be renewed annually. The renewal deadline is typically your anniversary date.

Renewal options:

Renew online at longbeach.gov or by mail. Online renewal is faster and you’ll receive confirmation immediately. The renewal process is simpler than the initial application — you just verify that your information is current and pay the renewal fee (same base fee + per-employee surcharge + $4.00 ADA fee).

Late renewal penalties:

If you renew after your license expires, late fees apply. Renew before your expiration date to avoid penalties.

Keep state registrations current:

While you’re maintaining your Long Beach license, don’t neglect your state obligations. Your LLC or corporation needs to file a Statement of Information with the Secretary of State every two years. Your CDTFA Seller’s Permit must stay active (file returns on schedule even if your sales are zero). And if you have employees, you must pay California’s annual LLC franchise tax ($800 minimum) plus any employee-based tax obligations. These state requirements are separate from your Long Beach license but are essential to staying compliant.

Display your license:

Once you receive your license, display it conspicuously at your place of business. Long Beach inspectors will look for it, and customers expect to see it. If you operate from a home office, post it inside your workspace or keep it accessible if inspected.

Next Steps

If you’re ready to apply:

Confirm your Secretary of State filing and EIN are in hand.
Verify whether you need a CDTFA Seller’s Permit (most goods-selling businesses do; service-only businesses typically don’t).
Identify any industry-specific permits (health permit for food, ABC license for alcohol, CSLB license for construction, etc.).
Calculate your base fee plus per-employee surcharge using the Long Beach fee schedule.
Apply online, by mail, or in person at the Business License Division, 411 W. Ocean Boulevard, Long Beach, CA 90802.

Processing typically takes two weeks. If your business type requires inspection or City Council approval, expect 4–8 additional weeks.

Questions about your specific business type or fee calculation? Call (562) 570-6211 or email [email protected]. The staff can confirm your business classification and give you an exact fee quote before you apply.