Forms & Resources

The following is information generally applicable to most business in Long Beach. Any error or omission on a business license application does not excuse the business owner from any other regulations or penalties.

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 Filing A Fictitious Name Statement

A fictitious name, also called a DBA (“Doing Business As”), is when you run a business using a name that is different from your own. For example, if your name is John Smith but you call your business “Speedy Car Wash,” that name is a fictitious name. In California, if you use a different name like this, you have to register it by filling out a form. This helps people know who really owns the business, protects your business name, and is often needed if you want to open a business bank account. You can register your business name with the Los Angeles County office or sometimes through a local newspaper. For more details, you can call the L.A. County Registrar at (800) 201-8999, Option 4.

 City Zoning/Land Use Regulations

The city has rules about where businesses are allowed to operate. These rules are called zoning laws. Sometimes, you might need special permission to run your business in a certain place. Before you start your business, you should check if your chosen location is allowed. You can do this by contacting the Development Services Department’s Zoning Division. Make sure to tell them exactly what kind of business you plan to run, both now and in the future. For more information, you can call the Zoning Division at (562) 570-6194.

 State Licenses

Many occupations, such as physician, attorney, real estate broker, construction contractor, etc., require a State license; and you may be required to show proof of this license before a City license is issued. Before you can get a city business license, you may have to show proof that you already have this state license. If you don’t get the license when you need one, you could have to pay a fine. If you are not sure whether your job needs a state license, you can call the State Department of Consumer Affairs at (800) 344-9940 for help.

 State Sales and Use Tax Permits

If your business involves the sale of tangible personal property either retail or wholesale, you are required to obtain a seller’s permit from the State Board of Equalization. As a seller, you must remit sales tax (collected from the consumer the time of sale) to the Board. The Board will advise you of the time and manner in which taxes are to be reported and paid. Failure to register for a seller’s permit and pay taxes in the manner prescribed may result in a fine or other penalty. For more information call the State Board of Equalization at 800-400-7115.

 Federal and State Employer Requirements

All businesses that have employees are required to obtain a federal employer identification number from the U.S. Internal Revenue Service. This is required for purposes of withholding and payment of employee taxes. For more information contact the IRS at (800) 829-1040.

As an employer, you may also be required to file with the State of California Employment Development Department. This is for the purpose of withholding employee tax, as well as for meeting unemployment insurance requirements. For more information contact the Employment Development Department at (888) 745-3886.

 Definition of an Employee

For business license taxes in the City of Long Beach, an “employee” means anyone who works in or helps run a business. This includes people like owners, family members of the owner, partners, agents, managers, or salespeople. It also includes anyone working there full-time or part-time, whether their job is permanent or temporary, and whether they are paid by wages, salary, commission, or even room and board. If the business is owned by one person (a sole proprietorship), the owner is not counted as an employee.

 Tobacco Sales

The selling for tobacco products requires an annual Long Beach Tobacco Retail Permit. Information and an application are available at: www.longbeach.gov/health/safety_promotion/tpermits.asp. Contact 562-570-7905 with any questions.

 Alcohol Sales

The sale of alcoholic beverages requires a license from the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC). They can be contacted at (562) 982-1337 or at 3950 Paramount Blvd., Lakewood, CA. Link to State of California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control.

 Fire Inspection Requirements

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 Police Investigations

Certain business licenses and permits require a background investigation and possibly an inspection by the Police Department. These include entertainment permits, and licenses for massage technicians, businesses that sell alcohol, and adult businesses.

 Police Department Entertainment Permit Guidelines

If you apply for an entertainment permit, the Police Department will inspect your business. They will review your application to see if any rules, like Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) or Conditional Use Permit conditions, do not allow entertainment at your location.

A Vice Detective will contact you to schedule the inspection. During the visit, they will talk with you about possible rules for your business. These rules may include what days and hours entertainment is allowed, age limits, noise limits, and security needs. The exact rules depend on your type of business. If you qualify, you may receive a temporary entertainment permit that lasts 120 days.

The Police Department will also look into your location. This includes checking crime in the area, speaking with nearby residents, and getting a recommendation from the Police Commander. After the investigation, the Police Department will make a recommendation to the City Council. They may suggest approving, denying, or approving a one-year short-term permit.

The City Council will then hold a hearing and make the final decision. If your permit is denied, you must wait one year before applying again.

If you have questions about the Police Department process, call the Long Beach Police Vice Detail at (562) 570-7219.