All business names that do not include the surname of the individual who owns the business must file a Fictitious Name Statement with the Los Angeles County Clerk’s Office. A statement in the local newspaper of general circulation must also be published once a week for four weeks within thirty days of filing the statement.

Los Angeles County Clerk’s Office
12400 East Imperial Highway, Suite 1007
Norwalk, CA 90650
Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
(562) 462-2177

For more information click here.

If you plan on selling a product, resale or wholesale, you will require a Seller’s Permit. The permit has a resale number that allows you to purchase merchandise wholesale without paying taxes with the understanding that you will be reselling the items. It can also be used to waive sales tax purchased to produce your product.

State Board of Equalization
12440 East Imperial Highway, Suite 201
Norwalk, CA 90651
Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
(562) 466-1694

For more information click here.

State Employee Identification Number (SEIN)

If you should decide to hire employees, you will need a State Employer Identification Number (SEIN). Any business that pays an employee for his/her services and has a payroll of $100 or more a month is subject to the California Income Tax Withholding Law. If the owner do not hire any employees, the owner’s social security number is required.

State of California
Employment Development (Downey Office)
8280 East Florence Avenue
Norwalk, CA 90651
Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
(562) 923-1237

For more information click here.

California Workers Compensation Insurance

The law requires that all businesses with employees to have Worker’s Compensation Insurance. Even if you only have one-part time employee, you must insure that person for any work related injury or illness. The amount of the insurance premium is determined by your business classification, the size of your payroll, the particular risk characteristics of your work environment and your organizations safety record.

California Worker’s Compensation Insurance
900 Corporate Center Drive
Monterey Park, CA 91754
Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
(323) 266-5000

For more information click here.

If you are opening a restaurant or food service that sells any food items including pre-packaged foods, a health permit must be filed before the business license can be issued. The LA County Department of Health Services has information on all the requirements that must be met before your first day of operation.

Los Angeles County Department of Health Services (Plan Check Program)
6538 Miles Avenue, Suite 202
Huntington Park, CA 90255
Hours: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
(323) 586-6297

For more information click here.

If you plan on selling alcoholic beverages, you must apply for a license with the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC). ABC regulates the manufacture, sale, purchase, possession, and transportation of alcoholic beverages within the State of California, the ABC is also subject to certain laws of the United States and regulates the importation and exportation of alcoholic beverages.

Alcoholic Beverages Control Department
3950 Paramount Blvd, Suite 250
Lakewood, CA 90712
Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
(323) (562) 982-1337

For more information click here.

You will need a Federal Identification Number (FEDID) regardless of the number of employees you have on staff. This number will be used on all federal forms to identify your business. You may pick up Form SS-4 from any local walk-in IRS office or download the data from the internet.

Internal Revenue Service (IRS) - Employer Identification Number
9050 Flair Drive
El Monte, CA 91731
Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
(800) 829-1040

For more information click here.

Contact the City’s Planning Department to make sure that the type of business you wish to conduct is permitted at the location you have selected. Your business category and business address must meet zoning requirements and restrictions.

Cudahy City Hall
5220 Santa Ana Street
Cudahy, CA 90201
Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
(323) 773-5143

Once you have selected a location that meets the zoning requirements, you will need to complete a Business and Occupancy Form in addition to an application for a Business Tax Certificate in order to obtain a Business License. These forms can be obtained at City Hall, please ask for Business License Clerk.

Cudahy City Hall
5220 Santa Ana Street
Cudahy, CA 90201
Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
(323) 773-5143

If you plan on building a new structure or decide to remodel an existing structure at your business, a building permit must be obtained before any work is done. You may also have to meet planning development standards such as building setbacks, landscaping and parking.

Cudahy City Hall
5220 Santa Ana Street
Cudahy, CA 90201
Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
(323) 773-5143

If signs are going to be placed on the building or on the property, a sign permit is required. Permits are also required for banners and other temporary signs. These permits can be obtained from the Cudahy Planning Department.

Cudahy City Hall
5220 Santa Ana Street
Cudahy, CA 90201
Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
(323) 773-5143