Checking that a California business has the appropriate licenses or permits-and thus making sure it is operating legitimately-may seem like a daunting task. But if you have received bad service or wish to file a complaint against a business, verifying information from its licenses or permits is helpful in alerting the proper authorities to the problem. Using California government resources and a little bit of research, you have three main ways to find a California business license.
Instructions
1. Check on site at the business. Most California businesses display a copy of their business license in a prominent public place. Some businesses-such as restaurants or bars-must display their California business license where customers can view it. Look near the business entrance, or ask a worker where the business license is posted.
2. Search the California Governor’s Office of Economic Development website. Although the office does not issue permits or licenses, it does maintain a single resource that provides the appropriate contacts to find information for business licenses and permits across all California government agencies. Enter the type of business and location in the search engine, and the site will name the appropriate California agency or local government office and provide a link to that agency or office.
3. Look up the license through the California Department of Consumer Affairs. If you know the type of business or type of license the business holds, you can find the license directly by searching the online database of the California Department of Consumer Affairs. DCA’s site lists each category of license as well as direct links for searching the directories of licensees and permit holders within the category.
