California Small Business Help line

Offers a recorded message with information about starting a business, available management and technical assistance programs, financing, small business conferences, publications and other sources of information. 

Phone: 1-800-303-6600

Alcoholic Beverage Control

If you intend to have your business sell alcoholic beverages, you should contact the State Department.  

State Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control

1515 Clay Street, Suite 2208

Oakland, CA  94612

Phone: (510) 622-4970

www.abc.ca.gov

Contractors

If you intend to engage in the construction industry, you should contact the State License Board to determine what special permits/license may be required.

Contractor’s State License Board

9821 Business Park Drive

Sacramento, CA  95827-1703

Phone: (800) 321-2752 (Automated Phone Response System)

www.cslb.ca.gov

Forming a Corporation

If you are forming a corporation, you must file articles of incorporation with the California Secretary of State.

Secretary of State

1500 11th Street, 3rd Floor

Sacramento, CA  95814

www.ss.ca.gov

Corporate Filing & Services Division

(916) 657-5448

Limited partnership Division

(916) 653-3365

Workers Compensation

If you are an employer, Worker’s Compensation insurance is mandatory under California law.  Contact the State Compensation Fund regarding the requirements of Workers Compensation insurance.

Phone:(916) 464-1358

Seller’s Permit/Resale Number

Every business that will sell or lease merchandise to customers must obtain a seller’s permit from the State Board of Equalization.

State Board of Equalization

1515 Clay Blvd.

Oakland, CA  94612

Phone:  (800) 432-2829

www.boe.ca.gov

State Licenses

The State of California imposes license requirements and fees on more than 100 businesses and professions.  The Department of Consumer Affairs grants most licenses. 

Department of Consumer Affairs

400 “R” Street, Suite 1080

Sacramento, CA  95814

Phone:  (916) 445-1254 or (800) 952-5210

www.dca.ca.gov

State Taxes-Withholding

If you have employees, you must register with the state Employment Development Department.

Employment Development Department (EDD)

363 Civic Drive

Pleasant Hill, CA  94523

Phone: (925) 602-1521

www.edd.ca.gov

Vehicle Registration

Commercial vehicles for a business must be registered with the Department of Motor Vehicles.

Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)

6300 W. Las Positas Blvd.

Pleasanton, CA  94588

Phone: (800) 777-0133

www.dmv.ca.gov

California Business Portal

www.ss.ca.gov/business