How do i find my business license number in california

We’ve Upgraded our Software!

Starting March 2021, our Business License Portal will have a new look. Please call the City's Business License department at 909-395-2022 if you have any questions. Read more here.

For renewing businesses, if you have not received your new account number and pin, please call (909)-395-2022.

We Welcome Your Business to the City of Ontario!

A business license is required prior to commencing business in the City. A new application is also required when changing locations or a change of ownership occurs. You can submit your application using an online application. Please see the Getting Started section for more information.

The City's Business Licensing staff is also available to provide you with assistance or answer any questions you may have about obtaining or renewing a business license. We thank you for choosing the City of Ontario and hope that you will be successful in your business endeavors.

NOTICES TO BUSINESSES REGARDING THE CITY'S FIRE INSPECTION PROGRAM

Your Safety is Our Primary Concern. Experiencing a fire in your place of business can be devastating. The City of Ontario’s Fire Inspection Program is the backbone to fire prevention. This is why on January 21, 2020 the Ontario City Council approved the FY 2019-20 Citywide Fee Schedule and adopted a new $80 Fire Inspection fee to support critical fire prevention and inspection services once a year at businesses like yours.

Only businesses that are required to receive an annual fire inspection will be subject to the new fee (apartments are currently exempt). Businesses that are required to obtain an Annual Fire Operating Permit are subject to separate fees as set per the Adopted Citywide Fee Schedule.

To pay your invoice using your credit card over the phone, please call (909) 395-2022, and press option #5.

If you have question related to your annual fire inspection, please contact the City of Ontario Fire Prevention Department at (909) 395-2029 or

Apply for Business License

Business License Renewal

Business License Search and Business License Listing

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Contact Us

Contact Us
Phone (909) 395-2022
Email:

Getting Started

What You Need To Know To Get Started

Business licenses are renewed on an annual basis and based on your business start date which is the first date your business started in the City

Before applying, please have ready the following items that may apply to your business:

* FEIN, SSN, ITIN, or DLN for Primary Contact * Seller's Permit with Ontario address (required for retail/wholesale businesses)

* Professional State License Number (if applicable) for example: Contractors, Doctors, Lawyers, Cosmetologists, and Massage Technicians

* ABC License, Health Permit, WDID/Storm Water Permit, and/or Hazardous Material Facility ID (if applicable)

* Worker’s Compensation Insurance Policy number and expiration date (if applicable)

* Estimated gross receipts for the next 12 months.

* Job location and job value (out of city contractors only)

* 501(c)(3) or similar IRS certification letter for Non-Profit Charitable Organizations

* Detailed description of your business activity (insufficient detail will delay the process and approval).

Approval Process and Payment

* After submitting your application online, you’ll receive a confirmation email acknowledging that we have received your application. 

* You may receive an additional email asking for further detailed information or documentation. - For more information on additional requirements and necessary business identifications at the county/state/federal agencies please see our Business License FAQ’s.

* You will receive a separate email with instructions on how to submit payment. 

* All In-City and Home Based Business Licenses require approval by the Planning and Engineering Departments. Certain types of businesses may need additional approvals.

* After the application has been approved you will receive your business license certificate by email. If you choose to receive your business license certificate by mail, please allow 1-3 weeks.

Note: Some businesses CANNOT complete the entire licensing process online. These include any business requiring additional permits such as: Solicitor, Catering Truck, Sidewalk Vendor, Massage Establishment, and Sales of Goods or Merchandise from Vehicles. You will be contacted on the additional steps required for these licenses once your application is received. 

If you need assistance or need more information, contact the Business License Division at (909) 395-2022 or email us at 

Per AB 2184, you may protect your residential address by providing a different Service of Process address in accordance with Sections 16000.1(a)(2) and 16100.1(a)(2) of the Business and Professions Code. To do so, please Apply in person - you may not apply online.

We wish you much success in your business venture.

Apply for your License

Apply for your License

The City of Ontario now has one application for all business types whether located within City limits (Residential, Commercial or Industrial, Rental Properties) or outside City limits (Contractors, Service Providers, Professional, etc).  To complete the application process, please review the list of documents below to see which documents must be submitted along with your application:

* Site plan and floor plan for your site. (Required if conducting business from an Ontario residential, commercial, or industrial location)

• Plan needs to show site layout, cross streets, size, parking and storage areas.
• Floor plan needs to indicate how the interior floor plan will be used. If you are going to share the space with others, please indicate how the space will be divided. Example included below. 

* Business License Questionnaire (Required if conducting business from an Ontario residential, commercial, or industrial location)

• If applying in person, bring completed Business License Questionnaire Form

• If applying online, complete Business License Questionnaire and save as an attachment for your business license application

* Home Occupation Permit (Required if business is an Ontario residential location)

• If applying in person, bring in a completed Home Occupation Permit application
• If applying online, complete the Home Occupation Permit and save as an attachment for your business license application

* Property Owner Declaration - If applying for a business located within the City of Ontario, the signature of the property owner or legal representative is required. If you are not the property owner a Property Owner Declaration is required to be signed and submitted with your application. 

• Please note we cannot use a P.O. Box as your business location within the City of Ontario, but you may use it as a mailing address.

Download application below to apply in person or apply online at our new Business License Portal- Apply here.  (Download required documents below to attach to Online Application)

Business License FAQs

Do I need a Business License?

Per the Ontario Municipal Code, no person shall engage in business in the city without first having obtained a license. This applies to both commercial and home-based businesses. Licenses are both address and activity specific. Therefore, a license is required for each location in the city as well as each activity type at the same location. If a business is not located in Ontario but conducting business in the city, an out-of-city business license is also required. 

How do I obtain a license?

In order to file for a business license, an application is required to be filled out and submitted within thirty (30) days of the business start date. (note: if submitted after the first thirty days of business, penalties will apply) Applications are readily available for download on the city’s website or may be obtained at City Hall.

Business License Department
303 East B. Street
Ontario, CA 91764
Phone – 909-395-2022
Fax – 909-395-2089
Email

What is a DBA?

“DBA” stands for “Doing Business As” or better known as a Fictitious Business Name. This is a name that does not include the surname of the owner(s). If you will use a DBA for your business, contact the County of San Bernardino Recorder’s Office to register the name.

Hall of Records: Recorder-Clerk 
222 W Hospitality Lane
San Bernardino, CA 92415
(855) 732-2575

Do I need a Sellers Permit?

If you sell any tangible goods (retail or wholesale), excluding food grown for consumption, a Seller’s Permit is required from the State Board of Equalization (BOE). This is how you will report sales tax collected to the State of California.  

California Department of Tax and Fee Administration
3737 Main Street, Suite 1000
Riverside, CA 92501
(951) 680-6400

Do I need a Federal Tax ID Number (FEIN)?

A federal tax identification number is traditionally used for partnerships, corporations, and limited-liability corporations. Typically, banks will require a FEIN to open a corporate bank account. You may obtain your FEIN from the I.R.S.

Internal Revenue Service – District Office
290 North D Street
San Bernardino, CA 92401
909-388-8108

Do Business Licenses need to be displayed?

Yes, every business shall keep the license posted in a readily visible part of said place of business.  Every person having a license and not having a fixed place of business shall carry the license with him or her at all times while conducting business in the city of Ontario.

How do I close my business license account?

In order to close out the business license, you must submit a letter with the reason and date of closure. This letter must be signed by the owner or officer of the company. It may either be mailed, faxed, or emailed to the department.

Location and Business Hours

The Business License Department is located in City Hall at 303 East “B” Street, Ontario. This is one block north of Holt and one block east of Euclid. Hours of operation are Monday – Thursday from 7:30 am to 5:30 pm and Fridays from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Renewal FAQ's

What is the Due Date for Renewals before any Late Penalties?

Renewals have a 30-day grace period after the business license expiration date.  Payments must be received in City Hall or postmarked by the U.S. Post Office on the last day of the 30 day grace period. 

What are the Late Penalties?

Payments received 31 days after the business license expiration date are considered late and are subject to a 20% penalty. Payments received 61 days after are subject to a 40% penalty. Payments received 91 days are subject to a 60% penalty. Payments received 121 days are subject to an 80% penalty. Payments received 151 days or later will be subject to a 100% penalty.

How can I pay my Business License Renewal?

Mail your license information and check using the self-addressed envelope enclosed. For your convenience, the City has a payment drop box located directly outside of City Hall. Please do not send cash in the mail or drop box. You are also welcome to pay your business license in person inside City Hall using cash, check, or a Visa, MasterCard, or Discover credit card.

What should be included in Gross Receipts on Line A of the Renewal Form?

Gross receipts include all sales and receipts for the year BEFORE any expenses are deducted.

What documentation is required to support the gross receipts?

The City requires businesses whose tax amount is based on gross receipts to submit documents supporting the reported gross receipts. Suggested documents containing gross receipts information includes a Federal Tax Return page 1 of any of the five forms: Form 1040, Schedule C, Schedule E, Form 1065 or Form 1120. California Sales Tax Returns for the past four quarters or other company documentation supporting the reported gross receipts. Such documentation may include financial statements (income statement), work papers, and supporting schedules.

What is an alternative to sending in copies of the required supporting gross receipt documentation?

You may bring in the required supporting documentation along with the renewal form to City Hall for inspection by the License Department staff. Copies will not be made while your information is verified.

What if the supporting gross receipts documentation is not included?

A renewal certificate will not be issued until all required information is received and payment is made in full.

What if the prior year’s taxes are not completed yet? What other documentation is acceptable?

Suggested gross receipt documentation includes California Sales Tax Returns for the past four quarters, internal accounting reports, such as income statements, working papers and supporting schedules.

I am an out of city contractor and do not have a current job in your city. Do I still need to pay the license renewal fee?

No. This fee would only be paid if you have a job(s) in the city. If you are continuing a job from the previous year, you would then just pay the $50 base fee and the $4 Sb-1186 fee.

Why do I have to pay Fire and Storm fees?

These fees are regulated and/or mandated by Federal or State agencies, or by the City Municipal Code. 

How long will it take to receive my certificate?

You should receive your certificate within 3 weeks.

If the business changed ownership or location can I just cross off the old information and put my new information on the renewal form?

No, a new application will be required for changes in ownership and/or location. 

Why do I have to pay the $4 SB-1186 State Disability Access Fee?

On September 19, 2012 Governor Brown signed into law SB-1186 which adds a state fee on any application for a local business license or similar instrument or permit, or renewal thereof. The purpose is to increase disability access and compliance with construction-related accessibility requirements and to develop educational resources for businesses in order to facilitate compliance with federal and state disability laws, as specified.

“Under federal and state law, compliance with disability access laws is a serious and significant responsibility that applies to all California building owners and tenants with buildings open to the public. You may obtain information about your legal obligations and how to comply with disability access laws at the following agencies:

The Division of the State Architect

The Department of Rehabilitation

The California Commission on Disability Access