Online store licenses
in San Diego, California
Start with the main licenses and permits below. For a checklist based on your own business, tell us what you’re opening and how it will operate.
Researched Sep 2026
About this example
The business is an online store based in San Diego, California, selling tangible goods without a commercial storefront. It operates as a home-based business with no employees and is subject to both state and local licensing requirements. The legal structure, tax election, and sales channels have not been established.
Requirement labels below refer to this setup. Conditional items depend on additional details.
Authorities researched
- Federal
- Federal
- State
- California
- County
- San Diego County
Details to confirm before you apply
- Which sales will go through registered marketplace facilitators, and which will be direct or through other channels?
- Is the business planning to form an LLC or remain a sole proprietorship?
- What is the intended trade name for the business?
- Will the business have any employees in the future?
- What specific tangible goods will the business sell?
- Is there a need for a Neighborhood Use Permit for any deviations from standard home occupation limits?
- Does the home have any existing alarm systems that would require a permit?
The main licenses and permits
6 of 6- 01Business Tax CertificateCity of San Diego Office of the City Treasurer · San Diego
All businesses operating in the City of San Diego must register for a Business Tax Certificate.
RequiredAnnual - 02Home occupation complianceCity of San Diego Development Services Department · San Diego
The business operates from a residence, so it must meet the City's home occupation rules.
RequiredNone. - 03California Seller's PermitCalifornia Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA) · California
Required for taxable merchandise sales outside the marketplace exemption. A seller whose entire retail sales are facilitated by registered marketplace facilitators is generally exempt from seller registration with CDTFA.
ConditionalPermit is valid while the business is actively selling; no annual renewal. - 04Articles of Organization (LLC)California Secretary of State (SOS) · California
Only if the owner forms an LLC; a sole proprietorship needs no SOS entity filing.
ConditionalNone (one-time formation) - 05Fictitious Business Name (FBN) StatementSan Diego County Assessor/Recorder/County Clerk · County
Only if the business uses a trade name different from the legal name.
ConditionalEvery 5 years - 06Employer Identification Number (EIN)Internal Revenue Service (IRS) · Federal
Required if federal entity or tax rules require a separate EIN, such as corporate taxation, a partnership, employees, or applicable excise-tax filings. Entity type and tax election are unknown; check any separate bank or local registration requirement.
ConditionalNone (one-time)
Make the checklist yours
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Questions people ask
What city business licenses or registrations should an online store in San Diego check?
Our research identifies Business Tax Certificate, issued by City of San Diego Office of the City Treasurer, as required. All businesses operating in the City of San Diego must register for a Business Tax Certificate. Check the other city permits in this guide and confirm the requirements for your premises and activities.
How much do licenses and permits cost for an online store in San Diego?
About $38 in published fixed fees, plus variable fees. Several items have fees that depend on your entity type, square footage, or payroll, so the full report lists each fee as the agency publishes it.
What should I do first?
Review Employer Identification Number (EIN) (if applicable) (Internal Revenue Service (IRS)), then Articles of Organization (LLC) (if applicable) (California Secretary of State (SOS)), then California Seller's Permit (if applicable) (California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA)). Confirm each item's applicability and prerequisites before applying; the report provides a suggested order for the full checklist.
Is this legal advice?
No. It is a research summary of public requirements published by government agencies, each linked to its official page. Confirm with the issuing agency before filing.
Related guides
Researched from official government sources on September 2, 2026 for a typical online store. Requirements change and depend on your facts; this page is not legal advice. Confirm with the issuing agency before filing.