Business Licenses
Updated July 6, 2010
If you're planning to start a business in Cerritos, stop by City Hall for an information packet and business license application. The Business License Officer is on the second floor of City Hall, located at the corner of Bloomfield Avenue and 183rd Street. You may also call (562) 916-1236 or send an e-mail to Business Licenses and ask for a packet to be mailed to you.
The Cerritos Business Ombudsman is available to help you find a great location or answer other questions you may have.
JUMP TO:
When is a business license required? | When will I receive my license? | What is the usual fee? | Are there any other licenses or permits required? | Additional assistance
Business License Applications
When is a business license required?
A complete business license application must be submitted:
- when an individual, partnership, or corporation conducts or intends to conduct business in the City of Cerritos;
- when a business moves from one location in Cerritos to another;
- when a business changes ownership;
- for each location a business occupies; and
- for each type of business at a given location.
When will I receive my license?
A license certificate will be printed and mailed to you approximately two weeks after your application is approved and we have received payment of the license fee.
What is the usual fee?
- Most license fees are based on a flat rate. Some fees are based on the number of employees, square footage, and number of units. For more information, contact the Business License Division.
- The annual business license fee for home-based businesses is $35.
- The license fee for a new business is due on or before commencement of any business activity.
- A renewal fee is due on the day the license expires.
- License fees are increased every July 1. The increase is based on the March 31 Consumer Price Index. Fees cannot increase more than 10% each year.
Are there any other licenses or permits required?
Depending on the type of business, you may need a license or permit from one or more of the following:
Alcoholic Beverage Control
3950 Paramount #250
Lakewood, CA 90712
(562) 982-1337Building & Safety Dept.
P.O. Box 3130
Cerritos, CA 90703
(562) 916-1270L.A. County Fire Dept.
19030 S. Pioneer Blvd.
Cerritos, CA 90703
(562) 865-3714L.A. County Health Dept.
12440 E. Imperial Hwy., Room 519
Norwalk, CA 90650
(562) 345-6800State Board of Equalization
12440 E. Imperial Hwy, #201
Norwalk, CA 90650
(562) 466-1694State Contractors Board
12501 E. Imperial Hwy., #620
Norwalk, CA 90650
(562) 466-6000
For your assistance
The following agencies may also assist your business:
Cerritos Sheriff's Station/
Community Safety Center
18135 Bloomfield Ave.
Cerritos, CA 90703
(562) 860-0044Chamber of Commerce
13259 South Street
Cerritos, CA 90703
(562) 467-0800Cerritos Community
Development Dept.
P.O. Box 3130
Cerritos, CA 90703
(562) 916-1201Franchise Tax Board
300 S. Spring St.
Suite 5704
Los Angeles, CA 90013
(800) 852-5711Internal Revenue Service
501 W. Ocean Blvd.
Long Beach, CA 90802
(562) 980-4194L.A. County Clerk
12400 Imperial Hwy.
Norwalk, CA 90650
(562) 462-2177Los Angeles Economic Development Corporation
444 S. Flower St.,
34th Floor
Los Angeles, CA 90071
(213) 622-4300Los Angeles Office of Small Business
4800 Cesar E. Chavez Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90022
(323) 260-2311
(800) 555-3815Secretary of State
300 S. Spring Street
12th Floor, Suite 12513
Los Angeles, CA 90013
(213) 897-3062
