Online Business License Renewals

First Time Business Renewal (have not  previously renewed online):

Step-1 - Create an online user account

Step-2 - Link your online account to a business license 

Returning Business Renewal (having previously renewed online):

  1. First confirm you are logged into the system, then renew and pay online

If you have renewed your business license by paying online and then subsequently receive a renewal mailer, please disregard it.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the due date for renewals?

    Renewals are due by January 31st either at City Hall or postmarked by the US. Post Office.

  • What are the Late Penalties?

    Payments received after January 31st are subject to a 1% penalty that increases every three days by 1% up to June 30 when the penalty is 50%.

  • How can I pay my Business License Renewal?

    Online: See instructions above.

    Mail:  Mail in your payment using the self-addressed envelope enclosed with your renewal notice.  Please include your renewal notice with your payment.

    In Person:  City’s One Stop permit center at 3031 Torrance Boulevard, Torrance, California, all methods of payment are accepted – cash, check, debit card and all major credit cards.   

  • 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.  The License renewal fees would be paid when/if you have job(s) in the city.  If you are continuing a job from the previous year, you would need to renew your business license for the coming year.

  • Is the additional per person tax required for all business license types?

    No. Some business license types are not subject to the additional tax such as amusement/vending machines, apartments, hotels, motels, out of town state contractors, recyclers/hazardous waste collectors, refuse collectors, retail/wholesale delivery routes and scrap dealers. If your business is in one of these categories, do not add and pay additional taxes for the number of persons. Leave these questions blank on the front of the renewal form if paying by mail.

  • If the business changed ownership of 51% or greater or a change of location can I cross off the old information and put my new information on the renewal notice?

    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 or renewal.  The purpose is to increase disability access and compliance with construction related accessibility requirements and to develop educational resources to facilitate compliance with federal and state disability laws.

    “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 (http://www.dgs.ca.gov/dsa)

    The Department of Rehabilitation (http://www.dor.ca.gov/)

    The California Commission on Disability Accesses (http://www.ccda.ca.gov/)