How to Get a Business License in Inglewood: What You Need to Know (2026)
The Quick Version
Starting a business in Inglewood, CA requires permits and registrations across multiple government layers — federal, state, Los Angeles County (county), and city. The primary city-level requirement is the Business License (Regulatory) + Business Tax Certificate, issued by the Finance Department, Business License Division. Most businesses need 5 to 10 separate registrations, and the order you complete them matters because each step has dependencies on the ones before it.
Contact the Finance Department, Business License Division at 310-412-5500 for current requirements.
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What Makes Inglewood Different
Inglewood has several characteristics that affect the licensing process:
- Business license is SEPARATE from Business Tax Certificate — both required
- Permits & Licenses Committee hearing required for all licensed businesses
- 300-foot rule for barber/beauty shops
- Standard restaurants without live entertainment may not need a business license
- Outdoor restaurant seating is a separate $264 permit
- Licenses are NOT transferable — change of ownership requires new application
- $15 move fee for address change within city
The Permit Stack: What You Need
Most businesses in Inglewood need permits from four levels of government:
Federal: An EIN (Employer Identification Number) from the IRS — free and available instantly online at irs.gov/ein.
State (CA): LLC or Corporation filing through the California Secretary of State. Filing fee: $70 LLC, processing time: 1-2 business days online.
County (Los Angeles County): Health permits (for food businesses), building inspections, and any county-specific requirements.
City (Inglewood): Business License (Regulatory) + Business Tax Certificate from the Finance Department, Business License Division. Phone: 310-412-5500.
How Long Does It Take?
Most businesses in Inglewood can be fully licensed and operational within 4 to 12 weeks, depending on the business type. Simple home-based businesses can often complete the process in 2 to 4 weeks, while restaurants, bars, and businesses requiring inspections typically take 8 to 12 weeks.
The dependency chain matters — some permits can't be applied for until others are in place. Getting the order wrong means delays and wasted time.
Don't Guess — Get Your Roadmap
Every business type has different requirements, and Inglewood has its own quirks that generic state guides miss. PermitBoard analyzes your specific business type against Inglewood's actual requirements and gives you a step-by-step plan with fees, timelines, and direct links to every form.