Start a Business in San Diego

Permits, costs, timeline, and step-by-step requirements.

✔ 4 permits⏱ 3-8 weeks💰 $34–$150

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Overview

Starting a business in San Diego requires a Business Tax Certificate through the Office of the City Treasurer. Base fee: $34–$150. No state business license required. Cities handle licensing independently.

Required Permits

✓Federal: EIN from IRS (free, instant online)
✓State: LLC/Corp filing + seller's permit/sales tax registration
✓County: health department permit + fire inspection
✓City: business licence/tax certificate

Step-by-Step Process

1

Federal: EIN from IRS (free, instant online)

2

State: LLC/Corp filing + seller's permit/sales tax registration

3

County: health department permit + fire inspection

4

City: business licence/tax certificate

Costs

Estimated total: $34–$150 depending on permits and inspections.

General Business$34–$150
Restaurant$100–$500+

County Health Department

Environmental Health (San Diego County)

(858) 505-6900

https://www.sandiegocounty.gov/content/sdc/deh.html

Contact

Office of the City Treasurer

Phone: 619-615-1500

Apply Online →

Common Mistakes

⚠ Self-certification of zoning — city does NOT verify for you
⚠ 15-day registration deadline from start of business
⚠ Unincorporated SD County does NOT require city business license
⚠ SD County Department of Environmental Health handles food permits (different from LA County)
⚠ Fictitious Business Name filed at COUNTY level, not city
⚠ Separate certificate needed for each location

Choose Your Business Type

RestaurantFood TruckBarber ShopRetail StoreCoffee ShopBar / NightclubGym / Fitness StudioNail SalonCannabis DispensaryDog GroomingBakeryCleaning ServiceDaycare CenterAuto Repair Shop

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