Business Licenses
UPDATE: Effective August 21, 2023, the Business Licensing Unit will be relocated to the City of Irvine Community Development Department. At that time, if you require assistance with your application/renewal, this will be by appointment only. Please click here to make an appointment.
The City of Irvine requires all commercial and residential businesses operating within the City to obtain and maintain an Irvine business license (Code of Ordinances Section 4-6-201) prior to conducting business. Before starting a business contact the City of Irvine Development Assistance Center at 949-724-6308 to confirm your business activity meets the land use requirements of the City's Zoning Code.
In accordance with City Council Resolution 21-33, as of August 1, 2023, there is a $95.59 fee to obtain a business license for companies with 5 or more employees. The fee for companies with fewer than 5 employees is $68.57. An annual renewal fee of $68.57 will be applied to all businesses.
In addition, there is a $4 fee required by the State of California.
On October 11, 2017, Governor Brown signed into law Assembly Bill 1379, mandating cities to charge a State Fee of $4.00 to any business license application or renewal, effective January 1, 2018. This fee will provide a funding source for increased education on disability access and compliance with construction-related accessibility requirements to facilitate compliance with the federal and state disability laws.
For questions about this fee, visit the Division of the State Architect website.
The business license requirement enables the City to maintain a database of businesses that operate within the City that is used for police emergency responses, sales tax purposes, and a multitude of demographic studies. City of Irvine Business License representatives can be reached by email or at 949-724-7128. The Business License desk is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., closed for lunch 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.
Business License Applications
Apply for a New Business License
Renew/Update/ or Print a copy of your Business License
Additional Applications
Home Occupation Application
Change of Business Name, Physical Location or Mailing Address Form
Online Services
Public information collected on the business license application is available and is beneficial in providing assistance to the business community for economic development purposes and coordinating business information with other government agencies.
Business License Search
Full List of Licensed Businesses in the City
Agencies to Contact Before Starting a Business
Community Development Department (Planning & Development Services)
Contact the City of Irvine Development Assistance Center at 949-724-6308 to confirm your business activity meets the land use requirements of the City's Zoning Code.
Business Assistance
| AGENCY | CONTACT INFORMATION | ASSISTANCE OFFERED |
|---|---|---|
| Department of Industrial Relations | http://www.dir.ca.gov/ | Labor Laws and Workers' Compensation |
| Trademark and Service Marks | http://www.sos.ca.gov/business/ts | California Only |
| U.S. Small Business Administration | 714-550-7420 http://www.sba.gov/ |
For information on aid, counsel, and assisting small businesses |
| Services Corporation of Retired Executives (SCORE) | 714-550-7369 http://www.score.org/ Monday thru Friday 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. |
"How to Start a Business" |
| Irvine Chamber of Commerce | 949-660-9112 http://www.irvinechamber.com/ Monday thru Friday 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. |
Membership Information |
| State of California Waste & Recycling Compliance | City of Irvine Public Works Department Mike Byrne 949-724-6357 mbyrne@cityofirvine.org Michael Balliet |
California law now requires businesses to recycle (Assembly Bill 341, Assembly Bill AB 1826). All businesses that produce four or more cubic yards of trash (equal to one dumpster) per week must arrange for recycling services, and some businesses must arrange to have their food waste or other organic material recycled. You must contact the City of Irvine or its recycling consultant, Michael Balliet Consulting LLC, for assistance in complying with this law and implementing a recycling program. Balliet Consulting can provide a free waste analysis to determine the required trash and recycling services for your business. You can also check with Balliet to see if you are eligible to receive recycling service free of charge. |
Other Certification, Licensing, or Permit Agencies
| AGENCY | CONTACT INFORMATION | ASSISTANCE OFFERED |
|---|---|---|
| Secretary of State |
1230 J St. #100 |
Incorporation or business names |
| Orange County Clerk Recorder |
12 Civic Center Plaza #101 |
Fictitious business name. |
| Internal Revenue Service |
800-829-4933 (phone) |
The IRS requires an SS-4 application to be filled out in order for you to obtain a Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN). This number is to be used in place of your Social Security Number. |
| California Department of Tax and Fee Administration |
16715 Von Karman Avenue #200 |
Obtain a Seller's Permit |
| Orange County Environmental Health |
1241 E. Dyer Road #120 |
Health Permits for businesses involved in food services |
| Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control |
28 Civic Center Plaza #369 |
Licenses to Serve Alcohol |
| Contractors State License Board |
800-321-2752 |
Contractor Licenses |
| Department of Consumer Affairs |
800-952-5210 |
Auto repair, airplane repair, hairdressers, etc. |
| Employment Development Department |
2099 State College Blvd. #401 |
Disability insurance, income tax withholding, state, payroll, job services, etc. |