How to Start a Home Business in California
Starting a business from your residence in California involves meeting both state-level professional licensing and local-level business registration rules. Select your occupation below for a complete step-by-step guide.
No License Needed in California
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California Cost Calculator
Calculate total startup costs for any trade
Business Directory by Category
Cosmetology4
Personal Care Services3
Health10
Athletic Trainer
Dental Assistant
Dietetic Technician
Emergency Medical Technician
Midwife, Direct Entry
Optician
Pharmacy Technician
Psychiatric Aide
Psychiatric Technician
Social and Human Service Assistant
Construction and Home Services43
Carpenter/Cabinet Maker Contractor (Commercial)
Carpenter/Cabinet Maker Contractor (Residential)
Cement Finishing Contractor (Commercial)
Cement Finishing Contractor (Residential)
Crane Operator
Door Repair Contractor (Commercial)
Door Repair Contractor (Residential)
Drywall Installation Contractor (Commercial)
Drywall Installation Contractor (Residential)
Earth Driller, Water Well
Electrical Helper
Fire Alarm Installer
Floor Sander Contractor (Commercial)
Floor Sander Contractor (Residential)
Glazier Contractor (Commercial)
Glazier Contractor (Residential)
HVAC Contractor (Commercial)
HVAC Contractor (Residential)
Home Entertainment Installer
Insulation Contractor (Commercial)
Insulation Contractor (Residential)
Interior Designer
Iron/Steel Contractor (Commercial)
Iron/Steel Contractor (Residential)
Landscape Contractor (Commercial)
Landscape Contractor (Residential)
Locksmith
Mason Contractor (Commercial)
Mason Contractor (Residential)
Mobile Home Installer
Painting Contractor (Commercial)
Painting Contractor (Residential)
Paving Contractor (Commercial)
Paving Contractor (Residential)
Pipelayer Contractor
Security Alarm Installer
Sheet Metal Contractor, HVAC (Commercial)
Sheet Metal Contractor, HVAC (Residential)
Sheet Metal Contractor, Other (Commercial)
Sheet Metal Contractor, Other (Residential)
Terrazzo Contractor (Commercial)
Terrazzo Contractor (Residential)
Upholsterer
Animals, Agriculture, and Outdoors18
Animal Breeder
Animal Control Officer
Animal Trainer
Farm Labor Contractor
Fisher, Commercial
Florist
Forest Worker
Log Scaler
Milk Sampler
Nursery Worker
Packer
Pest Control Applicator
Still Machine Setter, Dairy Equipment
Taxidermist
Tree Trimmer
Vegetation Pesticide Applicator
Veterinary Technician
Wildlife Control Operator
Entertainment and Hospitality7
Education4
Transportation and Machinery7
Registering Your California Business
Beyond professional licensing, California requires most businesses to register an entity (LLC, Corporation, or Sole Proprietorship) with the Secretary of State. The standard LLC filing fee is $70.
Operating from home typically requires a Home Occupation Permit issued by your local city or county zoning department. This ensures your business activity won't disrupt the residential character of your neighborhood.
Tax Registration: California does not charge sales tax on most personal services, but you may still need a general tax ID if you sell retail products.
We recommend starting with our Startup Cost Calculator to get a full picture of the initial investment required for your specific trade.