Archives: FAQs

Required for businesses operating out of a physical location. Cost: $147 (Tier 1) or $544 (Tier 2) Website: Certificate of Occupancy Application | City of Santa Ana Schedule Inspection: Occupancy Inspections

Required to operate a food establishment in the County of Orange. Cost: $460 – $2,817 Application: Food Health Permit Application Fee Schedule: Food Facility Permit Fee Schedule More Info: Food Facility Health Permit | Orange County California – Health Care Agency

Taxi businesses operating in Orange County must obtain an OCTAP permit to operate legally. Application: OCTAP Company Permit Application Website: Orange County Transportation Authority

If operating oversized or overweight vehicles, obtain a special transportation permit through the California Department of Motor Vehicles. Cost: $35 – $2,500 (varies by vehicle weight and type) Website: Caltrans – Transportation Permits | Caltrans More Info: How To Apply | Caltrans

A business license is required to operate in Santa Ana. Contact the Business Tax Office for applications and fees. Phone: (714) 647-5447 Cost: $57 Website: Business license & related services – City of Santa Ana

Required for food trucks and carts in Orange County. First-time permits must be obtained through OC Environmental Health. Cost: $183 – $488 annual fee Application: Mobile Food Facility Health Permit Application 2023.pdf Fee Schedule: Mobile Food Facility Permit Fee Schedule More Info: Mobile Food – Trucks and Carts | Orange County California – Health Care … Continued

Obtain a Home Occupation Permit before applying for a business license. Cost: $54 Website: Home Occupation Permit | City of Santa Ana More Info: Home-based businesses are not required to obtain a Certificate of Occupancy (COO).

Required for partnerships, corporations, and businesses with employees. Sole proprietors without employees can use their Social Security number. Phone: (800) 829-4933 Cost: $0 Website: Get an EIN | Internal Revenue Service More Info: How to Apply for an EIN | Internal Revenue Service

If using a name other than your own, register a DBA with the Orange County Clerk Recorder. Phone: (714) 834-2500 Cost: $23 – $32 Website: Fictitious Business Name | OC Clerk Recorder Department

Select a legal entity type (LLC, Corporation, Sole Proprietorship, etc.). This affects taxation, liability, and financing. Consult an attorney or tax professional for guidance. Cost: Varies by structure and filling type More Info: Online Business Services | California Secretary of State