Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the purpose of the business registration and licensing program?
• How does the business registration program benefit business owners and the general public?
• Who is required to have a license?
• What if I operate a mobile business?
• What if my business also conducts business in another city or county?
• How long is this license good for?
• Do state-licensed contractors need a business license?
• How much will the Business License cost?
• Do I need a license if I work out of my home?
• If I am a non-profit business, do I have to register?
• What is the application procedure?
• If I am exempt from fees, do I still have to register?
• If I am a vendor in Riverside County, do I need a license?
• Do I need a license for growing or producing agricultural products?
• What is the County of Riverside's Privacy Policy?
• How do I get a refund?

What is the purpose of the business registration and licensing program?

The program provides a comprehensive inventory of businesses in unincorporated areas of Riverside County, enhances public safety and helps achieve compliance with federal, state and local water-quality regulations.

How does the business registration program benefit business owners and the general public?

There are two major benefits to the business community and general public from the business registration program:

Public Safety

The program gives county law-enforcement and fire personnel a better understanding of the business community and its processes and alerts them to potential hazards, making them more effective when they respond to protect residents and property.

Water Quality

The business registration program requires that specific business types be identified, prioritized and inspected for stormwater management requirements. It will ensure that those businesses have implemented best-management practices to prevent illicit discharges into the stormwater system that could ultimately harm water quality.

Who is required to have a license?

Every person conducting business as defined in Riverside County Ordinance 857 in unincorporated areas of Riverside County must obtain a business license. A separate license must be obtained for each physical location. Any person who does not obtain the required license is subject to the procedures and penalties set forth in the ordinance.

What if I operate a mobile business?

A business license is required for mobile businesses which visit customer locations to carry out business related services. They are not exempt from fees. Those subject to inspection are: mobile automobile or motor vehicle washing; pest control services; mobile carpet; drape or furniture cleaning; concrete mixing or cutting; masonry; painting and coating; landscaping; pool and fountain cleaning; and portable toilet servicing.

What if my business also conducts business in another city or county?

You might need a separate business license to conduct business in any other city or county. Most California cities and counties have a business license ordinance. Each jurisdiction, however, has it own filing fee and requirements. Check with the appropriate jurisdiction for its fees.

How long is this license good for?

Your license is current for the one calendar year from the effective date of license issuance. Renewal fees are due 30 days prior to the expiration date on the license.

Do state-licensed contractors need a business license?

Any person licensed as a contractor by the State Contractors Board must obtain a business license if they are physically located within unincorporated areas of the county.

How much will the business license cost?

License fees charged pursuant to this ordinance are as follows:

Standard business license fee (first year): $45

Business license annual renewal fee: $30

Change fee: $30

Duplicate fee: $10

Do I need a license if I work out of my home?

Yes, home based businesses are required to register and obtain a license. Home based businesses include those which are secondary and incidental to the use of a home as a residence and do not: dispense goods from the home; do not employ other than the resident family members; do not generate noise, activity, traffic, odor, dust or have outside storage or accessory buildings to conduct the business. Currently they are exempt from fees.

If I am a non-profit business, do I have to register?

You are required to register but are exempt from paying fees if your organization is legally recognized as tax-exempt pursuant to the provisions of Internal Revenue Code Section 501 (C) (3) and your exemption is filed with 60 days of notification of the county's registration requirement.

What is the application procedure?

The process to obtain a business license takes only a few minutes and may be completed by mail or on the web-based registration system. Using the Internet, go to the county business registration website at www.rctlma.org/buslic, where you will find online instructions, a registration application and convenient payment system.

If I am exempt from fees, do I still have to register?

Yes, business exempt from paying fees still must register within 60 days of notification.

If I am a vendor in Riverside County, do I need a license?

All vendors who sell in the unincorporated areas of Riverside County are required to obtain and display their business license per Riverside County Ordinance 853. They are not exempt from fees.

Do I need a license for growing or producing agricultural products?

Yes, all agricultural businesses must register; however some agricultural activities may be exempt from fees. Refer to the fee-exemption section on this brochure or go to www.rctlma.org/buslic.

What is the County of Riverside's Privacy Policy?

Please visit http://www.countyofriverside.us/privacy.html to view the County of Riverside's Privacy Policy..

How do I get a refund?

Any refunds or reversal of any fees collected will be at the discretion of the County of Riverside. Please either visit the Business License Counter at the County Administrative Center Counter (click here for address and directions) or call the (951) 955-1400 for assistance.