How to Get a Business License in Ontario: What You Need to Know (2026)
The Quick Version
Starting a business in Ontario, CA requires permits and registrations across multiple government layers — federal, state, San Bernardino County (county), and city. The primary city-level requirement is the Business License, issued by the Business License Division. Most businesses need 5 to 10 separate registrations, and the order you complete them matters because each step has dependencies on the ones before it.
Contact the Business License Division at 909-395-2100 for current requirements. More information is available at ontarioca.gov.
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What Makes Ontario Different
Ontario has several characteristics that affect the licensing process:
- Ontario International Airport area — logistics businesses
- San Bernardino County DEH for health permits
- Business license required before opening
- Ontario Mills/Convention Center area has overlay zoning
- California requires an $800 minimum franchise tax annually for all LLCs after the first year
The Permit Stack: What You Need
Most businesses in Ontario need permits from four levels of government:
Federal: An EIN (Employer Identification Number) from the IRS — free and available instantly online at irs.gov/ein.
State (CA): LLC or Corporation filing through the California Secretary of State. Filing fee: $70 LLC, processing time: 1-2 business days online.
County (San Bernardino County): Health permits (for food businesses), building inspections, and any county-specific requirements.
City (Ontario): Business License from the Business License Division. Phone: 909-395-2100.
How Long Does It Take?
Most businesses in Ontario can be fully licensed and operational within 4 to 12 weeks, depending on the business type. Simple home-based businesses can often complete the process in 2 to 4 weeks, while restaurants, bars, and businesses requiring inspections typically take 8 to 12 weeks.
The dependency chain matters — some permits can't be applied for until others are in place. Getting the order wrong means delays and wasted time.
Don't Guess — Get Your Roadmap
Every business type has different requirements, and Ontario has its own quirks that generic state guides miss. PermitBoard analyzes your specific business type against Ontario's actual requirements and gives you a step-by-step plan with fees, timelines, and direct links to every form.