Start a Business in Santa Ana

Permits, costs, timeline, and step-by-step requirements.

✔ 4 permits⏱ 3-8 weeks💰 Based on gross receipts

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Overview

Starting a business in Santa Ana requires a Business License through the Finance & Management Services Agency. Base fee: Based on gross receipts. No state business license required. Cities handle licensing independently.

Required Permits

✓Federal: EIN from IRS (free, instant online)

✓State: LLC/Corp filing + seller's permit/sales tax registration

✓County: health department permit + fire inspection

✓City: business licence/tax certificate

Step-by-Step Process

Federal: EIN from IRS (free, instant online)

State: LLC/Corp filing + seller's permit/sales tax registration

County: health department permit + fire inspection

City: business licence/tax certificate

Costs

Estimated total: Based on gross receipts depending on permits and inspections.

Contact

Finance & Management Services Agency

Phone: 714-647-5447

20 Civic Center Plaza, Santa Ana, CA 92701

Apply Online →

Common Mistakes

⚠ Orange County seat — county offices located here

⚠ Bilingual forms available (English/Spanish)

⚠ Downtown specific plan area has special rules

⚠ Orange County DEH for food/health permits

⚠ Online application available

Choose Your Business Type

Restaurant Food Truck Barber Shop Retail Store Coffee Shop Bar / Nightclub Gym / Fitness Studio Nail Salon Cannabis Dispensary Dog Grooming Bakery Cleaning Service Daycare Center Auto Repair Shop

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Read our complete Santa Ana business license guide →