Starting a Business

Business Licenses

Any person conducting business, including Internet based businesses, within the City of Newark is required to have a business license on file. This also applies to those businesses advertising a Newark address as their physical location and/or using a Newark address for business mailing purposes. For more specific information on obtaining a business license, contact the City of Newark at 510-578-4310 or visit their website at www.newark.org.

Before you apply for a business license from the City of Newark, please research whether there are any additional requirements needed in order to operate your business. Businesses should be aware of requirements from other Federal, State, County and City Governments that affect their own business.

The following list of government agencies may include information on some of the requirements that may apply to your business. However, any questions about the necessary permits that are required for a particular business should be addressed to the appropriate government agency before applying for your City of Newark business license.

Business License Information

City of Newark Business License

Fictitious Business Name (County Clerk of Alameda): To legally reserve a business name: www.acgov.org.

ANG Newspaper (The Argus): To post the fictitious business name.  (510) 661-2600

Alameda County Health Department: If your business intends to prepare and or sell food of any type.

Alcohol Permits (Alcohol Beverage Control Board): If your business intends to sell alcohol.  www.abc.ca.gov

State Sales & Use Tax / Seller’s Permit / Wholesaler’s Permit (State Board of Equalization): www.boe.ca.gov

CalGOLD: To assist you in finding the appropriate permitting information from all levels of government. http://www.calgold.ca.gov/

Secretary of State: If you are forming a corporation, you must file articles of incorporation with the California Secretary of State.  www.ss.ca.gov

Department of Consumer Affairs: Some businesses may require more than just a City business license in order to be in compliance with all applicable City, County, State, and Federal regulations.  www.dca.ca.gov

Contractors State License Board www.cslb.ca.gov

State Employment Tax EDD (State Employment Development Dept.): If you hire (an) employee or employees. www.edd.ca.

Franchise Tax Board (State Income Tax): To file tax returns on a state level. www.ftb.ca.gov

Federal Identification Number (Internal revenue Service): To file tax returns on a federal level. www.irs.gov

Child Care State Licensing: All child care providers must be licensed with the State. If you have more than 8 children you must contact the City of Newark Planning Department at (510) 578-4330. www.ccld.ca.gov

Adult Care State Licensing: All adult care providers must be licensed with the State. If you have more than 8 adults you must contact the City of Newark Planning Department at (510) 578-4330. www.ccld.ca.gov

Elderly Care State Licensing: All elderly care providers must be licensed with the State. If you have more than 8 elders you must contact the City of Newark Planning Department at (510) 578-4330. www.ccld.ca.gov