Free mental health and general wellness resources
Where are the rules and regulations for street and park vending in the city of Los Angeles?
Where do I call to voice my concerns or share non-emergency tips?
Reporting a crime or harassment
What other organizations can help me be a successful street vendor?
How to check that nobody else is using the same business name?
In order to get your Business Tax Registration Certificate (BTRC) for the City of Los Angeles, you’ll need to have a name for your business. When you’re registering your business with the City of L.A., make sure that nobody else is using it.
If you live in L.A. County, use this tool to make sure that your business name is unique:
- Find Your Fictitious Business Name
- Type your Fictitious Business Name (The name of your business)
- Check the box “I am not a robot”
- Click “Search”
- Look at the results. If there are no results, then your Business Name is available!
How do I apply for an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number)?
If you own a business, an ITIN will help you to open a bank account, pay taxes, register your business and more. To apply for an ITIN, you will need:
- A W-7 application form
- Two pieces of supporting documentation
Here are some examples of supporting documentation:
- Passport (stand-alone document)
- National identification card (must show photo, name, current address, date of birth, and expiration date)
- U.S. driver’s license
- Civil birth certificate (required for dependents under 18 years of age)
- Foreign driver’s license
- U.S. state identification card
- Foreign voter’s registration card
- U.S. military identification card
- Foreign military identification card
- Visa
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) photo identification
- Medical records (dependents only - under 6)
- School records (dependents only - under 14, under 18 if student)
At least one document must have your photo.
All documents must be originals or certified copies.
You can also apply for an ITIN at an IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center office. They can help you complete the W-7 form, and make certified copies of your important documents so you don’t lose them.
What are the permits needed for a food business?
Do you want to own a business in Los Angeles? Having the right permits is a great place to start. Here are the permits that you will need for your business.
For more detailed information, please review the recorded presentations on permits and certificates.
| Permit Name | Where to get it |
|---|---|
| BTRC (Business Tax Registration Certificate) | Los Angeles Office of Finance |
| Seller’s Permit | CDTFA (California Department of Tax and Fee Administration) |
| Public Health Permit | L.A. County Public Health |
| Streets LA Vending Permit | City of Los Angeles Department of Public Works |
What are the permits needed for a merchandise business?
Do you want to own a business in Los Angeles? Having the right permits is a great place to start. Here are the permits that you will need for your business.
For more detailed information, please review the recorded presentations on permits and certificates.
| Permit Name | Where to get it |
|---|---|
| BTRC (Business Tax Registration Certificate) | Los Angeles Office of Finance |
| Seller’s Permit | CDTFA (California Department of Tax and Fee Administration) |
| Streets LA Vending Permit | City of Los Angeles Department of Public Works |
Where can I get one-on-one help with my small business?
Small Business Telephone Consultation
Part of the Los Angeles Public Library's New Americans Initiative, get one-on-one help with:
- COVID-19 Relief
- Business Structures
- Permit/Licenses
- Access to Capital
- Sidewalk Vending Consulting
Services are free and available in English and Spanish. If further assistance is needed, in-person appointments may be arranged.
BusinessSource Centers
The BusinessSource Centers provide free assistance for the City of Los Angeles Sidewalk and Park Vendor Permit Program. Bilingual advisors are available to help complete the required documentation to secure the City of L.A., State of California and County of Los Angeles Permits.
Free mental health and general wellness resources
- Free online mental health resources and support for residents living in Los Angeles County is available with iPrevail. iPrevail is designed to help build resilience and identify and overcome unique challenges. If you or someone you know is having difficulty coping with the added stress, the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health can provide additional support at any time.
- Health & Wellness
Where are the rules and regulations for street and park vending in the city of Los Angeles?
Vendor Permit Programs and Rules
- Streets LA operates the City of Los Angeles Sidewalk and Park Vendor Permit Program.
- Recreation & Parks has rules and regulations for the City of Los Angeles Park Vending Permit Program.
Where do I call to voice my concerns or share non-emergency tips?
Vending Phone Line: 213-814-1144. Use this number to voice concerns and communicate about non-emergency tips to Streets LA investigators.
Reporting a crime or harassment
Crime Victim Assistance
Find a Lawyer
Do you know a lawyer in your community? If you live in Los Angeles, the Victim Assistance Program can help you to find one. Visit them online to request assistance or to find the nearest office location to you.
Immigration Resources
If you have been a victim of a serious crime, you could qualify for a U Visa. The U Visa allows eligible people to live and work in the United States for four years. After that, you could qualify for permanent resident status. If you have questions about immigration or U Visas you can make appointments for a consultation for free with the Los Angeles New Americans Initiative or call 213-228-7390.
Reporting a crime or harassment
24-Hour Anonymous Hotline: 800-222-8477. Best for contacting the police after an incident has occurred. After you call, law enforcement will contact you within 10 days to get follow-up information.
What other organizations can help me be a successful street vendor?
Additional Assistance for Vendors and Know Your Rights
- L.A. Street Vendor Campaign Learn about vending permits and advocate for your rights.
- Community Power Collective (CPC) Learn about issues in your community like: land use, affordable housing, public transit, and street vendor rights.
- Inclusive Action For the City Inclusive Action has become a leader in the citywide campaign to create a permit system for street vendors.
- East L.A. Community Corporation (ELACC) ELACC can help you with taxes, financial counselling, lending circles and more.