Business License

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You can now apply, renew, or pay for your Business License online. The City of Westminster has contracted out administration of business licenses with HdL Companies. Visit https://westminster.hdlgov.com/ to start your business license process today.

For valuable guidance on how to start and grow your business in the City of Westminster, please check out our New Business Welcome Kit below. Here you will find helpful contacts, City information, business resources, and more!

View and download the New Business Welcome Kit

For more detailed information on the various permits and licenses that are required to operate legally in the City of Westminster, use the CalGold Business Permit System provided by the State of California. The CalGold tool can assist you in finding the appropriate permit information for your business. It also provides contact information for the agencies that administer and issue the permits. A link to the website is provided below:

CalGold Business Permit System

FAQs

Expand/Contract Questions and Answers

Do I need a business license if I lease out the property I own?
Yes! If you lease commercial property, you must have a business license. If you lease more than 3 residential units, you must also have a business license. See the business license page for more information.
I am starting a new business; what licenses do I need?
There are numerous types of licenses available. The type of license you will need is based upon the type of business you are going to conduct. Further information is available on the City Home Page under Business Licenses, or you may contact the HdL Companies, the Business License Tax Division at: (657) 622-0222.

The State provides information on different permit, license, and filing requirements on the CalGold page.
I operate a business on property I own. Why am I receiving a letter saying I need to have a business license to lease my property?
You don't need a "landlord" business license if you operate the only business that exists on your property. Unfortunately, it may be difficult in our records to tell that you are an owner-operator, particularly if the name you use for your business license doesn't exactly match the name the property is recorded under. We apologize for the inconvenience, but please contact us to let us know so that we may update our records. If you've received notification from HdL, please contact them at (657) 622-0222 to inform them.
I want to transfer my business to a new owner.
City-issued business licenses are not transferable. You would have to close your account and the new owner would have to purchase his/her own license. You may contact the Business License Dept. at: (714) 548-3258.
Where can I apply for a business license?
Please visit: https://westminster.hdlgov.com/ or call HdL Companies at (657) 622-0222.
I received a letter from HdL saying I need a business license to lease my property. Is this true?
Yes, pursuant to our Municipal Code (Sections 5.12.150 & 5.12.162), leasing of property is a business, and it requires a license as follows:
- If you lease a commercial property (retail, office, industrial) to even a single tenant, you need to have a business license.
- If you lease 3 or more residential units, even if they are not on the same property, you need to have a business license.

FAQs

Do I need a business license if I lease out the property I own?

I am starting a new business; what licenses do I need?

I operate a business on property I own. Why am I receiving a letter saying I need to have a business license to lease my property?

I want to transfer my business to a new owner.

Where can I apply for a business license?

I received a letter from HdL saying I need a business license to lease my property. Is this true?