Handyman Business Permit Requirements in San Diego, CA

1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

   Required if you have employees or operate as an LLC/corporation. Free from the IRS.

   Official government source

   Free·Immediate (online application)

   Free

   Immediate (online application)

1. California CSLB Contractor License (Required for projects over $1,000)

   Under BPC §7048 (as amended, AB 2622), work under $1,000 total (labor + materials) is exempt from CSLB licensing ONLY if it needs no building permit, you employ no one on the job, and you don't advertise as a contractor. Anything else requires a CSLB license (commonly Class B). Application $450 + initial license $200 (sole owner)/$350 (non-sole); 4 years journey-level experience; $25,000 contractor bond. Workers' comp is required if you have employees (and for C-8/C-20/C-22/C-39/D-49 even without employees); other sole owners may currently file a no-employee exemption.

   Official government source

   $650 initial fees (sole owner) + $25,000 bond (premium ~$100–$400/yr) + workers' comp if employees·3–6 months

   $650 initial fees (sole owner) + $25,000 bond (premium ~$100–$400/yr) + workers' comp if employees

   3–6 months

1. City of San Diego Business Tax Certificate

   All businesses operating in the City of San Diego must obtain a Business Tax Certificate from the Office of the City Treasurer. It is a tax registration, not a regulatory license. The fee is based on employee count only: $34/year for businesses with 12 or fewer employees, or $125/year plus $5 per employee for 13 or more employees. Every application and renewal adds a $4 state-mandated SB-1186 fee, and beginning July 1, 2025 an annual Minimum Wage Enforcement Fee of $1.47 per employee also applies. Renewed annually.

   Official government source

   $38/year for most small businesses ($34 business tax + $4 SB-1186 fee; 12 or fewer employees); $129/year + $5 and $1.47 per employee for 13+ employees·1–2 weeks

   $38/year for most small businesses ($34 business tax + $4 SB-1186 fee; 12 or fewer employees); $129/year + $5 and $1.47 per employee for 13+ employees

   1–2 weeks

Official Sources

• California Contractors State License Board (CSLB)
• City of San Diego — Business Tax
• CSLB — Fee Schedule

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