Mobile Dog Grooming Permit Requirements in San Diego, CA

1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

   Free from the IRS — apply online and receive your EIN immediately upon approval; the IRS never charges for an EIN (avoid third-party sites that do). Federally required if you hire employees or operate as a corporation or partnership (including a multi-member LLC); a single-member LLC with no employees and no excise-tax liability may use the owner's SSN instead, though most banks ask for an EIN to open a business bank account.

   Official government source

   Free·Immediate (online)

   Free

   Immediate (online)

1. No State Grooming License Required

   California does not require a state-level license for pet groomers or mobile pet groomers. The California Department of Consumer Affairs does not regulate pet grooming as a licensed trade. Professional certifications (NDGAA, IPG, ISCC) are voluntary but add credibility with clients.

   Official government source

   N/A·N/A

   N/A

   N/A

2. California Seller's Permit (CDTFA)

   Pet grooming services are generally not subject to California sales tax. However, if you sell grooming products (shampoos, accessories, pet supplies), you must collect sales tax on those product sales and register with the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA).

   Official government source

   Free·Immediate (online)

   Free

   Immediate (online)

3. California LLC or Corporation Registration (if applicable)

   If operating as an LLC or corporation rather than a sole proprietorship, register with the California Secretary of State. An LLC requires filing Articles of Organization and paying the annual $800 minimum franchise tax to the California Franchise Tax Board.

   Official government source

   $70 (LLC filing fee) + $800 annual minimum franchise tax·1–2 weeks (online)

   $70 (LLC filing fee) + $800 annual minimum franchise tax

   1–2 weeks (online)

4. Commercial Vehicle Registration (CA DMV)

   Mobile grooming vans operated commercially in California must be registered with the California DMV. If the vehicle has a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) over 10,001 lbs or is used for hire, commercial registration may be required. California requires commercial auto liability insurance for vehicles used for business.

   Official government source

   Registration + weight fees + VLF vary by vehicle (see DMV fee calculator); commercial auto insurance priced by insurer·Same day at CA DMV office

   Registration + weight fees + VLF vary by vehicle (see DMV fee calculator); commercial auto insurance priced by insurer

   Same day at CA DMV office

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

2. No County Health Permit Required (Mobile Pet Grooming)

   San Diego County DEHQ does not license or inspect mobile pet grooming vehicles - no health permit is required to groom pets. What does apply: wash/rinse water must never be discharged to streets or storm drains (contain it and dispose to the sanitary sewer per city stormwater rules), and the city Business Tax Certificate is required to operate in San Diego.

   Official government source

   $0 - no DEHQ permit exists for pet grooming·2–4 weeks

   $0 - no DEHQ permit exists for pet grooming

   2–4 weeks

3. San Diego County Assumed Business Name (Fictitious Business Name / DBA)

   Required if operating under a business name other than your legal name. File the Fictitious Business Name (FBN) Statement with the San Diego County Assessor/Recorder/County Clerk (in person, online, or by mail). After filing, the FBN must be published in an adjudicated newspaper of general circulation in San Diego County once a week for four consecutive weeks, beginning within 30 days of filing. The statement expires after five years.

   Official government source

   $54 filing fee (first business name and registrant) + $5 for each additional name or registrant; newspaper publication typically $50-$100 (varies by paper)·4–6 weeks (due to publication requirement)

   $54 filing fee (first business name and registrant) + $5 for each additional name or registrant; newspaper publication typically $50-$100 (varies by paper)

   4–6 weeks (due to publication requirement)

Official Sources

• City of San Diego — Business Tax
• San Diego County DEHQ
• San Diego County Clerk/Recorder — Fictitious Business Names
• CDTFA — Register for a Seller's Permit
• California Secretary of State — Business Entities
• CA DMV — Vehicle Registration

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