Register your business in Fullerton

If you do business in Fullerton, the city requires a business registration certificate. Depending on what you do, there can be other steps too. Here is what the city's own pages say, and what they leave out.

Last checked: October 10, 2026 Sources: City of Fullerton About a 4 minute read

Who needs the city certificate

Businesses that operate or locate in Fullerton

The city says you need one if you conduct business in Fullerton or plan to locate your business operation there. A certificate from another city, county or state agency does not replace it.

Home-based businesses

Some home-based activities are allowed. The city asks you to call the Business Registration Division first to confirm yours qualifies. The city lists limits for home businesses: no on-site sales, no non-resident employees on site, no direct outdoor storage, and no increased pedestrian or vehicle traffic.

The city's three steps

Business name. If you operate under your own name, the city says a fictitious name filing probably is not needed. If you use a different name, you register a fictitious business name (DBA) with the Orange County Clerk-Recorder. The city says you then publish a notice once a week for four weeks in an approved Orange County newspaper, which makes the name legal for 5 years.
Seller's permit, if you sell goods. The city says you will definitely need a resale tax permit if you plan any retail sales. It is issued by the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration.
Return the application to the city. Home-based businesses can apply online or mail the application and payment to the Business Registration Division, 303 W. Commonwealth Ave. For a commercial location, online registration is encouraged. After the Planning Division approves it, you get a temporary receipt, and the city says the certificate is mailed within 15 business days.

Other steps that may apply

The city's starting-a-business page lists these depending on your business. Each has its own office.

Zoning check before signing a lease at a commercial or industrial site (Community Development).
A state license for some occupations, such as physicians, attorneys and construction contractors. You may need to show proof before the city certificate is issued.
A federal EIN and employer registration with the state EDD if you have employees.
An alcoholic beverage license before selling alcohol.
An alarm user's permit for any alarm system.
A fire inspection for new businesses at commercial locations.
Building permits for remodeling, and permits for signs and banners.

After you are registered

Renewal

The city says the certificate is good for twelve months from the initial date of business. Renewal due dates are in the city's Business Tax Renewal Schedule.

Changes

The city says it must be notified within ten days of a change in ownership, address, location or operation. The certificate cannot be transferred to someone else.

What the city's pages do not say

The fees. The city refers to a Business Tax Schedule, but the pages we read do not list amounts.
What the late fees or penalties are for renewing late.
How to close a business.
How long processing takes for a home-based business.

For these, call the Business Registration Division at (714) 738-6531 or (714) 738-5326.

Wondering how your business shows up? A Signals check shows what public sources say about your business name and address, which is a good thing to see once you are registered.

Check a business