Mobile Dog Grooming Permit Requirements in Los Angeles, 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 for EIN (Employer Identification Number) (opens in a new tab)

   Free·Immediate (online)

   Free

   Immediate (online)

1. No State Grooming License Required

   California does not require a state license for pet groomers. The CA Dept of Consumer Affairs does not regulate pet grooming as a licensed trade. Professional certifications (NDGAA, IPG, ISCC) are voluntary.

   Official government source for No State Grooming License Required (opens in a new tab)

   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, as services are not taxable unless specifically enumerated. However, if you sell grooming products (shampoos, accessories), you must collect sales tax on those product sales. Register with CDTFA if you have product sales.

   Official government source for California Seller's Permit (CDTFA) (opens in a new tab)

   Free·Immediate (online)

   Free

   Immediate (online)

3. Commercial Vehicle Registration (CA DMV)

   Mobile grooming vans operated commercially in California must be registered with the California DMV. Commercial registration may be required if the vehicle has a manufacturer's gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) over 10,001 lbs or if it is used for hire. The CA DMV requires commercial liability insurance.

   Official government source for Commercial Vehicle Registration (CA DMV) (opens in a new tab)

   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 Los Angeles Business Tax Registration Certificate

   All businesses operating in the City of Los Angeles must register with the Office of Finance for a Business Tax Registration Certificate (BTRC). Registration itself has no fee. The first year of business is not tax-exempt — first-year tax is paid as 'back tax' at the first annual renewal. Businesses with worldwide gross receipts of $100,000 or less pay $0 tax under the Small Business Exemption, provided the annual renewal is filed on time.

   Official government source for City of Los Angeles Business Tax Registration Certificate (opens in a new tab)

   $0 to register; annual tax based on gross receipts ($0 if worldwide gross receipts are $100,000 or less and renewal is filed on time)·1–2 weeks

   $0 to register; annual tax based on gross receipts ($0 if worldwide gross receipts are $100,000 or less and renewal is filed on time)

   1–2 weeks

2. LA County Dept of Animal Care and Control — Mobile Pet Service Compliance

   Mobile pet grooming businesses operating in LA County should confirm with the LA County Dept of Animal Care and Control whether any specific registration is required for commercial mobile pet services. LA County Animal Care ordinances (Title 10) govern animal businesses. Contact LA County Animal Care and Control at 562-728-4882.

   Official government source for LA County Dept of Animal Care and Control — Mobile Pet Service Compliance (opens in a new tab)

   Varies (contact DACC for current requirements)·1–2 weeks

   Varies (contact DACC for current requirements)

   1–2 weeks

Official Sources

• City of LA — Business Tax
• LA County Animal Care and Control
• CDTFA — Register for a Permit
• CA DMV — Vehicle Registration

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