NEW Business License Online Application

What You Need To Know To Get Started

Business licenses are renewed on an annual basis and based on your business start date which is the first date your business started in the City

Before applying, please have ready the following items that may apply to your business:

1. FEIN, SSN, ITIN, or DLN for Primary Contact
2. Seller's Permit with Ontario address (required for retail/wholesale businesses)
3. Professional State License Number(if applicable) for example: Contractors, Doctors, Lawyers, Cosmetologists, and Massage Technicians
4. ABC License, Health Permit, WDID/Storm Water Permit, and/or Hazardous Material Facility ID (if applicable)
5. Worker’s Compensation Insurance Policy number and expiration date (if applicable)
6. Estimated gross receipts are based on the months that remain in this calendar year.
7. Job location and job value (out of city contractors only)
8. 501(c)(3) or similar IRS certification letter for Non-Profit Charitable Organizations
9. Description of your business activity (insufficient detail will delay the process and approval).
10. Site Plan and floor plan for your site (If conducting business from an Ontario commercial, industrial, or residential location)
11. Business License Questionnaire (If conducting business from an Ontario commercial, industrial, or residential location)
12. Home Occupation Permit (If business is an Ontario residential location)
13. Property Owner Declaration- If applying for a business located within the City of Ontario, the signature of the property owner or legal representative is required. If you are not the property owner a Property Owner Declaration is required to be signed and submitted with your application.
14. A Visa, MasterCard, or Discover credit card for payment. (American Express only available for online payments.)

Note: Some businesses CANNOT complete the entire licensing process online. These include any business requiring additional permits such as: Solicitor, Catering Truck, Sidewalk Vendor, Massage Establishment, and Sales of Goods or Merchandise from Vehicles. You will be contacted on the additional steps required for these licenses once your application is received. If you need assistance or need more information, contact the Business License Division at (909) 395-2022 or email us at buslic@ontarioca.gov

Per AB 2184, you may protect your residential address by providing a different Service of Process address in accordance with Sections 16000.1(a)(2) and 16100.1(a)(2) of the Business and Professions Code. To do so, please Apply in person - you may not apply online.

Assembly Bill 3002 went into effect on January 1, 2019 which provides information regarding disability access requirements and resources to business owners. To read the full notice, click HERE

Senate Bill (SB) 205, signed by Gov. Newsom in 2019, requires a person or entity who conducts a business operation that is a “regulated industry” to demonstrate enrollment with the NPDES permit program. The SB 205 only affects those businesses with primary Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) codes that are identified by the State Water Board as requiring enrollment in the Industrial General Permit (IGP) are affected. Completion and submission of this information is required with your business license application. For more information, please click HERE

Starting January 1, 2021, Assembly Bill 1607 requires the prevention of gender-based discrimination of business establishments. A full notice is available in English or other languages by clicking HERE.

Please be advised: The State has mandated certain notices that may affect your business. You may review the notices at: Statebusinessnotices.hdlgov.com