New Business Checklist
This list is not inclusive and is intended to inform new business owners of other requirements that may apply when starting a new business. Please contact those departments or agencies for requirements that apply to your business.
Planning, Building, and Fire Department Review
Businesses located within Stockton City limits must contact the City of Stockton Permit Center to verify zoning and permit requirements.
Fictitious Business Name Statement
Businesses may be required to file a Fictitious Business Name Statement. Please contact the San Joaquin County Recorder for more information; a link to the web site is provided under External Links below.
Seller's Permit (Resale Number)
A Seller's Permit is required if you intend to sell or lease merchandise ordinarily subject to sales tax. Both wholesalers and retailers must apply for a seller's permit. To obtain a Seller's Permit, please contact the State of California Board of Equalization; a link to the web site is provided under External Links below.
Federal Identification Number (Employer Tax I.D.)
A Federal Identification Number is required for partnerships, corporations, and some sole proprietors. Please contact the Internal Revenue Service for more information about the Federal Identification Number or Employer Tax I.D.; a link to the web site is provided under External Links below.
State Employer Tax Identification Number
To obtain a State Employer Tax Identification Number, please contact the State of California Employment Development Department; a link to the web site is provided under External Links below.
Contractor's License
A Contractor's License is required for all contractors. Please contact the California Contractors State License Board; a link to the web site is provided under External Links below.
Non-Profit Organizations
To apply for a City of Stockton non-profit license, your business must provide the following documents.
- A current Letter of Exemption (501c3), or letter of good standing from the Internal Revenue Service.
- A current tax exemption letter issued by the State of California Franchise Tax Board.
- A list of current board members.
Bureau of Automotive Repair Certificate
For information about an Automotive Repair Certificate, please contact the State of California Department of Consumer Affairs for additional information; a link to the web site is provided under External Links below.
Environmental Health
All food facilities must contact San Joaquin County Environmental Health. For more information, a link to the Environmental Health Department web site is provided under External Links below.
Secretary of State
The California Secretary of State requires registration of corporations, non-profits, and limited partnerships; a link to the web site is provided under External Links below.
Business Resources
The City of Stockton Economic Development Department provides assistance with business site selection and development.
Links to other resources for new business are listed under External Links below, including:
- Northeastern California Small Business Development Center
- Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce
- San Joaquin Partnership
External Links
California State Board of Equalization - for a Seller's Permit
Internal Revenue Service - for a Federal Tax Identification Number
State of California Employment Development Department - for an Employer Tax Identification Number
California Contractors State License Board
California Franchise Tax Board
California Department of Consumer Affairs
San Joaquin County Environmental Health Department
Northeastern California Small Business Development Center - San Joaquin Delta College
Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce
San Joaquin Partnership - an economic development organization
This City of Stockton web page last reviewed on --- 9/6/2017