How to Obtain a Business License in South Lake Tahoe

Here are the steps on how to obtain a business license in El Dorado County or South Lake Tahoe:

Determine if you need a business license. Not all businesses need a business license in El Dorado County or South Lake Tahoe. To determine if your business needs a license, you can use these Business Resources to help. This tool will ask you questions about your business, and it will tell you if you need a license and what type of license you need.
Choose the type of business license you need. If you need a business license, choose the type of license right for the type of business you are operating. The following are some of the most common types of business licenses in El Dorado County and South Lake Tahoe:

General business license: This is the most common type of business license. It is required for most businesses, including retail stores, restaurants, and service businesses.
Conditional use permit: This type of license is required for businesses that are located in certain areas or that have certain characteristics. For example, a conditional use permit may be required for a business that is located in a residential area or that is selling alcohol.
Home occupation license: This type of license is required for businesses that are operated from a home.

Complete the business license application online or by mail. The application requires you to provide information about your business, such as your business name, address, and type of business.

Pay the business license fee. The fee varies depending on the type of business you are operating. You can pay the fee online, by mail, or in person.

Additional tips:

Start the process early. It can take a few weeks to process a business license application, so it is a good idea to start the process early.
Gather all of the required documents. The El Dorado County Treasurer-Tax Collector's Office will need to see certain documents, such as your business formation documents and your tax identification number.
Be prepared to answer questions. The El Dorado County Treasurer-Tax Collector's Office may have questions about your business, so be prepared to answer them.