Etsy's seller policies do not require you to have a business license to sell on their platform.
If you fall into the category of businesses that plan to sell goods or products within the State of California, you will need to obtain a California Sales Tax Certificate Number (also called a Seller's Permit).
Limited partnerships, corporations, and limited liability companies (LLCs) are all legally required to register within California. Only sole proprietorships are exempt.
Making sales of merchandise, goods, or other items in California without first getting a seller's permit violates the law and subjects you to fines and penalties. Sometimes people incorrectly refer to a seller's permit as a resale number or resale permit.
Both wholesalers and retailers must apply for a permit. If you do not hold a seller's permit and will make sales during temporary periods, such as Christmas tree sales and rummage sales, you must apply for a temporary seller's permit.
You must obtain a business license from Alameda County only if you are conducting any type of business, including leasing residential and commercial property, or your business is based in an unincorporated area of Alameda County.
For County assistance, please call 510.208. 9770 for a menu of County Agencies and Departments.
Please visit to apply for or renew your business license. For business license assistance, please contact HdL at (510) 250-1889 or Alameda@HdLGov. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to call us at (510) 747-4851. Thank you for doing business in the City of Alameda!
New Business License Web Portal Announcement Please visit to apply for or renew your business license. For business license assistance, please contact HdL at (510) 250-1889 or Alameda@HdLGov. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to call us at (510) 747-4851.