How to Start a Business - Taxi - 106523

Zoning and Planning: Your business location must be checked to determine if it is zoned for your type of business. This also applies to businesses operating from a residence.

• Conditional Use Application
• Other Planning Department Applications
• Fee Schedule

Process Time: Varies. Please call (415) 558-6378

Business Registration Certificate: All businesses located or conducting business in San Francisco are required to register for a Business Tax Registration Certificate.

• Business Registration Certificate Requirements
• Business and Tax Regulations Code

Check with this office if your business also requires a Parking Tax Registration or a Hotel Tax Registration form.

These links can be used to verify the availability of your business name. You can check online at any time before you visit the Treasurer & Tax Collector's Office:

• Local SF Business Name Search
• State Business Name Search
• Federal Business Name Search

You will be required to do a final verification of the local SF Business Name Search in the office (using public accessible computers) prior to filing your business registration.

• Sole Proprietorship (Registration Form)
• Partnership/Corp/LLC, etc. (Reg Form)
• Business Registration Fee
• Business Tax Calendar

Process Time: Approximately 1 hour

Fictitious Business Name: Not all businesses are required to file this statement. Please read the Business & Professions Code sections 17900 et al to get the information on this requirement. Businesses doing business outside of San Francisco must register at the Office of the County Clerk where the Principal Place of Business is located.

• Filing Instructions
• Forms
• Fees
• Publication Requirements
• Legally Adjudicated Newspapers

Process Time: Approximately 1 hour.

Business Property Statement: Businesses may be required to report all equipment, fixtures, supplies, and leasehold improvements held for business use based on at cost and/or value.

• e-File Business Property Statement
• e-File Frequently Asked Questions
• Business Property Factor Table
• 571-L Business Property Statement FAQs

Process Time: Varies. Please call (415) 554-5531

Corporation, LLC, LLP, or LP Filings: If you are considering on becoming a Corporation (either stock or nonprofit), a Limited Liability Company, or a Partnership (Limited or Limited Liability), you must file with the Secretary of State's Office.

• Starting a Business as a Corp, LLC, etc
• Forms, Sample & Fees

Process Time: Varies. Please call (415) 557-8000

Employer Identification Number (EIN or SSN): Employers with employees, business partnerships, limited liability companies, and corporations, must obtain an EIN from the IRS. Businesses can obtain appropriate Federal income tax forms from this location.

• Employer ID Numbers (EINs)
• Understanding Your EIN
• Do You Need a New EIN?

Process Time: Varies. Please call (800) 829-1040

State Income Tax Information: Businesses should obtain the appropriate State income tax forms from the Franchise Tax Board.

• State Requirements for Starting a Business
• State Filing Requirements

Process Time: Varies. Please call (800) 852-5711

Building Inspection and Alteration Permits: Inspections and/or Permits may be required for modifying the physical space of your business. Call the Department of Building Inspection at (415) 558-6088 for further information.

• Forms/Checklists
• Instant Online Permits
• Online Permit and Complaint Tracking

Process Time: Varies. Please call (415) 558-6088

Permits Required by EHS: Please review list of permits below to determine if applicable for your business. Call the Department of Public Health at (415) 252-3800 to verify your permit requirements.

• List of Permits

Process Time: Varies. Please call 252-3800

Fire Department Permits: Inspections and/or Permits may be required if your business location includes public assemblies, garages, storage, etc. Call the Fire Department at (415) 558-3300 for further information.

• Fire Department Permits

Process Time: Varies. Please call (415) 558-3300

Police Regulations/Public Safety Permits: Please review list of permits below to determine if applicable for your business. Call the Police Department at (415) 553-1115 to verify your permit requirements.

• List of Permits
• Applying for Permits
• Permit Application Forms

Process Time: Varies. Please call (415) 553-1115

Taxi Commission
One South Van Ness Ave., 7th Floor
San Francisco, CA 94103
(415) 701-4400
Contact Us

Business Hours:
9am - 5pm,
Mon thru Fri

Taxi-Cab Paratransit Permit: Permit to operate a limousine/taxicab in San Francisco.

• How to Become a Taxicab Driver
• How to Become a SF Taxi Medallion Holder
• Medallion Wait List Information

Process Time: Varies. Please call (415) 701-4400

Business Assistance with tax credits, financing, small business, job referral, training and placement, real estate and energy.

• Business Assistance Programs
• Workforce Development

Process Time: Varies. Please call (415) 554-6969

Grants and loans for small businesses, including the Community Development Block Grant Program.

• Business Loans
• Grants

Process Time: Varies. Please call (415) 701-5500

Business Assistance with starting a business including Local, State, and Federal requirements and Market Research Data.

• Small Business Assistance Center
• Programs

Process Time: Varies. Please call (415) 554-6134

Ensures that businesses comply with prevailing wage and other labor standards regulations.

• Paid Sick Leave Ordinance
• Sick Leave Ordinance FAQs
• Minimum Wage Ordinance (MWO)
• Prevailing Wage Ordinance

Process Time: Varies. Please call (415) 554-6235

Works to provide leadership and advocacy to secure, protect and promote human rights for all people. It was established in 1964 by City Ordinance and became a Charter Commission in 1990.

• Equal Benefits Ordinance
• Employment Discrimination Complaints Division
• Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender & HIV Division

Process Time: Varies. Please call (415) 252-2500