Short answer: yes, it's free. The CDTFA says "There is no charge for a seller's permit," though depending on your business it may ask for a security deposit, and it "may be able to issue your permit the same day." You apply online with the CDTFA, which calls its system "a secure, convenient, fast, and free way to register online for a permit." PJ, a local in Cardiff, can sit with you through the online form, $30 an hour.
Who's reading?
- You're starting to sell something
Who needs a permit, in the CDTFA's words. - Someone wants a fee to get it for you
What the State charges: nothing. - You sell at one event or one season
Temporary permits, up to 90 days.
Pick the line that sounds like you. Not sure? Text PJ and say who you are.
Who needs a seller's permit in California
"You must obtain a seller's permit if you: Are engaged in business in California and Intend to sell or lease tangible personal property that would ordinarily be subject to sales tax if sold at retail." It "applies to individuals as well as corporations, partnerships, and limited liability companies." What counts as taxable has many rules, and the CDTFA encourages you to call its Customer Service Center (CDTFA seller's permit FAQ).
Is a California seller's permit free?
- The permit: "There is no charge for a seller's permit." Publication 73 (October 2026): "Is there a fee charged for a seller's permit? No. The permit is free."
- A possible deposit: "depending on your type of business and expected taxable sales, we may ask you for a security deposit."
- How fast: "We may be able to issue your permit the same day."
- Where: online with the CDTFA. Its registration page says "The system is free to use; however, some permits, licenses, or accounts may require a fee or deposit."
Quoted from CDTFA Publication 107 and the CDTFA registration page. A website that charges you to "get" the permit is selling help with a free form.
Selling for one season or one event
"If you make sales of a temporary nature, such as sales of Christmas trees or fireworks, you may apply for a temporary seller's permit. Temporary permits are valid for up to 90 days" (CDTFA Publication 107). Whether a craft fair or farmers market table needs one depends on what you sell and how; the CDTFA line below answers that for your setup.
CDTFA's Publication 73 (October 2026) puts it the same way: "If you do not hold a seller's permit and plan to make sales during temporary periods, such as Christmas tree sales or rummage sales, you must apply for a temporary seller's permit. Such permits are normally issued to selling operations lasting no longer than 30 days at one location." This season's North County holiday markets.
Talk to the CDTFA
Call 1-800-400-7115 (TTY: 711). "Customer service representatives are available Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Pacific time), except state holidays" (CDTFA Publication 107).
Checking a business you buy from? CDTFA's permit verification.
The rest of a new business's filings: the San Diego license and 4 filings · the DBA in San Diego County · the Statement of Information and the look-alike fee letters · the EDD employer account.
Want a human to just do it?
- Apply with you: PJ sits with you through the CDTFA's free online registration, gathers what it asks for and checks the answers before you submit. $30 an hour.
"It's about being nice and showing up." PJ, a real person in Cardiff and Solana Beach. Paperwork only, no tax advice; what's taxable is the CDTFA's call. Prices are set in one place and shown before anything starts.
Sources: CDTFA Publication 107, Applying for a seller's permit, CDTFA seller's permit FAQ, CDTFA registration page. Checked October 30, 2026.
Need a human?
This page is built every morning from public data by SideGuy, run by PJ, a local in Solana Beach. If something looks off, or you want a hand with your plans, text PJ at 858-461-8054. A real person answers.
Local help, free to read: make your fix plan · senior benefits checkup · lower your SDG&E bill · Medicare Extra Help · every 2027 Medicare plan · is my medication recalled? · the next 90 days. Plans start as low as $25. Your parent lives here and you don't? The Parent Check-In Plan, $25 a month.
Questions people ask
Is a seller's permit free in California?
Yes. The CDTFA says there is no charge for a seller's permit, though depending on your type of business and expected taxable sales it may ask for a security deposit. It may be able to issue the permit the same day.
How much is a seller's permit in California?
$0 at the CDTFA. Online registration is free; some other permits, licenses or accounts may require a fee or deposit, and a security deposit may be requested depending on your business.
Who needs a seller's permit in California?
Anyone engaged in business in California who intends to sell or lease tangible personal property that would ordinarily be subject to sales tax if sold at retail, whether an individual, corporation, partnership or LLC (CDTFA).
Is there a temporary seller's permit for one event or season?
Yes. For sales of a temporary nature, such as Christmas trees or fireworks, you may apply for a temporary seller's permit, valid for up to 90 days (CDTFA Publication 107).
What is the CDTFA phone number for a seller's permit?
1-800-400-7115 (TTY: 711), Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Pacific, except state holidays.
Know someone who needs this?
Got a question about this? Ask PJ a question. A real person in Solana Beach texts you back.
Something changed here? Text PJ the fix: if it changes this page, you get $5. How it works.
Spotted something new around town? Text it in. What do you want to see here? Ask PJ for a page. No login, a real person reads it.
More free local tools: the North County toolkit.