Additional Resources and Links | Los Angeles Public Library
Source: https://www.lapl.org/street-vendors/resources
Archived: 2026-04-23 17:20
Additional Resources and Links | Los Angeles Public Library
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How to check that nobody else is using the same business name?
How do I apply for an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number)?
What are the permits needed for a food business?
What are the permits needed for a merchandise business?
Where can I get one-on-one help with my small business?
Free mental health and general wellness resources
Where are the rules and regulations for street and park vending in the city of Los Angeles?
Where do I call to voice my concerns or share non-emergency tips?
Reporting a crime or harassment
What other organizations can help me be a successful street vendor?
How to check that nobody else is using the same business name?
In order to get your Business Tax Registration Certificate (BTRC) for the City of Los Angeles, you’ll need to have a name for your business. When you’re registering your business with the City of L.A., make sure that nobody else is using it.
If you live in L.A. County, use this tool to make sure that your business name is unique:
Find Your Fictitious Business Name
Type your Fictitious Business Name (The name of your business)
Check the box “I am not a robot”
Click “Search”
Look at the results. If there are no results, then your Business Name is available!
Back to top
How do I apply for an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number)?
If you own a business, an ITIN will help you to open a bank account, pay taxes, register your business and more. To apply for an ITIN, you will need:
A
W-7 application
form
Two pieces of supporting documentation
Here are some examples of supporting documentation:
Passport (stand-alone document)
National identification card (must show photo, name, current address, date of birth, and expiration date)
U.S. driver’s license
Civil birth certificate (required for dependents under 18 years of age)
Foreign driver’s license
U.S. state identification card
Foreign voter’s registration card
U.S. military identification card
Foreign military identification card
Visa
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) photo identification
Medical records (dependents only - under 6)
School records (dependents only - under 14, under 18 if student)
At least one document
must have your photo
.
All documents must be
originals or certified copies
.
You can also apply for an ITIN at an
IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center
office. They can help you complete the W-7 form, and make certified copies of your important documents so you don’t lose them.
Back to top
What are the permits needed for a food business?
Do you want to own a business in Los Angeles? Having the right permits is a great place to start. Here are the permits that you will need for your business.
For more detailed information, please review the recorded
presentations on permits and certificates
.
If you sell food:
Permit Name
Where to get it
BTRC (Business Tax Registration Certificate)
Los Angeles Office of Finance
Seller’s Permit
CDTFA (California Department of Tax and Fee Administration)
Public Health Permit
L.A. County Public Health
Streets LA Vending Permit
City of Los Angeles Department of Public Works
Back to top
What are the permits needed for a merchandise business?
Do you want to own a business in Los Angeles? Having the right permits is a great place to start. Here are the permits that you will need for your business.
For more detailed information, please review the recorded
presentations on permits and certificates
.
If you sell merchandise:
Permit Name
Where to get it
BTRC (Business Tax Registration Certificate)
Los Angeles Office of Finance
Seller’s Permit
CDTFA (California Department of Tax and Fee Administration)
Streets LA Vending Permit
City of Los Angeles Department of Public Works
Back to top
Where can I get one-on-one help with my small business?
Small Business Telephone Consultation
Part of the Los Angeles Public Library's New Americans Initiative, get one-on-one help with:
COVID-19 Relief
Business Structures
Permit/Licenses
Access to Capital
Sidewalk Vending Consulting
Services are free and available in English and Spanish. If further assistance is needed, in-person appointments may be arranged.
Get started by making an appointment.
BusinessSource Centers
The BusinessSource Centers provide free assistance for the City of Los Angeles Sidewalk and Park Vendor Permit Program. Bilingual advisors are available to help complete the required documentation to secure the City of L.A., State of California and County of Los Angeles Permits.
Call your nearest BusinessSource Center to make an appointment.
Back to top
Free mental health and general wellness resources
Free online mental health resources and support for residents living in Los Angeles County is available with
iPrevail
. iPrevail is designed to help build resilience and identify and overcome unique challenges. If you or someone you know is having difficulty coping with the added stress, the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health can provide additional support at any time.
Health & Wellness
High Blood Pressure management
LatinX Therapy - Find a pro bono therapist
Back to top
Where are the rules and regulations for street and park vending in the city of Los Angeles?
Vendor Permit Programs and Rules
Streets LA
operates the City of Los Angeles Sidewalk and Park Vendor Permit Program.
Recreation & Parks
has rules and regulations for the City of Los Angeles Park Vending Permit Program.
Back to top
Where do I call to voice my concerns or share non-emergency tips?
Vending Phone Line: 213-814-1144
. Use this number to voice concerns and communicate about non-emergency tips to Streets LA investigators.
Back to top
Reporting a crime or harassment
Crime Victim Assistance
Find a Lawyer
Do you know a lawyer in your community? If you live in Los Angeles, the
Victim Assistance Program
can help you to find one. Visit them
online
to request assistance or to find the nearest office location to you.
Immigration Resources
If you have been a victim of a serious crime, you could qualify for a U Visa. The U Visa allows eligible people to live and work in the United States for four years. After that, you could qualify for permanent resident status. If you have questions about immigration or U Visas you can make appointments for a consultation for free with the
Los Angeles New Americans Initiative
or call 213-228-7390.
Reporting a crime or harassment
24-Hour Anonymous Hotline: 800-222-8477.
Best for contacting the police after an incident has occurred. After you call, law enforcement will contact you within 10 days to get follow-up information.
Back to top
What other organizations can help me be a successful street vendor?
Additional Assistance for Vendors and Know Your Rights
L.A. Street Vendor Campaign
Learn about vending permits and advocate for your rights.
Community Power Collective (CPC)
Learn about issues in your community like: land use, affordable housing, public transit, and street vendor rights.
Inclusive Action For the City
Inclusive Action has become a leader in the citywide campaign to create a permit system for street vendors.
East L.A. Community Corporation (ELACC)
ELACC can help you with taxes, financial counselling, lending circles and more.
Back to top
Español
Kids & Parents
Teens
How Do I?
How do I get a library card?
How do I get a Student Success Card?
How do I print from my laptop? (wireless printing)
How do I reserve a computer?
How do I renew my books?
How do I update my address/phone/e-mail online?
SEE MORE FAQs >>>
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Get a Library Card
Reserve a Computer
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Top
LAPL Home
My Account
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Blog
Book Bundles To Go
Catalog
Branch Periodical Subscription List
E-Media
Freegal Music
Kanopy
L.A. in Focus Videos
New York Times Digital
Freegal Music
hoopla
Kanopy
LAPL Reads
Book Lists
New Books by Genre
Staff Reviews
RSS Feeds
Resources for Readers
LAPL Writes
Book Lists
Online Resources
Indie Author Project
Submission Policy
Events
Language Collections
Libby (Overdrive)
New York Times Digital
Podcasts
ALOUD
Children Chatting
Poet Laureate
Zines
Read Freely
Education & Research
Databases - Research & Homework
California Index
Government Documents
High School Diploma
LAPL Indexes
Behymer Collection Index
Bookplate Collection
Business Magazine Index
Business & Economics Reference Works
California Documents Index
California Fiction Index
California Index
California Prints Index
Casey Fashion Plates
City Directories Index
Cookery Ephemera Index
Environmental Impact Reports
Genealogy & Local History Index
Gladys English
Government Documents - Business
Japanese Prints Index
Library Images Index
Lummis Autograph Collection Index
Menu Collection
Native American Index
Orchestration Catalog
Play File Index
Public Art Index
Series and Sequels
Short Story File Index
Song Index
Theater Program Collection
Toy Movable Database
Turnabout Theater Archive
LinkedIn Learning
Online Learning
Research Guides
Aerial Photographs
African -American Literature (PDF)
African-American Ingenuity
Bilingual English-Spanish Material (PDF)
Census Tract Maps (PDF)
Environmental Impact Reports
Financing New Business (PDF)
Food and Drink
Genealogy
Grants
History of Your House
Holiday Cookery
Job Hunting and Money Guides
Literary Criticism Locator
Map Collection
Maps of Los Angeles
Military and Industry Standards and Specifications
Newspapers
Obituaries in LA County
Philosophy Research
Play Locator
Representative Maps in Los Angeles History and Growth
Sanborn Fire Insurance Atlases
Sheet Music Locator
Short Story Locator
Small Business Research (PDF)
Treaty Research
Vital Records
Student Success
Verify Student Success Card
Tessa: Photo & Digital Collections
L.A. in Focus Videos
Shades of L.A. Oral Histories
Services & Programs
Adult Literacy
Ask a Librarian
Be a Successful Street Vendor
Overview & Permits
Cell-Ed Pathways
Resources & Links
Small Business Help
Book a Librarian
Community Outreach
Cybernauts
Explore L.A.
Homeless Resources
Jobs, Money & Small Business
Memory Lab
New Americans
Octavia Lab & Koreatown Media Lab
Reentry Resources
Reserve a Computer
Seniors
State Park Pass
STEAM
Tech2go
Veterans Resources
Wireless Printing
Neighborhood Science
Events
Adults
Babies & Toddlers
Bilingual Events
Calendar
Celebrations
Central 100 Celebration
Expedition L.A.
Exhibits
Kids
L.A. Made
Seniors
Teens
Locations & Hours
All Branches
Central Library
Departments and Services
Art, Music, & Recreation Department
Business and Economics Department
Children's Literature Department
Computer Center
History & Genealogy Department
International Languages Department
Literature & Fiction Department
Low-Vision Service Centers
Popular Library
Science, Technology, & Patents Department
Social Science, Philosophy & Religion Department
Special Collections
Appointment Request Form
Appraisals
Californiana
Gifts/Donations
Introduction to Special Collections
Mexicana
Photographs
The Special Collections Room Story
Teen'Scape
Directions
Parking
Art And Architecture
Central Library Video Wall
Historical Portraits Project
Goodhue Building
Painting
Public Art Projects
The Literate Fence Quotations
Sculpture
Themes and Inscriptions
Tom Bradley Wing
Central Library Docent Tours
Central Library Virtual Tour
Facility Rentals
Policies
Rates & Occupancy
Holiday Closures
Get Involved
Become a Friend of the Library
Join the Library Foundation of Los Angeles
Make a Donation
Shop The Library Store
Volunteer
About LAPL
Accessibility & ADA Services
Angel City Press
App
Blog
Board of Library Commissioners
Agendas and Minutes
Agendas & Minutes Archive
Board Members
Borrower Services
City Librarian
Connect With Us
Contact Us
eCard Registration
infoNow (Ask A Librarian)
Change of Address
Suggest a Purchase
Library Card Pre-Registration
Solicitud de tarjeta electrónica
Pregúntale a un bibliotecario
Formulario de cambio de dirección
Sugerir una Compra
Solicitud de tarjeta
Jobs & Business Opportunities
Perform at LAPL
Press Room
Press Release Archive
Press Images - Branch Libraries
Press Images - Central Library
Rules of Conduct
Staff Directory
Volunteer Opportunities
Español
¿Qué hay de nuevo?
Títulos recomendados
Ciudadanía
Kids & Parents
Teens
ADA
App
Blog
Connect With Us
Contact Us
FAQs
Online Privacy Policy
Site Map
Jump to Navigation
Jump to Content
Get Started
Overview & Permits
Cell-Ed Pathways
Resources & Links
Small Business Help
Español
How to check that nobody else is using the same business name?
How do I apply for an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number)?
What are the permits needed for a food business?
What are the permits needed for a merchandise business?
Where can I get one-on-one help with my small business?
Free mental health and general wellness resources
Where are the rules and regulations for street and park vending in the city of Los Angeles?
Where do I call to voice my concerns or share non-emergency tips?
Reporting a crime or harassment
What other organizations can help me be a successful street vendor?
How to check that nobody else is using the same business name?
In order to get your Business Tax Registration Certificate (BTRC) for the City of Los Angeles, you’ll need to have a name for your business. When you’re registering your business with the City of L.A., make sure that nobody else is using it.
If you live in L.A. County, use this tool to make sure that your business name is unique:
Find Your Fictitious Business Name
Type your Fictitious Business Name (The name of your business)
Check the box “I am not a robot”
Click “Search”
Look at the results. If there are no results, then your Business Name is available!
Back to top
How do I apply for an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number)?
If you own a business, an ITIN will help you to open a bank account, pay taxes, register your business and more. To apply for an ITIN, you will need:
A
W-7 application
form
Two pieces of supporting documentation
Here are some examples of supporting documentation:
Passport (stand-alone document)
National identification card (must show photo, name, current address, date of birth, and expiration date)
U.S. driver’s license
Civil birth certificate (required for dependents under 18 years of age)
Foreign driver’s license
U.S. state identification card
Foreign voter’s registration card
U.S. military identification card
Foreign military identification card
Visa
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) photo identification
Medical records (dependents only - under 6)
School records (dependents only - under 14, under 18 if student)
At least one document
must have your photo
.
All documents must be
originals or certified copies
.
You can also apply for an ITIN at an
IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center
office. They can help you complete the W-7 form, and make certified copies of your important documents so you don’t lose them.
Back to top
What are the permits needed for a food business?
Do you want to own a business in Los Angeles? Having the right permits is a great place to start. Here are the permits that you will need for your business.
For more detailed information, please review the recorded
presentations on permits and certificates
.
If you sell food:
Permit Name
Where to get it
BTRC (Business Tax Registration Certificate)
Los Angeles Office of Finance
Seller’s Permit
CDTFA (California Department of Tax and Fee Administration)
Public Health Permit
L.A. County Public Health
Streets LA Vending Permit
City of Los Angeles Department of Public Works
Back to top
What are the permits needed for a merchandise business?
Do you want to own a business in Los Angeles? Having the right permits is a great place to start. Here are the permits that you will need for your business.
For more detailed information, please review the recorded
presentations on permits and certificates
.
If you sell merchandise:
Permit Name
Where to get it
BTRC (Business Tax Registration Certificate)
Los Angeles Office of Finance
Seller’s Permit
CDTFA (California Department of Tax and Fee Administration)
Streets LA Vending Permit
City of Los Angeles Department of Public Works
Back to top
Where can I get one-on-one help with my small business?
Small Business Telephone Consultation
Part of the Los Angeles Public Library's New Americans Initiative, get one-on-one help with:
COVID-19 Relief
Business Structures
Permit/Licenses
Access to Capital
Sidewalk Vending Consulting
Services are free and available in English and Spanish. If further assistance is needed, in-person appointments may be arranged.
Get started by making an appointment.
BusinessSource Centers
The BusinessSource Centers provide free assistance for the City of Los Angeles Sidewalk and Park Vendor Permit Program. Bilingual advisors are available to help complete the required documentation to secure the City of L.A., State of California and County of Los Angeles Permits.
Call your nearest BusinessSource Center to make an appointment.
Back to top
Free mental health and general wellness resources
Free online mental health resources and support for residents living in Los Angeles County is available with
iPrevail
. iPrevail is designed to help build resilience and identify and overcome unique challenges. If you or someone you know is having difficulty coping with the added stress, the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health can provide additional support at any time.
Health & Wellness
High Blood Pressure management
LatinX Therapy - Find a pro bono therapist
Back to top
Where are the rules and regulations for street and park vending in the city of Los Angeles?
Vendor Permit Programs and Rules
Streets LA
operates the City of Los Angeles Sidewalk and Park Vendor Permit Program.
Recreation & Parks
has rules and regulations for the City of Los Angeles Park Vending Permit Program.
Back to top
Where do I call to voice my concerns or share non-emergency tips?
Vending Phone Line: 213-814-1144
. Use this number to voice concerns and communicate about non-emergency tips to Streets LA investigators.
Back to top
Reporting a crime or harassment
Crime Victim Assistance
Find a Lawyer
Do you know a lawyer in your community? If you live in Los Angeles, the
Victim Assistance Program
can help you to find one. Visit them
online
to request assistance or to find the nearest office location to you.
Immigration Resources
If you have been a victim of a serious crime, you could qualify for a U Visa. The U Visa allows eligible people to live and work in the United States for four years. After that, you could qualify for permanent resident status. If you have questions about immigration or U Visas you can make appointments for a consultation for free with the
Los Angeles New Americans Initiative
or call 213-228-7390.
Reporting a crime or harassment
24-Hour Anonymous Hotline: 800-222-8477.
Best for contacting the police after an incident has occurred. After you call, law enforcement will contact you within 10 days to get follow-up information.
Back to top
What other organizations can help me be a successful street vendor?
Additional Assistance for Vendors and Know Your Rights
L.A. Street Vendor Campaign
Learn about vending permits and advocate for your rights.
Community Power Collective (CPC)
Learn about issues in your community like: land use, affordable housing, public transit, and street vendor rights.
Inclusive Action For the City
Inclusive Action has become a leader in the citywide campaign to create a permit system for street vendors.
East L.A. Community Corporation (ELACC)
ELACC can help you with taxes, financial counselling, lending circles and more.
Back to top
Español
Kids & Parents
Teens
How Do I?
How do I get a library card?
How do I get a Student Success Card?
How do I print from my laptop? (wireless printing)
How do I reserve a computer?
How do I renew my books?
How do I update my address/phone/e-mail online?
SEE MORE FAQs >>>
My Library Account
Enhanced Catalog Account
Get a Library Card
Reserve a Computer
Ask a Librarian
Book a Librarian
Find A Library
Connect with LAPL
YouTube
Newsletter
Top
LAPL Home
My Account
Books & E-Media
Blog
Book Bundles To Go
Catalog
Branch Periodical Subscription List
E-Media
Freegal Music
Kanopy
L.A. in Focus Videos
New York Times Digital
Freegal Music
hoopla
Kanopy
LAPL Reads
Book Lists
New Books by Genre
Staff Reviews
RSS Feeds
Resources for Readers
LAPL Writes
Book Lists
Online Resources
Indie Author Project
Submission Policy
Events
Language Collections
Libby (Overdrive)
New York Times Digital
Podcasts
ALOUD
Children Chatting
Poet Laureate
Zines
Read Freely
Education & Research
Databases - Research & Homework
California Index
Government Documents
High School Diploma
LAPL Indexes
Behymer Collection Index
Bookplate Collection
Business Magazine Index
Business & Economics Reference Works
California Documents Index
California Fiction Index
California Index
California Prints Index
Casey Fashion Plates
City Directories Index
Cookery Ephemera Index
Environmental Impact Reports
Genealogy & Local History Index
Gladys English
Government Documents - Business
Japanese Prints Index
Library Images Index
Lummis Autograph Collection Index
Menu Collection
Native American Index
Orchestration Catalog
Play File Index
Public Art Index
Series and Sequels
Short Story File Index
Song Index
Theater Program Collection
Toy Movable Database
Turnabout Theater Archive
LinkedIn Learning
Online Learning
Research Guides
Aerial Photographs
African -American Literature (PDF)
African-American Ingenuity
Bilingual English-Spanish Material (PDF)
Census Tract Maps (PDF)
Environmental Impact Reports
Financing New Business (PDF)
Food and Drink
Genealogy
Grants
History of Your House
Holiday Cookery
Job Hunting and Money Guides
Literary Criticism Locator
Map Collection
Maps of Los Angeles
Military and Industry Standards and Specifications
Newspapers
Obituaries in LA County
Philosophy Research
Play Locator
Representative Maps in Los Angeles History and Growth
Sanborn Fire Insurance Atlases
Sheet Music Locator
Short Story Locator
Small Business Research (PDF)
Treaty Research
Vital Records
Student Success
Verify Student Success Card
Tessa: Photo & Digital Collections
L.A. in Focus Videos
Shades of L.A. Oral Histories
Services & Programs
Adult Literacy
Ask a Librarian
Be a Successful Street Vendor
Overview & Permits
Cell-Ed Pathways
Resources & Links
Small Business Help
Book a Librarian
Community Outreach
Cybernauts
Explore L.A.
Homeless Resources
Jobs, Money & Small Business
Memory Lab
New Americans
Octavia Lab & Koreatown Media Lab
Reentry Resources
Reserve a Computer
Seniors
State Park Pass
STEAM
Tech2go
Veterans Resources
Wireless Printing
Neighborhood Science
Events
Adults
Babies & Toddlers
Bilingual Events
Calendar
Celebrations
Central 100 Celebration
Expedition L.A.
Exhibits
Kids
L.A. Made
Seniors
Teens
Locations & Hours
All Branches
Central Library
Departments and Services
Art, Music, & Recreation Department
Business and Economics Department
Children's Literature Department
Computer Center
History & Genealogy Department
International Languages Department
Literature & Fiction Department
Low-Vision Service Centers
Popular Library
Science, Technology, & Patents Department
Social Science, Philosophy & Religion Department
Special Collections
Appointment Request Form
Appraisals
Californiana
Gifts/Donations
Introduction to Special Collections
Mexicana
Photographs
The Special Collections Room Story
Teen'Scape
Directions
Parking
Art And Architecture
Central Library Video Wall
Historical Portraits Project
Goodhue Building
Painting
Public Art Projects
The Literate Fence Quotations
Sculpture
Themes and Inscriptions
Tom Bradley Wing
Central Library Docent Tours
Central Library Virtual Tour
Facility Rentals
Policies
Rates & Occupancy
Holiday Closures
Get Involved
Become a Friend of the Library
Join the Library Foundation of Los Angeles
Make a Donation
Shop The Library Store
Volunteer
About LAPL
Accessibility & ADA Services
Angel City Press
App
Blog
Board of Library Commissioners
Agendas and Minutes
Agendas & Minutes Archive
Board Members
Borrower Services
City Librarian
Connect With Us
Contact Us
eCard Registration
infoNow (Ask A Librarian)
Change of Address
Suggest a Purchase
Library Card Pre-Registration
Solicitud de tarjeta electrónica
Pregúntale a un bibliotecario
Formulario de cambio de dirección
Sugerir una Compra
Solicitud de tarjeta
Jobs & Business Opportunities
Perform at LAPL
Press Room
Press Release Archive
Press Images - Branch Libraries
Press Images - Central Library
Rules of Conduct
Staff Directory
Volunteer Opportunities
Español
¿Qué hay de nuevo?
Títulos recomendados
Ciudadanía
Kids & Parents
Teens
ADA
App
Blog
Connect With Us
Contact Us
FAQs
Online Privacy Policy
Site Map