Steps to apply for a Police Permit:
1. Verify Business Location
Business Activities in Group 1 should consult the Department of Building and Safety and obtain a Zoning and Use Clearance for Police Permit Form and have it signed off. Call 311, (866) 452-2489, or (213) 473-3231 for locations or visit The LADBS Website and look under "Contact Us."
You should not apply for a Police Permit until all Fire and Building Permits are complete and approved, including Conditional Use Permits (CUPs).
2. Assemble Business Documents
Gather the following documents for your business:
a. Purchase Information
For business that were purchased, include (as applicable):
- Bill of sale
- Final escrow papers
- Grant deed
- Mortgages
- Sales Contract
b. Type of Ownership (Entity Type and Requirements Table)
LEGAL
CLASSIFICATION | REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION1 | WHO MUST APPLY2 |
|---|
Sole Proprietorship | Spousal Statement, if needed | Sole Proprietor
(Spouse, if involved in the business) |
Partnership
(General and Limited) | - Spousal Statement, if needed and
- Partnership Agreement
or
- Certificate of Limited Partnership* for limited partnerships | All partners |
Limited Liability Companies | - Articles of Organization
- Fictitious Name Statement
- Operating Agreement, identifying partners | All owners |
Corporation (C-corp., S-corp., and Professional corp.) | - Corporate Resolution/Meeting Minutes identifying officers
- Articles of Incorporation**
- Corporate seal and number
- Stock certificates | The President
All corporate officers
Note: The Corporate Secretary signs the Resolution |
Organization, Association, or Non-profit | Organization/Association Resolution or Organization/Association Bylaws | All executive officers
Note: The Association Secretary signs the Resolution |
1 Documentation must show percentage of ownership of the business for each owner
2 In addition to the persons identified above, any and all person(s) with greater than 5% financial interest in the business must apply, regardless of the legal classification of the business
* Must be certified by the Secretary of State
** The Articles of Organization or Annual Statement (filed with the Secretary of State) must identify who runs the company
c. Deed/Lease to business location for which permit will be requested
d. Zoning and Use Clearance for Police Permit Form WITH CUP, if required for business activity
e. ABC License (with conditions)
f. Other permit specific documents required (this information will be given to you at the permit class
3. Permit Class
Attend a permit class given by the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD). Permit classes are held several times each month. Call (213) 996-1210, Monday through Thursday between the hours of 7:00 to 11:30 am and 1:00 to 3:00 pm,to schedule yourself for a class. Bring your business documents with you to the class. LAPD Staff will explain the application process and supply forms specific to your business.
Any representative who appears for the permit class must have knowledge of the business in order to make the time useful. The representative should be prepared to pass information on to the permit applicants.
MASSAGE THERAPIST APPLICANTS will be scheduled for a special Massage Permit class.
4. Documentation Review
Call the LAPD Permit Processing Section at (213) 996-1210 for an appointment to have your documentation reviewed.
If all documents other than fingerprinting are complete, LAPD staff will collect your documents and give you:
- Authorization to file your application and pay required fees
- Live Scan fingerprint forms
5. File Application and Pay Fees
Applications and payments are submitted to the Office of Finance. Cash, credit cards, or checks, made payable to the City of Los Angeles, are accepted.
6. Fingerprinting
All applicants should be fingerprinted according to specific instructions given during your documentation review. Your application is not complete if fingerprint results are not received.
7. Inspection of Business Location
If an inspection of the business location is requested, you should make yourself available to answer questions that may arise during the inspection. If you do not make the location open to inspection, the permit will be denied.
Group 1 Permits Group 2 Permits
Please note that Police Permits are subject to disclosure under the Public Records Acts.
Guide To Police Related Permits