Licenses & Permits to Open a Restaurants & Bar in San Francisco, CA
Opening a restaurants & bar in San Francisco requires between 12–16 permits. Here's the complete list, with costs, timelines, and links to every agency. If you are missing licenses, we can handle registration and then manage renewals for you.
Complete License Checklist for Restaurants & Bars in San Francisco
| License | Required? | Cost | Issuing Agency | Renewal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business License | Yes | $50–$500 | Office of the Treasurer & Tax Collector | Annual |
| Health Permit | Yes | $100–$1000 | Office of the Treasurer & Tax Collector | Annual |
| Food Handler's Permit | Yes | $10–$50 | Office of the Treasurer & Tax Collector | Every 2–3 years |
| Liquor / Alcohol License | If applicable | $300–$15000 | Office of the Treasurer & Tax Collector | Annual |
| Fire Inspection Certificate | Yes | $50–$500 | Office of the Treasurer & Tax Collector | Annual |
| Signage / Sign Permit | If applicable | $25–$500 | Office of the Treasurer & Tax Collector | One-time or annual |
| Building Permit | If applicable | $100–$5000 | Office of the Treasurer & Tax Collector | Per project |
| Certificate of Occupancy | Yes | $25–$500 | Office of the Treasurer & Tax Collector | Upon change of use or tenancy |
| Sales Tax Permit | Yes | $0–$100 | Office of the Treasurer & Tax Collector | Varies by state |
| DBA / Fictitious Business Name | If applicable | $10–$100 | Office of the Treasurer & Tax Collector | Every 5 years |
| Music License (ASCAP / BMI / SESAC) | If applicable | $250–$2000 | Office of the Treasurer & Tax Collector | Annual |
| Sidewalk Café / Outdoor Dining Permit | If applicable | $100–$1500 | Office of the Treasurer & Tax Collector | Annual |
Total Estimated Cost
The total licensing cost for a restaurants & bar in San Francisco varies based on your specific business activities, size, and location. Budget for the sum of all applicable license fees listed above, plus potential inspection and professional certification costs.
We'll track all licenses for your restaurants & bar in San Francisco.
We can register missing licenses first, then manage every renewal deadline.
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