Licenses - Advertisers - Business & Professions - CA

Section § 5300

This law is about who is considered to be in the 'business of outdoor advertising' in California. It states that someone is in this business if they put up or change an advertisement seen from a state highway or freeway and it's not just promoting their business. However, if a product manufacturer or distributor gives a sign to a retailer about the product to put on the retailer's premises, they aren't considered in the outdoor advertising business.

(a) A person engages in the business of outdoor advertising whenever, personally or through employees, that person places an advertising display, changes the advertising message of an advertising display that does not pertain exclusively to that person’s business and is visible to a state highway or freeway.

(b) A manufacturer or distributor of a product for sale to the general public does not engage in the business of outdoor advertising when furnishing a sign pertaining to the product to a retailer of that product for installation on the retailer’s place of business or when installing on the retailer’s place of business a sign containing advertising pertaining to the product, the name or the business of the retailer.

outdoor advertising advertising display state highway

Section § 5301

If you want to do outdoor advertising as a business, you need to pay a license fee every year. This fee is due upfront on July 1st, and the license lasts for a year from that date. You must get a license even if your advertising doesn't need a special permit.

No person shall engage in or carry on the business or occupation of outdoor advertising without first having paid the license fee provided by this chapter. The fee is payable annually in advance on the first day of July of each year to the director or his authorized agent. Each license shall remain in force for the term of one year from and after the first day of July, and may be renewed annually.

A license shall be obtained whether or not the advertising display requires a permit.

outdoor advertising license fee annual payment

Section § 5302

This law states that licenses given from July 1st onwards will expire on June 30th the following year. If you get a new license after July 1st, the fee is adjusted so you only pay for the months left in the fiscal year, calculated as one-twelfth of the yearly fee per month.

All licenses issued on or after the first day of July shall expire on the 30th day of June following the date of issue. Fees for original licenses issued after the first day of July of each year shall be apportioned and collected on the basis of one-twelfth of the fee for each month or part thereof remaining in the fiscal year.

license expiration July license issuance June 30 expiration

Section § 5303

To get a license for outdoor advertising, you need to fill out a form provided by the director. This form must include your full name, business address, and a statement saying you've received and understand the relevant rules and regulations. Once you have the license, you can operate your outdoor advertising business and request permits for its duration.

Every application for a license shall be made on a form to be furnished by the director. It shall state the full name of the applicant and the post office address of his fixed place of business and shall contain a certification that the applicant has obtained a copy of the provisions of this chapter and any regulations adopted thereunder and is aware of their contents.

The issuance of a license entitles the holder to engage in or carry on the outdoor advertising business and to apply for permits during the term of the license.

outdoor advertising license application business address