If you hold a statewide ACO license, can a local city or county require you to obtain a separate local business license as well?

• A. No
• B. Only if you operate within city limits
• C. Yes
• D. Only if you have more than five employees

Answer: (C)

A statewide license shows you meet state standards to operate across California, but localities keep their own licensing powers. Local cities and counties can require a separate local business license to do business within their jurisdiction, even if you hold a statewide alarm company license. This means you must check and comply with local licensing rules wherever you operate, including the specific city or county where your business activity occurs. The result is that you can be required to obtain both the state license and the local license to legally operate in that area. Penalties can apply if you skip the local license.