Starting new business in Los Angeles

[Vincy]

I am in the process of starting a new limo business in Los Angeles and am looking for any tips or advice from some vets of the business. Any input is greatly appreciated. Thanks.

[Vincy]

Also need some input on getting through all the red tape....Permits, license, etc.

[D. Hartson]

Follow ALL directions on the PUC application and make sure you fill out everything. Call the local airports or go the their web site and get the applications so you will be ready when you get the authority to operate. Join the GCLA (Greater California Livery Assocation) and get to know other operators. They have a web site too!

Red tape is Red tape. Take one page at a time.

Good Luck!

Dave

[Dave M]

I touched upon this subject in another post. It can be found here - Startup Outline (http://limos.infopop.cc/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/1896007732/m/3811096354/r/1031088754#1031088754)

[Steve W.]

Hey Vincy welcome to the forum!

Another member here Karl did this list a few years ago for CA this is the basic order you should do things in:

Fictitious Name Statement
Q: I WANT TO OPEN A BUSINESS. HOW DO I FILE FOR A FICTITIOUS NAME STATEMENT AND A BUSINESS LICENSE?

A: You must obtain a fictitious name statement (commonly known as a DBA) from the Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk’s Office. For information, go to http://www.lavote.net/CLERK/Business_Name.cfm. If you live in an unincorporated area of the County, Agoura Hills, Calabasas, Diamond Bar, Malibu, Santa Clarita or Westlake Village, you should check with the County’s Business License Office to see if you need a license. Information is available at (213) 974-2011 or on the Treasurer-Tax Collector’s website at http://ttax.co.la.ca.us/main.htm. Look under Services, Business License. If your business is in one of the other 88 cities in the County, you should check with the local city hall. For a list of city hall phone numbers, go to http://lacounty.info/cityoff.pdf


May need some other local business licensees or federal ID numbers:
http://www.sba.gov/smallbusinessplanner/start/getlicensesandpermits/index.html

Business Banking account (simple)

Car (?)

Commercial vehicle Insurance ($1.5M minimum)

Workmen’s Comp (if you will have employees)

DMV Pull Notice Program (simple)
http://www.dmv.ca.gov/vehindustry/epn/epngeninfo.htm

CHP Motor Carrier registration
http://www.dmv.ca.gov/vehindustry/mcp/mcpinfo.htm

Drug Program
http://www.tagams.com is who we use, great folks

PUC Filing (they give TCP number)
http://www.cpuc.ca.gov/PUC/transportation/passengers/

A few items could be swapped around, but the PUC filing will absolutely be last, so far as getting licensed. For many, a $500 filing fee is a substantial hit especially when it’s NON-REFUNDABLE. So to avoid any snags, setbacks, delays (or rejection) make sure the little ducks are all lined up precisely.

Then you go and regester with the airports you want to serve, few more fees but as long as everything else is in order you wont have a problem.

Good Luck!

[D. Hartson]

Hi Vincy, I can help you through this process if you are intersted. You can reach me at dhartson@aol.com

Good Luck Dave