How to Fill Out the Cannabis Distributor License Application + FAQs

The Cannabis Distributor License Application, known as Form DCC-LIC-007 (Rev. 3/2022), is the form every California business uses to apply for a license to transport and store cannabis goods between licensed operators. You file it with the Department of Cannabis Control, the state agency that licenses and oversees all commercial cannabis activity in California.

If you move cannabis from a grower to a manufacturer, or from a manufacturer to a store, you need this license. Getting one box wrong, like leaving out an owner or forgetting your $5,000 surety bond, can stall your application for weeks or trigger an outright denial. The DCC reviews thousands of license applications, and incomplete submissions are one of the top reasons applications get sent back, so accuracy here saves you both time and money.

Here is what you will learn in this guide:

• 📋 What Form DCC-LIC-007 asks for, section by section, in plain English.
• 🗂️ Every document you must gather before you open the form.
• ✍️ How to fill out each box correctly, with real sample entries.
• 🚫 The most common mistakes that get applications rejected, and how to dodge them.
• 💰 Exactly what it costs to file and what happens after you submit.

What the Form Is and Who Must File It

Form DCC-LIC-007 is the official California application for a cannabis distributor license. A distributor is the licensed middle layer of the legal supply chain. You store cannabis goods, arrange the required lab testing, handle quality assurance, and move product between other licensed businesses. Two license types live on this single form: the Distributor (Type 11), which can transport, store, and conduct quality assurance, and the Distributor-Transport Only (Type 13), which can only move goods between licensees.

You must file this form if you plan to perform any of these activities for pay in California. The license is required under the Medicinal and Adult-Use Cannabis Regulation and Safety Act, the state law that built California’s licensing system. Operating as a distributor without this license is illegal and can lead to fines, seizure of product, and criminal exposure.

The agency that receives and reviews your form is the Department of Cannabis Control, or DCC. The DCC checks your ownership, your premises, your local approval, and your financial backers before it grants a license. The penalty for non-compliance is steep: unlicensed distribution can bring civil penalties of up to three times the license fee for each violation, plus the loss of any chance to enter the legal market. This is why the form forces you to disclose so much detail up front.

You also choose between an A-license (adult-use cannabis) and an M-license (medicinal cannabis) on the form. Many distributors hold both because the same product often serves both markets. Picking the wrong designation does not match the customers you intend to serve, and that mismatch slows your review.

Before You Start: Documents and Information You Need

Gather everything below before you open the application. The form moves fast once you have your paperwork ready, and missing items are the number one cause of delays. Each piece connects to a specific box or required attachment, so collect them as a set.

• Federal tax ID (FEIN) or your SSN/ITIN. Box 7 needs this number, and the DCC uses it to verify your tax standing; a missing or wrong number stalls processing.
• Proof of legal right to occupy the premises. A lease or deed shows you control the address; without it, the DCC cannot confirm your location and will reject the file.
• Completed Premises Diagram form. This scaled drawing shows your storage and operating areas; an unclear diagram triggers a request for correction.
• Proof of a $5,000 surety bond. The bond is payable to the State of California and is mandatory; no bond means no license.
• Local jurisdiction approval. Many cities require a permit or letter; the DCC checks that your city allows your activity at that spot.
• Labor peace agreement documents. If you have 20 or more non-supervisory employees, you must show this agreement or a notarized promise to sign one.
• CEQA compliance or exemption evidence. California environmental law applies to your premises, and the DCC needs proof you meet or are exempt from it.
• Owner and financial-interest-holder details. You need full legal names, birth dates, addresses, government ID numbers, and ownership percentages for every owner of 20% or more.
• Seller’s Permit number from CDTFA. Box 12 asks for your California Department of Tax and Fee Administration permit, which ties your sales tax account to your license.
• The $1,000 non-refundable application fee. You pay this when you submit; it does not come back even if you are denied.

Having these ready means you fill the form once instead of three times. Treat this list as your pre-flight check, because the DCC will not start a real review until your package is complete.

Where to Get the Form and How to Access It

You get the official Cannabis Distributor License Application straight from the state. Download Form DCC-LIC-007 from the Department of Cannabis Control website, where the current version is marked Rev. 3/2022 in the bottom corner of every page. Always confirm that revision date before you start, because an outdated form can be rejected and force you to redo the work.

Most applicants do not mail a paper form at all. California runs an online system, and you complete the same information through the DCC Online Licensing System. The PDF is still useful as a worksheet so you can gather answers offline before you key them into the portal. Working from the PDF first helps you avoid timing out or losing data online.

You create a free account in the licensing system to begin. The portal walks you through the same sections as the paper form, lets you upload your attachments, and processes your fee payment. The DCC also posts application resources and technical guides that show you how to navigate each screen.

If you prefer help, you can work with a licensing consultant or attorney, but the form and the account must still be in your business’s name. The DCC will only discuss your application with an owner or the primary contact you name in Section B, so list that person with care.

Step-by-Step: How to Fill Out Form DCC-LIC-007 Line by Line

This walkthrough follows the form in the exact order it appears. Each field gets its own breakdown so you know what to write, what it looks like, and what goes wrong if you miss it.

Question 1: License Designation (A-License or M-License)

This box asks whether you want an Adult-Use (A-license) or Medicinal (M-license) designation. In plain terms, it asks which market you plan to serve. To answer, check the box for the market that matches your business; you may check both if you will serve adult-use and medicinal customers.

For example, Green Valley Logistics LLC checks both Adult-Use (A-license) and Medicinal (M-license) because it moves product for both kinds of stores. A common edge case is a startup that only plans to serve dispensaries selling recreational product, in which case it checks only Adult-Use.

A common mistake is checking only one box when your customers actually need both, which means you cannot legally move medicinal product later without amending your license. The misconception here is that the A-license covers everything; it does not, and each designation is regulated on its own track.

Question 2: License Type (Type 11 or Type 13)

This box asks which kind of distributor license you want: Distributor (Type 11) or Distributor-Transport Only (Type 13). In plain English, it asks whether you only move goods or also store and conduct quality assurance. To answer, check the one type that fits your business plan.

For example, Marcus Reyes, who only hauls product between a farm and a manufacturer, checks Distributor-Transport Only (Type 13). A full-service operator that stores product and arranges lab testing checks Distributor (Type 11) instead.

A common mistake is checking Type 11 when you only transport, which can leave you paying for activities you never perform. The misconception is that Type 13 lets you store product for sale; it does not, and a transport-only license is limited to moving goods between licensees.

Question 3: Business Organizational Structure

This box asks how your business is legally organized. The choices are Sole Proprietorship, Limited Liability Company, General Partnership, Corporation (or foreign corporation), Limited Partnership, or Limited Liability Partnership. To answer, check the single structure that matches your filing with the California Secretary of State.

For example, Green Valley Logistics LLC checks Limited Liability Company because that is how it registered with the state. A sole owner with no formal entity checks Sole Proprietorship.

A common mistake is checking a structure that does not match your Secretary of State registration, which creates a mismatch the DCC must resolve before approval. The misconception is that this choice is just a label; in fact, it controls which owners and attachments the form later requires.

Question 4: Name and Doing Business As (DBA)

This box asks for your legal name. A sole proprietor writes a first and last name, while every other business type writes its legal business name. You also list any Doing Business As (DBA) name you use with the public.

For example, Green Valley Logistics LLC writes Green Valley Logistics LLC as the legal name and GV Cannabis Transport as the DBA. A nuance: if you have no DBA, leave the DBA line blank rather than repeating the legal name.

A common mistake is entering a brand name in the legal-name box, which fails to match your formation documents and triggers a hold. The misconception is that the DBA and legal name are interchangeable; the DCC treats them as separate, and your license issues under the legal name.

Question 5: Business Premises and Mailing Address

This box asks for the physical address of your licensed premises, plus a mailing address if it differs. In plain English, it asks where you will actually operate. To answer, write the full street address, city, state, and ZIP code for the premises, then add the mailing address only if mail goes somewhere else.

For example, Green Valley Logistics LLC writes 1450 Harbor Way, Oakland, CA 94607 as its premises and uses a P.O. Box for mail. A common edge case is a business that runs from the same place it gets mail, in which case you leave the mailing lines blank.

A common mistake is listing an address your local city has not approved for cannabis activity, which leads to denial because the premises must comply with local rules. The misconception is that you can change the premises freely later; in fact, your license is tied to that exact location.

Question 6: Business Website, Email, and Phone

This box asks for your business website, business email address, and business phone number. To answer, enter your active company contact details, not a personal account, since the DCC may use them for official notices.

For example, Green Valley Logistics LLC writes info@gvcannabis.com and (510) 555-0148. A nuance: if you have no website yet, you may leave that line blank, but the email and phone are expected.

A common mistake is listing a personal email that no one checks for business mail, which means you miss DCC requests and your application lapses. The misconception is that this contact info is minor; in reality, the DCC sends time-sensitive correction notices to it.

Question 7: SSN, ITIN, or FEIN

This box asks for your Social Security Number, Individual Taxpayer Identification Number, or your business’s Federal Employer Identification Number. To answer, enter the number that matches your tax status, formatted as your tax records show it.

For example, Green Valley Logistics LLC enters its FEIN 87-1234567, while a sole proprietor with no FEIN enters an SSN. A nuance: most entities should use the FEIN, while only sole proprietors without staff lean on an SSN.

A common mistake is transposing digits, which causes the DCC’s tax cross-check to fail and freezes the application. The misconception is that this number is optional for small filers; it is required, and the agency uses it to confirm you are in good standing.

Section B, Question 8: Primary Contact Person

This box asks for the name, title, phone number, and email of the person the DCC can talk to about your application. In plain English, it names your point of contact. To answer, enter one person the agency may call with questions; the DCC will only discuss the file with this person or an owner.

For example, Green Valley Logistics LLC lists Dana Cole, Compliance Manager, (510) 555-0149, dana@gvcannabis.com. A nuance: if your agent for service of process differs from this contact, you include that agent’s details too.

A common mistake is naming someone who has left the company, which means the DCC cannot reach anyone authorized to fix issues. The misconception is that any employee can speak for the application; only this named contact or an owner may.

Section C, Question 9: Proximity to a School, Day Care, or Youth Center

This box asks whether your proposed premises sits within a 600-foot radius of a K-12 school, day care center, or youth center. You answer Yes or No. To answer, measure the distance from your premises to these sites and check the honest result.

For example, Marcus Reyes checks No because his nearest school is half a mile away. If you answer Yes, you must attach evidence that your premises complies with local jurisdiction rules.

A common mistake is guessing the distance instead of measuring it, which can lead to a denial if the state finds a school nearby. The misconception is that a Yes answer always blocks you; some cities allow it with proof of local approval.

Section C, Question 10: Tribal or Sovereign Entity Status

This box asks whether you are a federally recognized tribe or other sovereign entity, answered Yes or No. To answer, check Yes only if your business holds that legal status.

For example, Green Valley Logistics LLC checks No. If you check Yes, you must attach a limited sovereign immunity waiver with your application.

A common mistake is leaving this blank, which the DCC reads as incomplete and returns. The misconception is that sovereign status exempts you from the form; you still apply, but you add the required waiver.

Section C, Question 11: CEQA Compliance or Exemption

This box asks whether you have evidence of California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) compliance or exemption, answered Yes or No. To answer, check Yes if you can attach proof, then include that proof.

For example, Green Valley Logistics LLC checks Yes and attaches a local exemption notice for its existing warehouse. A nuance: most transport-only operators in a built warehouse qualify for an exemption rather than a full review.

A common mistake is checking Yes without attaching the evidence, which the DCC treats as a missing document. The misconception is that CEQA only applies to construction; it can apply to your operation at a site, so do not skip it.

Section C, Question 12: CDTFA Seller’s Permit Number

This box asks for your California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA) Seller’s Permit number, if you have one. To answer, enter the permit number, or attest that you are applying for one if you do not yet hold it.

For example, Green Valley Logistics LLC enters its seller’s permit SR-FH-123-456789. A nuance: if you have no permit, you check the attestation that you are applying for one rather than leaving it blank.

A common mistake is leaving this empty with no attestation, which stalls the file because cannabis distributors must collect and remit taxes. The misconception is that distributors do not need a seller’s permit; they do, since they handle taxable transactions.

Section C, Question 13: Number of Employees and SEIN

This box asks how many employees you have, not counting owners, and asks for your State Employment Identification Number (SEIN) if you have more than one employee. To answer, enter your true headcount and add the SEIN when required.

For example, Green Valley Logistics LLC writes 8 employees and lists its SEIN. A nuance: count only employees, not owners or independent contractors, when you fill this in.

A common mistake is overcounting by including owners, which can mislead the DCC about your labor obligations. The misconception is that the count never matters; it sets off the labor peace agreement rules in the next question.

Section C, Question 14: Labor Peace Agreement

This box asks how you will meet the labor peace agreement rule, which depends on your employee count. If you have 20 or more non-supervisory employees, you must provide a notarized statement that you will sign and follow a labor peace agreement, or documentation that you already have one. To answer, check the option that fits and attach the matching document.

For example, a large distributor with 25 staff attaches a signed agreement’s signature page. A smaller business with fewer than 20 non-supervisory employees attaches a notarized statement promising to enter an agreement within 60 days of hiring its 20th non-supervisory worker.

A common mistake is ignoring this box because you have a small team, which still requires the notarized future-promise statement. The misconception is that only big companies deal with this; every applicant with employees addresses it in some form.

Section C, Question 15: Cal-OSHA Training Attestation

This box asks, if you have one or more non-supervisory employees, whether you attest that within one year of licensing you will have a supervisor and an employee who completed a Cal-OSHA 30-hour general industry course from an OSHA Training Institute Education Center. You answer Yes. To answer, check Yes if you commit to meeting this safety-training rule.

For example, Green Valley Logistics LLC checks Yes and plans to enroll its warehouse lead in the 30-hour course. A nuance: the course must come from an approved OSHA Training Institute Education Center, not just any safety class.

A common mistake is treating this as optional and skipping it, which leaves a required attestation blank and delays approval. The misconception is that any safety training counts; only the specific Cal-OSHA 30-hour course satisfies the rule.

Section C, Question 16: Self-Distribution of Own Goods

This box asks whether you will transport only cannabis goods that you cultivated or manufactured yourself, answered Yes or No. If you answer Yes, you provide your cultivation or manufacturing license numbers. To answer, check Yes only if you are a self-distributing producer.

For example, Marcus Reyes, who only hauls product for others, checks No. A grower who moves only its own harvest checks Yes and lists its cultivation license number.

A common mistake is checking Yes without listing the required license numbers, which leaves the claim unverified. The misconception is that this box only affects transport; it actually moves you into a much lower fee tier, so answer it with care.

Section D, Question 17: List of Owners

This section asks you to list every owner. An owner is anyone with an aggregate interest of 20% or more, the chief executive officer, a nonprofit board member, or anyone who directs, controls, or manages the business. To answer, enter each owner’s name, title, ownership percentage, email, mailing address, SSN, date and place of birth, and government-issued ID number, and attach extra pages if needed.

For example, Green Valley Logistics LLC lists Dana Cole, 60% and Priya Shah, 40%, each with full details. A nuance: every owner must also submit a separate Owner Submittal form, so this list is not the end of the work.

A common mistake is leaving out a quiet partner who holds 20% or more, which the DCC treats as a serious omission that can void the application. The misconception is that only the CEO counts as an owner; anyone with real control or a 20% stake must appear here.

Section E, Question 18: Entity Financial Interest Holders

This section asks about entities, not individuals, that hold a financial interest in your cannabis business. To answer, enter the name of the entity, its organizational structure, phone number, and email address for each one, with extra pages as needed.

For example, if an investment LLC funds Green Valley Logistics LLC, that LLC’s name and structure go here. A nuance: this applies only to businesses or organizations, since people go in the owners or non-owner financial-interest sections.

A common mistake is skipping an entity investor that quietly backs the business, which hides a financial interest the DCC requires you to disclose. The misconception is that only owners with a percentage matter; any entity with a financial interest must be named.

Section F, Question 19: Non-Owners With a Financial Interest

This section asks about people who are not owners but still hold a financial interest in the business. To answer, enter each person’s name, date of birth, government ID type and number, current employer, telephone number, and ownership-related details, attaching pages as needed.

For example, a lender who gets a share of profits but holds no equity is listed here with full details. A nuance: a financial interest can include profit-sharing or a loan tied to revenue, not just ownership.

A common mistake is assuming a non-owner investor does not need to be disclosed, which hides a financial interest and risks denial. The misconception is that only equity owners report; anyone with a financial stake in the profits belongs in this section.

Section G, Question 20: Fictitious Business Names

This section asks for fictitious business names, listing each business name and its address. To answer, enter every fictitious or trade name your business uses, with the matching address, city, state, and ZIP code.

For example, Green Valley Logistics LLC lists GV Cannabis Transport with its registered address. A nuance: if your DBA is registered with your county, the name and address should match that filing.

A common mistake is listing a name you never registered with the county, which creates a mismatch the DCC flags. The misconception is that you can use any trade name freely; fictitious names must be properly registered first.

Section H: Licensing Fee Determination

This section asks you to pick the fee tier that matches your expected gross revenue for the 12-month license period, under Department Regulations section 15014. To answer, estimate your gross revenue and check the tier that fits, from Less than or equal to $1 million ($1,500) up to More than $70 million ($240,000).

For example, Green Valley Logistics LLC expects $4 million in revenue, so it checks the More than $2.5 million and less or equal to $5 million ($11,250) tier. A nuance: a Type 13 self-distributor who answered Yes to Question 16 uses a much smaller scale, from $200 to $1,000.

A common mistake is lowballing revenue to pay a smaller fee, which can lead to a fee correction or penalties when real numbers come in. The misconception is that the tier is a guess with no consequence; the DCC can review your revenue, and an underpayment delays your license.

Section I: Required Attachments and Documents

This section is a checklist of documents you must attach. To answer, gather and upload each item that applies: evidence of your legal right to occupy the premises, the Premises Diagram form, a Secretary of State certificate if you are a foreign corporation or LLC, evidence of local compliance if you answered Yes to Question 9, a sovereign immunity waiver if you answered Yes to Question 10, CEQA evidence, labor peace agreement documents tied to Question 14, and proof of a $5,000 surety bond payable to the State of California.

For example, Green Valley Logistics LLC uploads its lease, a scaled premises diagram, its CEQA exemption, and its $5,000 bond. A nuance: not every item applies to every applicant, but the surety bond and premises proof apply to almost everyone.

A common mistake is submitting the form with one attachment missing, which the DCC treats as incomplete and returns without review. The misconception is that you can send attachments later; the DCC wants a complete package, and gaps reset your place in the queue.

Affirmation and Consent (Signature Block)

This block is your sworn statement. You declare, under penalty of perjury, that everything in and submitted with the application is complete, true, and accurate. To answer, sign your name, print your name, and date the form, knowing that a misrepresentation can cause rejection, denial, or revocation.

For example, Dana Cole signs as Dana Cole, prints the same, and dates it 06/02/2026. A nuance: an owner or authorized officer should sign, not a clerk who lacks authority.

A common mistake is signing before the form is finished, which means you swear to information you have not checked. The misconception is that the signature is a formality; it is a legal oath, and false statements carry real penalties.

Three Filled-Out Examples Using Real Scenarios

Below are three named filers walking through the form from start to finish. Each shows how different businesses complete the same boxes.

Scenario 1: Green Valley Logistics LLC, a full Type 11 distributor expecting $4 million in revenue.

Form Section	What Green Valley Logistics Enters
Q1 License Designation	Checks both Adult-Use (A) and Medicinal (M)
Q2 License Type	Distributor (Type 11)
Q3 Structure	Limited Liability Company
Q4 Name / DBA	Green Valley Logistics LLC / GV Cannabis Transport
Q5 Premises	1450 Harbor Way, Oakland, CA 94607
Q7 Tax ID	FEIN 87-1234567
Q14 Labor Peace	Attaches signed agreement (25 employees)
Section H Fee Tier	$2.5M–$5M ($11,250)
Section I Attachments	Lease, premises diagram, CEQA exemption, $5,000 bond

Scenario 2: Marcus Reyes, a Type 13 Distributor-Transport Only operator hauling for other licensees.

Form Section	What Marcus Reyes Enters
Q1 License Designation	Checks Adult-Use (A) only
Q2 License Type	Distributor-Transport Only (Type 13)
Q3 Structure	Sole Proprietorship
Q4 Name	Marcus Reyes
Q9 School Proximity	No
Q13 Employees	2
Q16 Self-Distribution	No
Section H Fee Tier	$1M or less ($1,500)
Section I Attachments	Lease, premises diagram, $5,000 bond

Scenario 3: Sunrise Farms Inc., a grower self-distributing only its own product (Type 13, Question 16 = Yes).

Form Section	What Sunrise Farms Enters
Q1 License Designation	Checks Medicinal (M) only
Q2 License Type	Distributor-Transport Only (Type 13)
Q3 Structure	Corporation
Q4 Name	Sunrise Farms Inc.
Q16 Self-Distribution	Yes, lists cultivation license CCL22-0001234
Q17 Owners	Aisha Bello, 100% with full details
Section H Fee Tier	Self-distribution tier More than $3,000 ($1,000)
Section I Attachments	Deed, premises diagram, CEQA exemption, $5,000 bond
Signature	Aisha Bello, dated 06/02/2026

How to File the Completed Form

California offers a clear filing path, and most applicants file online. Below is what each channel involves so you can pick the one that fits.

• Online portal (recommended). File through the DCC Online Licensing System. You create a free account, enter the same data as the PDF, upload your attachments, and pay the $1,000 non-refundable application fee by credit card or e-check. The portal gives you a confirmation and a CLEaR application record number; save that number as your proof of filing.

• Cash payment by appointment. If you must pay the application fee in cash, the form directs you to contact the Department to schedule an appointment. You still complete the application online or on paper, and you keep your receipt as proof. Cash is the exception, not the norm, so plan ahead because appointments take time.

Processing time varies with how complete your package is. A clean application with every attachment moves faster, while a file with missing documents goes into a correction cycle that adds weeks. After you submit, the DCC issues correction notices through your account, so check it often. Keep a full copy of everything you sent, including your bond and your fee receipt, because that record protects you if a dispute comes up later.

What Happens After You File

Once you submit, the DCC reviews your application for completeness first. If anything is missing, the agency sends a deficiency notice through your online account and gives you a window to fix it. You should respond quickly, because an ignored notice can lead to withdrawal of your application.

After the completeness check, the DCC reviews your owners, your premises, your local approval, and your financial-interest holders. The agency may run background checks on owners and confirm your local jurisdiction allows the activity. This is why accurate owner and financial-interest entries matter so much; a hidden owner found later can undo the whole approval.

If everything checks out, the DCC issues your distributor license, and you pay your annual license fee based on the tier you selected. The license ties to your specific premises and license type, so you operate only as approved. You then keep your records current and renew before the license expires, since lapses can interrupt your legal right to distribute.

If the DCC denies your application, it tells you why, and you may have a path to appeal or reapply. Common denial reasons trace back to the form itself, like missing attachments or owner gaps, which is why careful filing pays off. Treat the issued license as a living obligation, not a one-time event.

Mistakes to Avoid When Filling Out the Form

• Using an outdated form version. The DCC may reject anything other than the current Rev. 3/2022 form, forcing a full redo.
• Leaving out an owner with 20% or more. This omission can void your application and trigger a fraud review.
• Skipping the $5,000 surety bond. With no bond attached, the DCC cannot issue your license.
• Checking only one license designation when you need both. You then cannot legally serve the other market without amending later.
• Listing a premises your city has not approved. Local non-compliance leads to denial because the location must clear local rules.
• Entering a brand name in the legal-name box. The mismatch with your formation papers stalls the review.
• Transposing digits in your FEIN or SSN. A failed tax cross-check freezes the file.
• Lowballing your revenue tier in Section H. The DCC can correct the fee and add penalties when real numbers appear.
• Ignoring the labor peace agreement box. Even small employers must attach the notarized future-promise statement.
• Forgetting the CEQA evidence after checking Yes. The DCC treats the empty attachment as a missing document.
• Naming a primary contact who has left the company. The agency then cannot reach anyone to fix problems.
• Signing before the form is complete. You swear under penalty of perjury to information you never verified.

Do’s and Don’ts

Do:

• Do measure the 600-foot school distance before answering Question 9, because a wrong guess can mean denial.
• Do gather every attachment first, since the DCC will not review an incomplete package.
• Do list every owner and financial-interest holder, because hidden interests can void an approved license.
• Do save your CLEaR record number and fee receipt, as they prove you filed.
• Do confirm the form’s Rev. 3/2022 date, so you do not submit an old version.
• Do match your legal name to your Secretary of State filing, to avoid a name-mismatch hold.

Don’t:

• Don’t underestimate your revenue tier, because a fee correction can delay your license.
• Don’t leave required attestations blank, since the DCC reads blanks as incomplete.
• Don’t use a personal email as your business contact, or you may miss urgent notices.
• Don’t assume a small team skips the labor peace box, because the notarized promise still applies.
• Don’t change your premises casually after filing, as the license ties to that exact address.
• Don’t sign on someone else’s behalf without authority, since the oath carries legal weight.

Pros and Cons of Filing on Your Own vs. With Help

Pros of filing on your own:

• You save money by skipping consultant or attorney fees, which can run into the thousands.
• You learn your own business deeply, which helps you stay compliant after licensing.
• You control the timeline, filing as soon as your documents are ready.
• You avoid miscommunication, since you enter your own data directly.
• You build a direct relationship with the DCC portal, which you will use for renewals.

Cons of filing on your own:

• You risk missing a required attachment, which sends your file into a correction cycle.
• You may misjudge owner and financial-interest rules, the most error-prone part of the form.
• You handle the local-approval maze alone, which differs by city.
• You may pick the wrong fee tier, leading to corrections or penalties.
• You spend significant time learning a process a professional already knows.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a separate license for transport only?

Yes. The Distributor-Transport Only (Type 13) license lets you move goods between licensees, while the full Distributor (Type 11) adds storage and quality assurance. Choose the one that matches your activity.

Is the $1,000 application fee refundable if I am denied?

No. The application fee is non-refundable. You pay it when you submit, and you do not get it back even if the DCC denies or you withdraw the application.

Do I write my brand name or legal name in Box 4?

No. Write your legal business name in Box 4 and put your brand in the Doing Business As (DBA) line. The license issues under the legal name.

Do I have to list a partner who owns exactly 20%?

Yes. Anyone with an aggregate interest of 20% or more is an owner under Section D and must be listed, with full details and a separate Owner Submittal form.

Is the $5,000 surety bond really required?

Yes. Proof of a $5,000 surety bond payable to the State of California is a required attachment in Section I, and your application cannot be approved without it.

Do I need a CDTFA Seller’s Permit before I file Box 12?

No. You may attest in Box 12 that you are applying for a seller’s permit if you do not yet hold one, rather than leaving it blank.

Does answering Yes to Question 16 change my fee?

Yes. A Type 13 self-distributor who transports only its own goods uses the lower fee scale, from $200 to $1,000, instead of the standard revenue tiers.

Do small businesses skip the labor peace agreement box?

No. Even with fewer than 20 non-supervisory employees, you must attach a notarized statement promising to enter an agreement within 60 days of hiring your 20th non-supervisory worker.

Can I file the application on paper instead of online?

Yes. The PDF works as a worksheet, but California’s online licensing system is the standard channel, and most applicants complete and submit through the portal.

Does a Yes answer on Question 9 automatically block my license?

No. A premises within 600 feet of a school can still qualify if you attach evidence that it complies with your local jurisdiction’s rules.

Do I count owners when I answer Question 13 on employees?

No. Question 13 asks for the number of employees not counting owners, so leave owners and contractors out of that headcount.

Is the signature block just a formality?

No. The Affirmation and Consent is a sworn statement under penalty of perjury, and a misrepresentation can cause rejection, denial, or revocation of your license.

Do I need a notarized labor peace statement if I already have an agreement?

No. If you already have a labor peace agreement, you attach a copy of its signature page instead of a notarized future-promise statement.

Can I add a new business address to this same license later?

No. The license ties to the exact premises on the form, so a new location generally requires a separate application or amendment, not a casual update.