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HomeFinancial CodeDiv. 1.2Ch. 3§ 2038 License And Branch Fees

§ 2038 License And Branch Fees

Financial Code·California
AI Summary·Official Text·Key Terms·Related Statutes·References
AI SummaryVerified

§ 2038 License And Branch Fees

Key Takeaways

  • •You pay $5,000 to apply for a license.
  • •If you want to buy a company that already has a license, you pay $3,500.
  • •Every year, you pay $2,500 to keep your license.
  • •If you have extra offices, you pay $125 for each one every year.
  • •If the government checks your business, you pay for their time and travel.

Example

You want to start a business that needs a special license.

First, you pay $5,000 to apply for the license. If you get it, you pay $2,500 every year to keep it. If you open another office, you pay $125 more each year for that office.

AI-generated — May contain errors. Not legal advice. Always verify source.

Official Source
View on CA.gov

§ 2038 License And Branch Fees

Fees shall be paid to, and collected by, the commissioner, as follows: (a) The fee for filing an application for a license is five thousand dollars ($5,000), as provided in subdivision (a) of Section 2032. (b) The fee for filing an application for approval to acquire control of a licensee is three thousand five hundred dollars ($3,500). (c) A licensee shall pay annually on or before July 1, a licensee fee of two thousand five hundred dollars ($2,500). (d) A licensee shall pay annually on or before July 1, one hundred twenty-five dollars ($125) for each licensee branch office in this state. (e) A licensee shall pay annually on or before July 1, twenty-five dollars ($25) for each agent branch office in this state. (f) Whenever the commissioner examines a licensee or any agent of a licensee, the licensee shall pay, within 10 days after receipt of a statement from the commissioner, a fee for the examination, as determined by the commissioner. In determining the fee, the commissioner may use the estimated average hourly cost, including, but not limited to, overhead, for all persons performing the examination, plus, if it is necessary for any examiner engaged in the examination to travel outside this state, the travel expenses of the examiner. (g) Whenever the commissioner examines an applicant, the applicant shall pay, within 10 days after receipt of a statement from the commissioner, a fee for the examination, as determined by the commissioner. In determining the fee, the commissioner may use the estimated average hourly cost, including, but not limited to, overhead, for all persons performing the examination, plus, if it is necessary for any examiner engaged in the examination to travel outside this state, the travel expenses of the examiner. (h) Each fee for filing an application shall be paid at the time the application is filed with the commissioner. No fee for filing an application shall be refundable, regardless of whether the application is approved, denied, or withdrawn. (Amended by Stats. 2025, Ch. 20, Sec. 10. (AB 137) Effective June 30, 2025.)

Last verified: January 23, 2026

Key Terms

applicationexaminationcommissionlicensestatement

Related Statutes

  • § 31115 License Application Fees
  • § 17406 Licensee Audit Report Requirements
  • § 23045 License Surrender And Revocation
  • § 23046 Deferred Deposit Business Examinations
  • § 23100 Deferred Deposit Licensing Requirements

References

  • Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
  • California Legislature. Financial Code. Section 2038.
View Official Source