Licensing Frequently Asked Questions - Home Furnishings and Thermal Insulation

1. I am an online retail merchant from another State, do I need to be registered with the Bureau as a Furniture and/or Bedding Retailer?

Yes. An out-of-state retailer does have to obtain a license with the Bureau. Pursuant to Business & Professions Code Section 19060.5:

Every person who, on his or her own account, sells either directly or indirectly to any person either at wholesale or retail any merchandise subject to this chapter by means of a car, catalog, office or in any other manner, shall obtain the proper license for each method of sale or distribution.

It is important to note that this law does not serve to exclude an out-of-state businesses from accessing the California market nor does it place additional burdens or demands on out-of-state businesses beyond those that we require of an in-state business.

2. How do I obtain a license from the Bureau of Household Goods and Services?

You must complete an application, with original signature, and send it with the appropriate fees to:
Department of Consumer Affairs
BHGS Licensing
PO Box 980580
West Sacramento, CA 95798-0580

BHGS will review your application and if there are no grounds for denial of your application, a license may be issued.

Please visit our Applicants and Licensees page for a fill and print application for all license types.

3. What's a Registry Number?

4. How much does a license cost?

Fees vary based on license type. Please view the following chart to locate the appropriate fees.

5. Am I required to have a separate sanitizer license to sanitize and sell used bedding?

No. If you hold one of the following licenses, you do not need a separate sanitizer license:

1. Manufacturer
2. Bedding Retailer
3. Furniture and Bedding Retailer
4. Custom Upholsterer

When applying for one of these licenses, you should state in your application that you perform sanitization and the method used. You will be issued a registry number to use on your product labels.

6. How long is the license valid?

Licenses related to Home Furnishings (manufacturer, retailer, wholesaler, custom upholsterer, supply dealer, sanitizer, importer) are issued for 2 years. Thermal Insulation Manufacturer licenses are issued for 1 year.

7. How long will it take for me to receive my license?

From the time your application and fees are received by the Bureau, it will take approximately 4 - 6 weeks to process and mail your registration certificate. Times will also vary based on workload.

8. May I send my application via an overnight courier?

Yes, please send your completed application and fees to the following address:

Department of Consumer Affairs
BHGS Licensing
1625 N. Market Blvd., Suite S-100
Sacramento, CA 95834

9. Are there any examination, education, or experience requirements for a Bureau license?

No.

10. Do I need a license to make and sell quilts, pillows or comforters?

Yes. An individual who, in his or her own home and without employment of any other person, makes, sells, advertises, or contracts to make pillows, quilts, quilted pads, or comforters, must obtain a license and comply with the Bureau's licensing laws. To begin the process, you should submit an application, fee waiver form, and letter verifying that you sell out of your home. The license fee is waived.

11. What can I do if my license is denied?

You have the right to request a hearing if you are notified that your license application has been denied. You must appeal a denial within 60 days after service of the notice of denial by requesting in writing that you wish to have a hearing on the denial. Please send your request to 4244 S. Market Court, Suite D, Sacramento, CA, 95834, ATTN: Licensing Unit. If you do not request a hearing within the 60-day period, your right to a hearing is deemed waived. The earliest date you may reapply is one (1) year from the date of the Bureau's denial.

12. What should I expect after I send in my request for a hearing?

Upon receipt of the request, the Bureau will forward the information to the Department of Justice, Office of Attorney General to process the case, prepare a Statement of Issues, and schedule a hearing. You will be notified of the time and place of the hearing.

You may have legal representation at the hearing. the Bureau will be represented by the Department of Justice, Office of the Attorney General. A decision will be made after the hearing. If the denial is upheld, the earliest date you may reapply is one (1) year from the effective date of the decision.

13. Where can I find the law that applies to the application appeal process?

You have the right to a hearing in accordance with Chapter 5 (commencing with Section 11500) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code. Please visit the web site of the Office of Administrative Hearings to view this law.

14. How do I renew my license?

You must renew your license prior to the expiration date. Approximately 45 days prior to the expiration date, the Bureau mails out courtesy renewal notices to the last known address on record. Please follow the instructions on the renewal notice and submit with the appropriate fees.

15. What if I do not receive a renewal notice?

If you do not receive a renewal notice, please send a copy of your license certificate with appropriate fees to the PO Box address stated above. If you are unable to make a copy of your license, you can send a letter with your current information, license number and renewal fee.

16. How often must a license be renewed?

A license related to Home Furnishings (manufacturer, retailer, wholesaler, custom upholsterer, supply dealer, sanitizer, importer) is issued for 2 years, and renews every 2 years on the established renewal date.

An initial Thermal Insulation Manufacturer license is issued for 1 year, and renews every year on the established renewal date.

17. How much is a renewal?

Please view the following chart for appropriate renewal fees.

18. How much are the delinquency/penalty fees?

Renewals postmarked on or after the expiration date are subject to the delinquency fee. Renewals that are beyond 90 days from the expiration date are subject to an additional penalty fee. Please view the following chart for appropriate delinquency and penalty fees.

19. How can I change my business name or address?

Notify the Bureau in writing by fax, email or letter with your license number, new and former business name, and new and former address as applicable. Please be sure to notify us if there is a separate mailing address. You must notify the Bureau within 30 days after changing your business name or address. There is no additional fee for this request.

20. I've lost my license certificate, how can I get a duplicate?

Notify the Bureau in writing by fax, email or letter with your license number and request the certificate. There is no additional fee for this request.