California Temporary Seller’s Permit for Craft Fairs and Events

California craft vendors generally need a seller’s permit when they sell new or handcrafted items, or used items acquired for resale, even if they sell only temporarily. The correct registration depends on how the business operates. A vendor without an existing permit may qualify for a temporary seller’s permit, while a seller with a permit for a permanent place of business registers a sub-permit for each temporary location instead.

Because California’s official materials contain differing descriptions of how long temporary operations may last, vendors should enter accurate event dates and confirm that the requested period is accepted during registration.

California temporary seller’s permit quick facts

Who needs a permit for a craft fair or event?

The permit requirement applies to California sellers offering new merchandise, handcrafted goods, or used items they acquired for resale. That includes a maker selling handmade jewelry, artwork, candles, clothing, décor, or similar merchandise at a short-term craft fair. Operating for only a weekend does not, by itself, remove the seller’s-permit requirement.

The next question is whether the vendor needs a temporary permit, a sub-permit connected to an existing account, or an ongoing seller’s permit.

First-time or occasional temporary sellers

A seller without a permit for a permanent place of business may use temporary registration when the sales activity fits CDTFA’s temporary-selling rules. Each temporary sales location must be registered. The current Temporary Sellers guide classifies activity at a location for less than 90 days as temporary, but separate CDTFA material describes temporary permits as normally covering operations lasting no longer than 30 days at one location. The practical approach is to provide the exact opening and closing dates and confirm the permitted period during registration rather than assuming every event series qualifies.

Sellers with an existing permanent-location permit

A business that already holds a seller’s permit for a permanent place of business does not obtain a separate temporary seller’s permit for a craft fair. Instead, it registers a sub-permit for each temporary location. Vendors unsure whether their current account is active can review how to verify a California seller’s permit number before preparing event paperwork.

Home-based sellers attending multiple events

A home-based seller participating in three or more swap meets, flea markets, or special events within a 12-month period must obtain an ongoing seller’s permit. A vendor planning a regular calendar of markets should therefore consider the full event schedule rather than treating each appearance as unrelated temporary activity.

For a broader explanation of standard registration, see how to apply for a seller’s permit in California.

Information to prepare before registering

Accurate event information is important because the registration must include valid start and end dates for every temporary sales location. Collecting the details before opening the registration process also helps determine whether multiple events can be placed on the same temporary permit.

• Business details: Have the business name, operating information, and contact details available.
• Event address: Record the complete physical location for each craft fair, market, festival, or other sales event.
• Start and end dates: Use the actual dates on which sales activity will begin and end at each location.
• Full event schedule: Identify all known temporary locations that operate within the same 90-day period. Eligible locations may be registered on one temporary permit, but a new location cannot be added after that permit has been created.
• Merchandise description: Prepare a clear description of the items the business will sell. Event operators also request an item description as part of their vendor records.
• Existing permit information: If the business already has a permit for a permanent place of business, use that account to register the necessary sub-permit rather than applying for a separate temporary permit.
• Fairground status: Determine whether the event takes place on a California state-designated fairground because sales made there have a separate reporting treatment on the return.

Also review the organizer’s vendor instructions. The seller’s permit addresses California sales activity, while an event may separately ask vendors for documents or information as part of admission and recordkeeping.

How the temporary registration process works

1. Choose the correct registration type. Determine whether the business needs a temporary seller’s permit, a sub-permit under an existing permanent-location permit, or an ongoing permit based on its operations and event frequency.
2. Use CDTFA Online Services. Choose Registrations and register a business activity. Online temporary seller’s-permit registration is free.
3. Enter each temporary location. Provide valid start and end dates for every location. A temporary permit may be obtained as early as 90 days before the business start date.
4. Add all eligible known locations. Multiple locations may appear on one temporary permit if they operate within the same 90-day period. Review the schedule carefully because a new location cannot be added to an existing temporary permit.
5. Print the location permits. After registration, the seller may print a permit for each registered location.
6. Give the event operator the required information. A vendor at a swap meet, flea market, or special event must provide required written information to the operator. CDTFA-410-D may be used for this purpose. A permit holder supplies business and contact details, identification information, a description of the items sold, and the seller’s-permit number.

The permit itself does not replace the event operator’s vendor paperwork. Keep the permit number and the information supplied to the organizer consistent with the registered business and location.

After the event: returns and permit maintenance

Registration is not the final step. A temporary permit holder’s return is due on or before the last day of the month following the month in which the temporary sales location closes. For example, the controlling month is the month in which the registered location closes, not necessarily the month in which registration was completed.

Maintain event-by-event sales records so the amounts associated with each registered location can be identified when the return is prepared. If retail sales of tangible personal property occur on a California state-designated fairground, those sales must be stated separately on the sales and use tax return. This separate reporting requirement does not create an additional tax or fee.

Before committing to another event, check whether its location was included in the original temporary registration. A newly discovered location cannot be added to an existing temporary permit. The seller may need a different registration for that location, and a seller whose activity has become recurring should reassess whether an ongoing permit is appropriate.

Home-based vendors should track the number of qualifying events attended during each 12-month period. Participation in three or more swap meets, flea markets, or special events during that period requires an ongoing seller’s permit. Businesses expanding beyond occasional events can also review California seller’s permit requirements for new retail businesses to understand the broader registration framework.