California Telemarketer Registration
Licensing, bonding, and registration requirements for telemarketers operating in California
You must register at least 10 days before making your first call in California.
Business Registration
Individual Registration
Bond Requirements
A surety bond protects consumers against fraud or failure to deliver. The bond must typically be maintained for the duration of your registration and one to two years after cessation of business in the state.
Required Documents
Business
- ✓Must file at least 10 days before commencing telephonic selling in California,Quarterly updates required if material changes occur,Bond must be maintained for at least 2 years after cessation of business,Operating without registration is a misdemeanor (§ 17511.11),AG can revoke registration for violations
- ✓Completed telephonic seller registration form filed with Consumer Protection Section of DOJ,$100,000 surety bond from a surety company admitted to do business in California (Form A or Form B),Filing fee of $50,Name, address, and telephone number of the telephonic seller,Names and addresses of all principals, officers, and directors,Name of each salesperson employed by the telephonic seller,Complete description of goods or services offered,Copy of any written sales materials or scripts used,Description of the telephonic seller's refund or cancellation policies
Individual
- ✓Individual salesperson names must be listed in the employing company's telephonic seller registration — no separate individual registration required
Additional Notes
Must register with the Attorney General at least 10 days BEFORE making any telemarketing calls to California consumers. The $100,000 bond requirement is one of the highest in the nation — double Florida's $50,000 requirement. Annual renewal at $50. Material changes require updated filing within 10 days. Unlike Florida, California does not require separate individual salesperson registration, though the names of all salespersons must be listed in the company registration. Extensive exemptions exist for professionals licensed under other CA regulatory frameworks (DRE, DOI, securities), but the exemption only covers registration — not compliance with calling rules.
California does not require separate individual salesperson registration. However, each salesperson's name must be included in the employing telephonic seller's registration with the AG. Salespersons who solicit on behalf of an unregistered telephonic seller commit a misdemeanor punishable by up to 6 months in jail and/or $2,500 fine (§ 17511.11).
Apply Before Your First Call
Operating as an unregistered telemarketer in California is a separate violation from consent or calling-hours violations. You can be penalized $5,000 per call even if every other aspect of your operation is compliant.
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Need help getting compliant?
Catalyst Partners handles state registration filings, bond procurement, and renewal tracking so your team can focus on dialing — not paperwork.
Book a Compliance Call →This is a compliance reference tool, not legal advice. Data compiled from public statutes, LegiScan, CourtListener, state AG offices, and AI-assisted analysis. Verify all information with qualified counsel before relying on it. Full terms & data sources →