1. Labor Commissioner's Office

Talent Agency License and Advance-Fee Talent Services

Who Needs a License?

Any person or entity involved in arranging employment for an artist in the entertainment field must get a license to operate as a talent agency.

• Search databases for licensed Talent Agencies and Talent Agencies Complaint Decisions

Registration Application

Steps to Register:

•  Review the Talent Agency requirements.
•  Gather the required documents.
•  Complete the new application or renew your existing registration online or by mail.

Fees

Every talent agency must pay the following fees annually, when a license is issued or renewed. The fees are due with the submitted application:

• A license fee of $225 and a filing fee of $25 for a total of $250 for single location businesses.
• AND add $50 for each branch office maintained by the talent agency in California.

Renewals

The requirements, including the application form, documentation and fees, are the same for renewals as for new applications.

Advance-Fee Talent Representation Services

Advance-Fee Talent representation service means any company or person charging upfront fees to artists for services such as referrals to photographers and Internet websites or for lessons, coaching, seminars, workshops or similar trainings for an artist.

• Fee-Related Talent Service Bond
• 2009 Legislation: Fee-Related Talent Services and Advance Fee Talent
• Labor Code Sections 1701 through 1705.4
• Yearly lists of Talent Service Bonds

Resources

• Rules about obtaining a license to become a talent agent
• Laws Relating to Talent Agencies
• Labor Code sections 1700 through 1700.47
• California Code of Regulations sections 12000 through 12033
• Child Labor Law pamphlet
• Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) sample contracts
• Summary tables of requirements and restrictions arranged by age
• Information on Minors and Employment

Contact Us

June 2021