How many yard sales am I allowed to have in California? When you need a permit
Whether you’re doing some spring cleaning or looking for a way to extra cash, you may be thinking about selling your stuff.
As warmer weather brings more “Yard Sale” signs to neighborhoods across California, it’s worth knowing the rules — including how many sales you can hold before a permit is required.
A Fresno resident recently asked journalists with How to California, a community-driven series that helps readers navigate life in the Golden State, about the rules for holding garage sales.
“Am I able to get a seller’s permit for our house if it exceeds the limit and keep doing our sale?” the reader asked.
Here’s what to know before you set up shop:
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Our community-driven series — How to California — is here to answer your questions about state laws, history, culture, recreation and travel in the Golden State.
McClatchy’s service journalism team, focused on helping our readers navigate daily life, works in communities across the state, including San Luis Obispo, Fresno, Merced, Modesto and Sacramento.
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How many yard sales can I hold in California?
In California, you can generally hold up to two yard or garage sales within a 12-month period without needing a seller’s permit — as long as you’re selling personal items you originally bought for your own use, according to the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration.
“When you have a garage sale and sell used items, you are generally not required to hold a seller’s permit,” the state department said.
Local rules on garage or yard sale limits can vary depending on where you live.
Sacramento County allows up to three yard sales per year, each lasting no more than two consecutive days.
In Stanislaus County, residents can hold up to two sales per year, with each lasting up to three days.
Merced County limits yard sales to once every three months, while the city of Fresno allows two yard sales within a 12-month period.
San Luis Obispo County allows two sales per year, each spanning up to two consecutive weekends.
How can I apply for a seller’s permit in California?
If your yard sale goes beyond local limits, you’ll need to apply for a temporary seller’s permit, according to the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration.
“Obtaining a temporary seller’s permit is easy and free,” the state department said.
Seller’s permits can be used to sell items at one or more locations for 90 days or less.
You can apply up to 90 days before your sale begins and must include the exact dates and locations when you register.
Multiple locations can be listed, as long as they fall within the same 90-day window — but you won’t be able to add new ones after the permit is issued.
Once approved, you can print a copy of your permit to display at each sale location, the state department said.
What happens if you break garage sale rules?
Selling items without a valid seller’s permit in California can lead to serious consequences, according to the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration.
If you are contacted by the agency and don’t obtain a permit within five days, an investigator might return to issue a criminal citation.
You will need to appear in court if you are cited.
“If you do not appear, the court may issue a warrant for your arrest,” the state department said.
Penalties for selling without a valid seller’s permit can include fines of up to $5,000 and up to one year in county jail, along with any unpaid taxes, interest or additional penalties you might owe.
