Must travel sellers be registered in California?

What the Law Says

California law requires anyone who sells travel services to California residents for compensation to register with the Attorney General’s office. This applies to both in-state and out-of-state sellers.

The Travel Consumer Restitution Fund Act (TCRFA) establishes strict registration requirements for travel sellers. A 'travel seller' includes any person or business that sells, solicits, or arranges travel services—including airfare, lodging, tours, or packages—for compensation.

Registration must be completed at least 30 days before offering travel services to Californians. The applicant must submit a completed application, pay a $100 nonrefundable fee, and file a surety bond of $25,000 payable to the State of California.

Failure to register is unlawful and may result in civil penalties up to $5,000 per violation, injunctions, and restitution orders.

Statutory Text

No person shall sell, solicit, or arrange travel services for compensation unless that person is registered with the Attorney General pursuant to this chapter.

— Bus. & Prof. Code § 17550.10 — Registration Required

Statutory Text

The application for registration shall be accompanied by a nonrefundable fee of one hundred dollars ($100).

— Bus. & Prof. Code § 17550.12 — Fee

Statutory Text

Each applicant shall file with the Attorney General a surety bond… in the amount of twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000).

— Bus. & Prof. Code § 17550.13 — Bond Requirement

Statutory Text

Registration shall be valid for two years from the date of issuance unless sooner suspended or revoked.

— Bus. & Prof. Code § 17550.15 — Duration of Registration

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