CLS: How to pay the application fee

Once all Owner Applications and the DRP’s Declarations and Final Affidavit are submitted, you can pay the application fee.

Correspondence

After the Declaration and Final Affidavit is submitted, the system sends an email to the DRP and displays an announcement with information to log in, find the application record, then open the attachments section found in the Record Info tab.
Two PDF documents are attached to your application – an instruction letter to tell you how to pay your application fee, and an invoice for the fee.

Email notice that the cultivator record has been updated and gives steps to view the attached correspondence documents

Note: The application fee is the first of two fees. Once your application fee is received, the department’s Licensing Program staff will review your application, and if approved, you will be asked to pay your license fee before your license can be issued.

Instruction letter

Instruction letter with payment options and mailing address for the application fee

A two -page letter provides instructions on how to pay your fee. Choices are online (by either credit card or bank transfer), sending a check by mail, or paying cash in person and by appointment.

The letter provides a postal address for mailing a check for your application fee.

It also lists a phone number you can call to arrange an appointment to pay your application fee in person using cash.

Invoice

Invoice for the application fee from the Department of Cannabis Control

If you want to pay in cash, you will find a PDF invoice attached to your application, with the same date as the letter shown above.

Bring the invoice to your appointment with the DCC to pay your application fee with cash.

Pay the application fee

Screenshot of the My Licenses list showing the application status as Application Fee Due and the Pay Fees Due link

Log into your CLS account, then in the My Licenses list, find your license application. Your Owner Application and Declarations form are listed there as well.

The Status of your license application is now Application Fee Due, and the Action listed is Pay Fees Due – click on that link to begin the payment process.

Payment process

Application fee screen with Check Out and Cash Payment options

On the next page, your application fee is listed. You can choose Check Out to pay online, using either a credit card or bank transfer.

Or, you can choose Cash Payment. Print your invoice and call the number on your letter to arrange an appointment with one of the DCC offices located in Sacramento, Eureka, or North Hollywood.

Pay online

Cart screen showing the application fee with a Checkout button

The Cart screen shows your application fee. Continue by clicking Checkout.

Note: The shopping cart will be cleared each day at midnight. Cleared shopping cart items must be reapplied to the cart for payment.

Pay with credit card

Note: The DCC accepts Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express. A service fee of 2.99% will apply.

Credit card payment form showing the application fee, card details, transaction amount, fee, and Submit button

This is the payment portal screen for credit card payment. Some contact information does not transfer from your application. Fill out any missing information.


Your fee is listed. Enter your payment information and click Submit. You are returned to your application page, where you can print a receipt and continue.


Your application is now submitted for review by the department’s Licensing Division.

Pay with cash

Payment Options screen with Pay with Bank Account selected and a Submit Payment button

Let us look at an alternate means of paying your application fee.
Select Cash/Check to continue.

Receipt of payment showing the application fee, payment method, and total amount paid

After clicking Submit, you are returned to your application, where you can print your receipt. The receipt will also be emailed to you.

Your complete application is now submitted for review by the department’s Licensing Division.

Continue to next article

  • CLS: Submit additional documents and requirements

    This guide provides comprehensive instructions on submitting additional documents and meeting requirements for your application. It includes steps for uploading and labeling attachments, checking review status, and completing payment for the license fee. It also covers application approval procedures, managing pending payment status, printing your license certificate, and accessing additional resources. As mentioned earlier in…