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How to become a travel agent in california.

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By Courtney Eisen

April 20, 2024

Have you ever thought about becoming a travel agent in the Golden State of California? It's easier than you think, and with the right attitude, resources, and community, it's not just possible, but achievable. In fact, the path to becoming a successful travel agent doesn't require you to invest in an expensive college hospitality program or vocational training. With dedication, networking, and hard work, anyone can rise to the top echelons of a travel agents in California.

Leverage free training with luxrally travel.

One of the most exciting aspects of beginning your journey as a travel agent is that LuxRally Travel offers free online travel advisor training for budding travel agents. This unique offer not only helps you understand the intricacies of the travel industry but also equips you with the necessary skills to excel in your career.

Choosing the Right Host Agency

Choosing a host travel agency is a critical first step in your journey to becoming a travel agent. Unless you decide to establish your own travel agency in California, aligning with a host agency is mandatory. The choice of your host agency will significantly influence your career trajectory, hence it's such a crucial decision that we have dedicated an entire article to how to choose the best host travel agency .

Understanding the Importance of California Seller of Travel License

If you're a Californian aspiring to become a travel agent, make sure the host agency you join possesses a California Seller of Travel License. This license is a prerequisite for selling travel services to residents in California, one of the four states in the U.S. that mandate such a requirement.

Is LuxRally Travel the Perfect Fit for You?

At this point, you might be wondering if LuxRally Travel is the appropriate host travel agency to assist you on your journey to become a travel agent . If you're serious about making your career in travel agency a full-time pursuit and are willing to put in the effort to earn a six or seven-figure income, then LuxRally Travel could be the perfect fit for you. We're not just looking for agents who want discounts on Disney trips; we're seeking motivated individuals ready to hustle and become successful entrepreneurs in the travel industry.

What sets LuxRally Travel apart is our commitment to empowering our agents with comprehensive training and support. We offer a free online travel agent training course that can be completed in 50-70 hours, two-thirds of which is self-directed. Upon completion of the training, you will be a fully licensed and insured agent, poised to sell travel packages with confidence.

Moreover, as a LuxRally Travel agent, you'll become part of a vibrant community of fellow luxury travel agents . This network will be invaluable for guidance, advice, and support as you navigate your journey in the travel industry.

In conclusion, becoming a travel agent in California is a rewarding career choice that is within your reach. With the right mindset, resources, and the comprehensive travel agent training provided by LuxRally Travel, you're not just signing up for a job, but embarking on an exciting journey towards success in the travel industry. So, are you ready to start your journey with LuxRally Travel?

• What's in the Free Online LuxRally Travel Agent Training Curriculum? Our self-directed curriculum includes but is not limited to: ​ What is a Travel Agent? The LuxRally Mindset Tenets of Sales Quick-Quoting Fundamentals Evaluating Clients Problem Solving Steps of the Sale Closing Techniques How to Use Travel Leaders Select Hotel Benefits Programs Flights and Airlines Hotel Brands Primer Introduction to All-Inclusive Resorts Introduction to Wholesalers How to Use Wholesaler Portals Cruising Primer How to Use Cruise Portals Ancillary Services LuxRally Concierge Services Travel Insurance Accounting and Finance Group Contracts and Tools Booking Groups at All-Inclusive Resorts Booking Groups on Cruises Marketing Basics Fraud and Scam Detection How to Use Our Knowledge Base The curriculum ends with a concluding assessment. Once the self-guided portion of your training is completed your will begin preparing for your practical exam, a hands-on assesment of your sales skills and knowledge. Opportunities for continued learning are offered post-graduation. Thorough GDS training is provided upon request.
• How much does LuxRally Travel's Agent Training cost? Zero. Free. No hidden fees, no catch.
• Do I need experience to become a luxury travel advisor with LuxRally Travel? No, we do not hire prior travel agents. Our methods and philosophies are often opposite to that of traditional travel agencies. For example, we do not believe in charging service fees, and this is something experienced agents cannot wrap their heads around. Additionally, while we enjoy free travel occasionally, we do not believe in FAM culture. FAMs are free group trips for travel agents and often create a conflict of interest between the agents and their clients. Traditional travel agents may send people to a location in exchange for a FAM trip. We find this practice repulsive. The average travel agent makes $46,000 a year; LuxRally Travel agents are trained to make multiples of that. The LuxRally system is best for beginners as it takes more energy for us to fix existing agents than to make new ones.
• Who is a good fit for the LuxRally Travel team? We want general hustlers here to make money and who know how to sell. We want you if you have no sales experience but can prove to us that you are a natural-born hustler. Those with prior sales experience, mortgage brokers, car dealers, jewelers, IT salespeople, concierges, hotel sales managers, medical, pharma, top producing real estate agents, timeshare salespeople, etc., tend to be better at not only understanding the value of their networks but also understand how to advocate for their clients when interacting with vendors. We also look for individuals with large networks that deal primarily with the upper middle class and wealthy and those with a passion for all things travel, especially luxury travel and luxury dining.
• How long does LuxRally's travel agent training take? The training can be broken down into three portions: A Self-Guided Course on Teachable: 50-70 hours (varies by the speed of the individual). This should take you 2-4 weeks. A Launch Meeting on Microsoft Teams: 1-2 hours (scheduled weekly) You Will Have a One Week Period to Prepare for Your Practical Exam A Practical Exam / Final Assessment on Microsoft Teams: 3-4 hours (scheduled weekly) You have four weeks to complete the Teachable portion of your training. If you do not complete the training within four weeks of your enrollment (note: enrollment occurs after your contract is signed/counter-signed), you will be removed from the program. You have three attempts to pass your practical exam. If you fail on your first attempt, you may retake it the following week. You can expect to become an agent within 3-6 weeks, depending on how quickly you complete the teachable and whether you pass your final assessment on the first attempt.
• Do I need anything specific to become a travel agent? From a practical standpoint, you will need a solid computer (preferably with multiple screens), a smartphone, and a current job that allows you to interrupt your day to handle issues for traveling clients. This is a 24/7/365 career. While you will not be working all of the time, clients need to be able to reach you if they experience an emergency while on a trip.
• What is the difference between a travel agent and a travel advisor? There is no real difference; however, travel advisor is often the preferred term for those in the luxury sector.
• Do I need to get my own leads? The short answer is that you will be responsible for getting your own leads and must cultivate a stable source of clients to earn six or seven figures as a Luxury Travel Agent. That being said, we have just launched our FastTrack program. FastTrack gamifies our leads program through a unique credit system, rewarding successful deals with additional credits and providing opportunities to earn more through various tasks. Credits are redeemed for leads. If an agent runs out of credits (because they did not close any leads), they can earn credits through various tasks or wait for their quarterly replenishment. Credits cannot be bought by agents. The Credits system is created to ensure agents with solid close rates work the leads and that agents with low closing rates do not take large quantities of leads. Participating in FastTrack is currently invite only. The program has completed it's pilot and has begun rolling out to other agents as of May 6th, 2024. We are expanding the program to make it accessible to all agents. Agents who score high on their final exam are more likely to be invited into the FastTrack program.
• Do I need to make my own travel brand to be successful? No, it is not a requirement for success. You can use the LuxRally Travel brand to market yourself as an agent. After graduation from our training program and completion of our orientation, you will receive the following: An @LuxRallyTravel.com Email A Landing Page (Agent Profile) on Our Website Access to Branded Templates for Business Cards, Flyers, and Other Promotional Materials Additionally, once you are officially a LuxRally Travel Agent, you will have access to our marketing team to help you create promotional branded materials. Sponsoring an event and need signage? Need help with a social media post? Our team has your back. Now, creating a brand might make sense if you plan on getting leads through SEO or paid ads that require landing pages. However, for most people, creating an independent travel brand is not necessary. Your name will be the brand you will want to focus on. When someone thinks about you i.e., "David Eisen", you want them to automatically think about travel. After completing our training, if you are still determining which path is right for you, we suggest scheduling a one-on-one session with our CMO to evaluate what would be most beneficial to growing a healthy client base. Some agents use social media and personal networks, while others use branded websites and more traditional marketing tactics. It all depends on your situation, networks and background. A simple example would be if your background is in digital marketing. If you have experience in SEO, we would never discourage you from having your own site. We don't make money until you do, so we always provide feedback based on what we think will be practical for ramping up your business. Whatever you choose to do, know that we support both approaches and will provide candid feedback after learning more about your goals.
• What can I earn commission on? Hotel Stays (including groups) Cruises Flights (select flights, not all flights pay commission, you will learn about this in our agent training) Tours Car Service Travel Insurance Rental Cars Private Villas Private Jets Luxury Trains
• How do I get Paid? We offer a commission split based on your received commissions from your client's bookings. It is one of the best commission splits in the industry, starting at 80%/20% in your favor, meaning you keep 80% of what you make. After your first $100,000 in commissions, your split increases to 90%/10%, meaning you keep 90% of what you make. The commission resets each year back to 80%. The most productive LuxRally travel advisors earn multiples of the average travel agent.
• Will I be a fully licensed travel agent after completing the LuxRally Travel Agent Training Program? Yes, after completing our training and orientation, you will be fully licensed under our host agency with all IATA and Seller of Travel licenses required.
• What is the LuxRally Travel Agent Portal? Our comprehensive portal is the one-stop shop for creating clients, making bookings, overseeing your accounting, and more. Instead of getting lost across dozens of systems, our agent portal centralizes all the essential tools you need to be a successful travel agent. These Features include: A Dashboard with Key Statistics About Your Performance, Top Clients, and Top Vendors A Booking Dashboard Where You Can Quickly Make Bookings Directly in the Portal (Launching Q3 2024) Quick Invoicing to Efficiently Complete All Accounting Work Associated With Your Booking Agent Analytics to Take a Deeper Dive Into Your Performance Over Time A CRM to Manage All of Your Client Information in One Place An Accounting Portal to Manage Invoices, Match and Track Commissions, and begin Collections From Vendors For Unpaid Commissions Direct Access to the LuxRally Travel Knowledge Base to Quickly Find Educational Resources Access to a Leads Program to Claim Leads and Track Your Performance (Launching in April 2024) Direct Access to Our "Schedule a 1:1" Feature to Easily Get in Touch With LuxRally Travel Staff When Your Need In-Depth Support in Sales or Marketing Our portal has been designed to minimize the administrative workload on our agents. It is developed in house meaning we make adjustments quickly based on agent feedback.
• What happens after training is over? After training, you become a fully licensed travel agent, ready to sell. We provide access to a superabundance of resources to ensure that all new agents feel welcomed and confident. ​ The LuxRally Group Chat: Our group chat is a go-to for most agents seeking hotel recommendations, assistance with booking tools and third parties, advice on utilizing benefits programs, and general guidance for anything that may come up. LuxRally Agents sign agreements stating they cannot poach each other's clients, allowing our agents to confidently ask for assistance without fear of giving up a promising lead. ​ Continued Mentorship: One-on-One sessions with members from our sales and marketing teams available to our agents. Whether you need a refresher on using a booking tool or lead generation advice, you will have access to a solid mentor. ​ Bi-Weekly Ask Me Anything (AMA) Sessions with David Eisen: David Eisen is not only the founder of LuxRally Travel but is believed to be the highest-grossing single travel agent in the world. Our agents can casually ask David anything travel related on bi-weekly video calls. Bi-Weekly Marketing Round Tables with Courtney Eisen: Courtney Eisen has an extensive marketing background and highlights destinations to focus on, marketing best practices and open format Q&A opportunities. Office Hours With Top Closers: Our top performing agents have open office hour sessions where you can join, ask questions and learn from other agents about specific strategies to better serve clients and increase earnings. ​ Weekly Vendor Chats: Each week, a vendor is invited to a companywide weekly video conference to present educational materials and lead a Q&A. From General Managers of Forbes Five-Star hotels to Mega Yacht experts, our agents have access to continued education directly from industry professionals.
• What if I fail? Follow our training, and, likely, you won't. However, in the rare case you do, you will owe us nothing unless you leave to join another agency. Before parting ways, we will remove you from our website, group chats, and other internal resources. While a tiny percentage of our agents who complete training drop out of the program, we understand that selling travel is not for everyone.
• Why should I choose LuxRally Travel as my host agency? We can confidently say we offer more to our agents than any other host agency with the following: Free, Comprehensive Travel Agent Training We Cover Licensing and Errors and Omissions Insurance for Our Agents We Do Not Charge Our Agents Any Subscription or Membership Fees to be a Part of Our Host Agency Weekly Group Classes One-on-One Sessions Available to All Agents, Even After Training, With Sales and Marketing Teams Competitive Commission Splits (80%/20% vs. 70%/30%), Meaning You Make More Money The Most Advanced Agent Portal on the Market Mentorship From the Highest-grossing Travel Agent in the World Modern Best Practices That Generate Revenue and Maximize Client Satisfaction A Culture of Camaraderie An In-House Team Negotiating Deals for our Agency Directly With Vendors A Comprehensive Knowledge Base Annual Sales Symposiums for In-Person Training and Networking Most importantly, we only make money once you do. We are vested in your success and will do everything possible to give you the best shot in this industry. These are just a few reasons why starting your career as a travel agent with LuxRally Travel is the best move. Lastly, we do not hire people who are already agents, so you will miss out if you ramp up with another host. Our methods are directly opposed to the fee-saturated "best practices" of archaic host agencies, and we've found it takes an immense amount of energy to break the bad habits of existing agents.
• What are the requirements to remain an agent with LuxRally Travel? To maintain your status as an agent with LuxRally Travel, you must meet the following requirements throughout the duration of your time with us: Email Communication: Agents must regularly log into their LuxRally Travel email address. If they have not logged in within 30 days or use an alternate email address for communications, this could affect their standing. Sales Performance: Agents must make at least one sale every 90 days. This can be any sale as long as it is not personal travel (booked by the agent for their own travel). Availability: It's important that agents have ample availability for clients. Limited availability may impact their ability to serve clients effectively. Equipment: Agents need access to a reliable computer to run their travel business. Without this, they may struggle to manage their work efficiently. Community Participation: Being part of the official LuxRally Travel Agent Facebook chat(s) or group(s) is a requirement. This helps agents stay connected and updated with the latest information. These are private channels for agency-related information and support. Revenue Generation: Our agents must sell $30,000 in revenue per year. That would equate to $3,000 a year in commission (an incredibly low number). If you go through our training and cannot hit this small milestone, this is likely not the right career path for you. By meeting these requirements, agents can ensure they maintain their status with LuxRally Travel. Agents who do not meet these requirements are cut from our agency. If you have additional questions regarding this list of requirements, we encourage you to ask them during your interview after applying to our program.
• What are the next steps? Go ahead and apply to join our team. You will be asked to schedule an interview or denied from our program within 24-48 hours.

How LuxRally Travel Compares to Other Host Agencies

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How to Become a Travel Agent in California

Home / Travel Agent / How to Become a Travel Agent in California

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Trending Careers

California’s a top world tourist destination, boasting enticements to visitors from fantastic scenery to iconic landmarks.

People worldwide want to visit Hollywood, Disneyland, San Francisco’s culture, San Diego’s beachy vibes, and breathtaking natural wonders like Yosemite National Park.

Then, you’ve got to consider the state’s tourism infrastructure, from transportation, hotels, hostels, and short term-to-longer housing options, incredible areas of natural beauty, and incredible shopping, entertainment, and cultural offerings, and it’s easy to share your knowledge and enthusiasm for this particular spot.

And California’s diverse culture and cuisine deliver possibilities for crafting unique and tailored travel experiences.

But the real reason, if you ask any experienced agent, it’s the satisfaction of helping people live their dreams. 

Reinvigorate, rest, and regenerate.

Have an adventure and create unforgettable memories in one of the world’s most romantic, complex, culturally robust, and beautiful destinations, making being a travel agent in California a fulfilling profession.

Table of Contents

Travel Agent Duties in California

California travel agent requirements, certifications, licensing requirements to become a travel agent in california, how long does travel agent school take, how much does travel agent school in california cost, regional salary in california, do i need any license to operate as a travel agent in california, how do i get a seller of travel license, does the seller of travel license have to be renewed, what are the job opportunities now and for the future for travel agents in california, travel agent info by state.

Helping clients fulfill a dream vacation, honeymoon trip, or family reunion is part of the excitement and fulfillment of being a travel agent.

Whether you work with an agency or provide freelance services, here are some of the skills, duties, and responsibilities of the job:

• Interpersonal communication skills are golden.
• Communicate with the client.
• Listen and learn about their travel plans, such as location, business or pleasure, price point, season, and reason for the trip.
• Research destinations, transportation, and lodgings that fit the parameters of the client’s wish list.  
• Present travel package options from a network of hotel, resort, timeshares, airline, train, and cruise line partners that support your clients’ travel agendas.
• Educate on travel insurance options.
• Collect the client’s travel document information.
• Assemble an itinerary that meets the client’s timetable and budget.
• Book flights and accommodations. Purchase event tickets, plan activities, and make restaurant reservations.

Although unlicensed individuals can qualify for travel agent jobs in California, having an official certification can make finding well-paying positions in the industry more accessible.

You can complete a certification exam and earn your credentials through your employer.

Many past, present, and future travel agents in California earned their certification through the following agencies:

• The American Society of Travel Advisors  (ASTA)
• National Travel
• The Cruise Lines International Association  (CLIA)
• The Travel Institute
• The Travel Agent Campus
• The International Air Transport Association  (IATA)

A high school degree or equivalency is the minimum educational requirement necessary to become a California travel agent.

That’s the entry point; from there, candidates can gain experience and complete on-the-job training.

Another route to opportunity and advancement is to take a course of study and earn a certificate, diploma, or degree.

These programs are offered throughout California, and some tremendous career-oriented programs, often at more affordable price points, can be found at trade schools and community colleges.

Program lengths for those working to be travel agents in California differ by institution.

Some students might earn a travel agent certificate in as little as six weeks.

However, other programs take eighteen weeks or even a year.

And if the student is working towards hospitality and tourism degrees at a college or university, they can complete their courses in four years to earn a bachelor’s degree.

What can you expect to pay to train as a California travel agent?

It depends on the route that you take.

Some pay around $300 — $900 to complete their certificate programs.

Then, there are online courses, which cost approximately $200.

Bachelor’s degree program? $50,000 or more all-in; however, this route might provide varied career and professional options that could open more easily.

Salary for California Travel Agents

The salary for travel agents in California ranges from 36,000-47,000, and the average annual pay is $40,000.

Frequently Asked Questions

The answer is that all travel agents and each travel agency in California have to register with the California Attorney General to become authorized and official Sellers of Travel and acquire an official license.

Fulfill the following steps:

• Complete your California Seller of Travel Registration Application
• Give them the $100 registration fee.
• Turn in the application and registration fee: Seller of Travel Program at the Attorney General’s office.
• In 1–3 weeks, your California Seller of Travel Certificate will arrive in your mailbox.

Yes, annually.

And the fee is $100.

Job opportunities for travel agents in the U.S. are likely to increase by providing the possibility of positions with local and national travel agencies or working as freelance travel agents.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the vocational outlook is expected to grow by 20% from 2021-2031, much faster than many other segments of the economy.

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THE JOURNAL

Travel Advisor Resources

How to Become a Travel Agent in California

The Modern Travel Agency

Fora Travel

https://www.foratravel.com/the-journal/how-to-become-a-travel-agent-in-california

Are you interested in turning your passion for travel into a rewarding career? Becoming a travel agent in California allows you to build a fulfilling business and flexible income by booking travel. In this guide, we'll walk you through the steps to becoming a travel agent in California, from getting started to building a successful business.

First things first. What is a travel agent?

Travel agents earn money by planning trips. They work with clients to understand their vacation needs and handle all the travel arrangements, including planning activities and booking accommodations.

What are the requirements to become a travel agent in California?

Legal requirements for travel advisors

The main legal requirement to become a travel agent in California is that you will need an IATA number, a unique identifier that allows a travel agency to conduct business. Most travel advisors choose a host agency (a business that provides support and resources to independent travel agents or small travel agencies). If you’re working with a host agency such as Fora, the host agency provides access to the IATA number. In the state of California, aspiring travel agents must obtain a "Seller of Travel" license through the state. This California seller of travel registration is required. Check your state government website for more information.

Certification & education

Becoming a travel agent in California does not require a formal travel agent certification or accreditation from a certificate program (such as Certified Travel Associates). Nor is a bachelor’s degree or high school diploma required. However, travel agent certification is highly encouraged (Fora offers this as part of its travel agent training program — more on that below).

How to become a travel agent in California

1) Understand the role: As a travel agent in California, you plan & book travel for clients, from booking flights and accommodations to organizing activities and excursions. You can book trips of all types, to destinations all over the world. You can also leverage your local knowledge to plan trips to California — foodie tours of San Diego, nature exploration in Big Sur — using your insider intel on travel to California. Once you understand the basics of the role and are ready to dive in, you’ll want to get the right support and training. Learn more about how to become a travel agent .

2) Find the right host agency: In most cases, an independent travel agent in California will work with a host agency. A host agency provides resources to travel agents, including access to booking systems & partner programs, marketing support and training. A host agency also provides agents with an IATA number, allowing them to earn commission on the travel they book. Fora is a host agency and offers a one-stop shop with everything you need to get started with your travel advisor business.

3) Participate in a training program: Once you choose a host agency, you’ll want to take a training course. Fora offers a comprehensive training program that includes seminars with all of the foundational topics to run your travel advisor business (ranging from customer service sessions to the nitty gritty of how to book). Our initial certification program offers 40+ hours of live, small-group training as well as access to recordings. We also offer ongoing training programs, including an advanced certification as well as regular partner and destination trainings.

How do I earn money as a travel agent in California?

As a travel agent in California, partners (like hotels and cruise lines) pay agents commissions for travel bookings. Commission rates vary depending on the partner. Travel agents are eligible to earn commission on any type of travel experiences, though many agents focus on 3-star or higher hotels, along with villas, cruises and tour operators. You can also earn money through planning fees. Learn more about how travel agents get paid . As an independent travel advisor, you’ll have a flexible schedule for earning. Whether you’re home-based or traveling, or if you’re working full-time or part-time, you can set your travel agent job schedule to whatever aligns best with your lifestyle.

How do I grow my business as a travel agent in California?

Build your client base: As a travel agent, this is where creativity and customer service skills come in. Clients can be found via your personal network, often starting with your friends and family. You may decide to leverage email marketing and social media to showcase your services and attract clients. At Fora, we offer marketing training as part of our program. Fora Advisors also have access to a suite of marketing tools, including a Fora profile that functions as a website, social media and email templates and more. Learn more about how we help travel advisors build their book of business .

Network : You can also attend travel industry events, trade shows and conferences to network with other travel professionals to level up your knowledge and build your travel advisor business. We offer both online and in-person networking events through Fora, including Live Forum , our annual conference. We’ve also launched local chapters in select cities throughout the United States (with more to come). One of our local chapters is in Los Angeles, California. Fora Chapters offer local advisors the chance to connect, network, visit hotels and talk all things travel.

The first step to become an independent travel agent is to join a host agency. Through Fora, you will get all the training, tools & community you need to succeed as a travel agent. Apply to join today to turn your skills into a fulfilling and flexible career.

More FAQs about becoming a travel agent in California

Where do travel agents work? How can I become a travel agent from home?

Some travel agents in the tourism industry work in an office, but Fora Advisors can work from anywhere. To get started, all you need is a passion for travel, a WiFi connection and a can-do attitude — and a few potential clients in your network doesn’t hurt either. As part of joining Fora, you will be an independent contractor, which means that you can set up your own business the way you want to.

What types of travel can I book as a Fora Advisor?

When starting your travel business, some Fora Advisors focus solely on booking hotels, while others offer full itinerary planning for domestic and international travel, including on-the-ground experiences (tours, activities, transportation…). In addition to hotels, advisors can book villas, cruises, yacht charters, vacation packages, all-inclusives, car rentals, travel insurance, private aviation and room blocks (for example, a destination wedding room block). Learn more about the types of bookings you can make as a Fora Advisor .

Where do travel advisors book trips to?

All over! You name it, they book it. Fora Advisors book travel to Italy (a community favorite), Costa Rica, Montana, all around the Caribbean, Australia and beyond. No destination is off-limits (yes, Fora Advisors even book travel to Antarctica ). Our training programs cover different types of travel planning at length — from cruise lines to international travel and luxury travel, as well as deep dives on different destinations.

What kinds of travel partnerships does Fora have?

Throughout our decades-long relationships in the tourism industry, Fora has partnered with more than 5,000 hotels, meaning our advisors have access to exclusive upgrades & perks at top properties around the world. Our preferred partnerships include prestigious collections including Virtuoso , Four Seasons , Rosewood and more. We work with both high-end luxury partners as well as lifestyle boutique partners in the travel industry.

How do Fora Advisors get paid?

Fora travel advisors get paid by earning commissions from their clients' trips — usually from hotel and travel bookings. Travel partners typically pay the agent 10 to 15 percent of the total cost, but sometimes more (depending on the brand and type of partner). You can also earn money by charging a planning fee.

Unlike at other agencies in the travel industry (where travel advisors frequently have to chase their own commission), we're proud to offer a full-service, backend commission-management department. The process is seamless, but don't just take our word for it: hear directly from Fora Advisor Amna Ismail in this article from TravelAge West .

What resources are available to me as a travel agent in California?

Fora offers a one-stop shop for everything you need to launch your business as a travel advisor: community, training, partnerships, marketing tools, technology and payments. Online, you have access to our community app, Forum, to stay on top of travel trends and get answers to your questions about travel services, tour operators, partnerships, marketing strategies and more. If you’re based in LA, you can connect with our local LA chapter to network with other advisors and travel professionals. (We have chapters coming in more U.S.-based cities soon).

How much does Fora's subscription plan cost?

We charge advisors a monthly ($49) or annual ($299) subscription fee, which includes the cost of Fora’s technology platforms, certified training, admin support and our community app. We’ll set you up with everything you need to succeed, from your first booking to 1,000th and beyond.

How do I get started?

Sign up! Enter your email on this page and you’ll be prompted to complete a detailed survey on your travel style and experience. We’ll be in touch with next steps from there.

From training to tech, community and more, Fora is a one-stop shop to build your business as a travel advisor. Learn more and become a Fora Advisor today.

Are you the go-to person for travel tips?

Transform your passion for travel into your dream job. We'll set you up with everything you need to succeed as a travel advisor. From training to top-notch tech, marketing assets, community, commission tracking & payments (and more), we've got you.

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How to Become a Travel Agent in California

Get information on Travel Agent Training programs by entering your zip code and request enrollment information.

This guide will reveal what it takes to become a travel agent in California !

Even though 2020 appeared to bring an end to hospitality-related businesses, this wasn’t the case.

Now travel has resumed with additional precautions and the demand for travel agents is expected to increase as things return to normal.

Grab a cup of tea and read on!

Travel Agent Job Description and Duties in California

Travel agents do more than help people find:

• Transportation
• Accommodation
• Entertainment

These professionals need to first keep in mind the clients’ preferences and budgets.

Specializing in one or a few of these niches will help with achieving just that:

• Family-oriented

However, there are more things that need to be done by these agents to ensure a successful trip.

These things include:

• Review visas, vaccinations, and other travel necessities
• Understanding the needs and desires of their clients
• Keeping accurate records
• Finding solutions to issues and emergencies
• Handling payments and deposits
• Promoting the various packages resorts, hotels, and cruise companies offer
• Negotiating with hotels, resorts, cruise companies, and more

Like with many other jobs, additional tasks and duties may also arise from time to time, such as working overtime.

Requirements to be a Travel Agent in California

Most occupations have prerequisites or ideal candidates.

The ideal travel agents have these abilities:

• Good communication skills
• Good management skills
• Able to use various computer programs
• Good problem-solving skills
• Great marketing skills
• Able to work full-time
• Detail-oriented
• Being confident
• Be at least 18 years old
• Have a clean criminal record
• Have a high school diploma or GED

Liking to and having the ability to travel will be important assets for this occupation.

It’s also good to have some experience in the field or work in a different position in a travel agency.

Education and Certification for a Travel Agent in California

To increase your knowledge and credibility, enrolling in specialized classes is something to consider.

The majority of travel agents graduate from a tourism program, usually with a Bachelor’s degree.

California has a good selection of schools that offer programs in this field or related.

You can see these schools below.

Top 20 Schools in California

The duration of any of the programs is at least 2 years.

Most courses are offered in person, though online classes are also available.

The majority of colleges require future students to present at least a high school diploma or an equivalent.

Depending on the degree, additional prerequisites might be set in stone such as minimum age and minimum grades in certain subjects.

The coursework of a travel agent usually covers these topics:

• Introduction to the travel industry
• Professional Skills
• Basic/International geography
• Destination geography
• Introduction to international travel
• Introduction to air travel
• Career development
• Sales and marketing for travel

Travel Agent Salary and Employment in California

Many people choose this career path because of the possibility of working independently.

Running your own travel agency can be exciting, but you’ll need additional licenses.

These could differ from county to county.

Another perk is that you could even work from home, even if you were to be hired by an agency.

These agents will usually have to travel quite a bit in order to stay updated with the best deals and things to do.

The more experience one has, the more they’ll earn.

Possibly in San Jose , you can earn the highest average salary, although San Francisco is not far behind.

Average Salary of Travel Agents in California

Regional salary, additional information for travel agents in california.

There are various organizations you can join for more credentials.

These require an annual membership fee, but they can also make your job easier in several ways.

Travel Agent State-specific Information:

3 comments on california.

Thanks for this helpful guide! I’ve always dreamed of turning my passion for travel into a career, and knowing the steps to become a travel agent in California is a great start!

As someone living in California, this breakdown of the requirements and steps to become a travel agent is invaluable.

I appreciate the thorough explanation of the licensing process. It’s reassuring to know the specific steps needed to become a licensed travel agent here in California.

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Raise your hand if you love to travel. Whether you’re often on the road or take a vacation just once a year, you’ve probably heard of travel agents. These folks help plan and book itineraries for you, eliminating a lot of the pain points when it comes to traveling.

These days many people skip out on a travel agent in lieu of booking their trip online, but if you’re a frequent traveler, you may want to become a travel agent yourself. Why? Because it can save you a lot of money — and may even earn you some in the process.

Let’s take a look at how to become a travel agent, why it’s something you may want to consider and the ways it can work for you.

Why become a travel agent?

Have you ever obsessively researched the best hotels in a city you’re planning to visit? How about checking seat maps on an airplane? If getting into the nitty-gritty of travel logistics is something you do in your spare time, you might also enjoy becoming a travel agent.

Not only do you get to plan trips for others, but you’ll also be able to take advantage of special discounts on many facets of travel.

This is true for your clients, but also for yourself. Travel agents have access to a variety of discounted rates on both airlines and hotels, even when booking travel for themselves.

» Learn more: How to get a refund from a travel agency

How to become a travel agent

Find a program.

Becoming a travel agent isn’t as simple as declaring yourself one. Typically, the first step is to sign up for a program that’ll teach you the basics of running your own travel business.

There are a variety of programs to choose from, depending on your interests and career goals. Most programs will teach you about the business side of being a travel agent as well as how to plan trips, so your courses in itinerary planning and travel insurance will be coupled with business ethics and customer service.

If you’re wondering how to become a travel agent from home, don’t worry. Many of these courses don’t have to be done in person; there are online programs that will teach you everything you need to know from the comfort of your living room.

Apply for certification

Once you’ve completed your coursework, you’ll want to apply for certification. Although there is no single standard that designates you a travel agent, there are a number of different identifiers that you can acquire. Some of the more common ones are:

International Air Transport Association, or IATA, which allows you to book travel on domestic and international airlines.

Travel Industry Designator Service, or TIDS, which allows agents to book trips with a variety of travel suppliers and receive commissions.

Cruise Lines International Association, or CLIA, which provides agents the ability to book trips on cruises around the world.

In order to access Marriott’s travel advisor rates, for example, you can use any three of these designations, along with a variety of others.

Each of these associations and identifiers have different implications for your business, so you’ll want to be sure you’ve fully researched them before applying for membership.

» Learn more: Do travel agents really save you money?

Save money as a travel agent

Once you’ve qualified as a travel agent, what comes next? If you travel frequently, becoming a travel agent can be a huge benefit to you, as it offers discounted rates and access to luxury travel options.

Discounted rates

Travel agents have access to negotiated rates that aren’t available to the general public. The exact amount will vary depending on the business. Hilton, for example, will give personal travel discounts of 50% off at newly-opened hotels and up to 25% off at the remainder of hotels within Hilton’s portfolio.

Hyatt, meanwhile, will give you a discount on personal travel of up to 50%, but only during select dates of the year. And although not all airlines give discounts to travel agents, many do.

Regardless, these are some pretty spectacular savings, and if you’re looking to save money on your vacations, being a travel agent can help.

Luxury programs

Becoming a travel agent isn’t only about saving money, however. It also grants you access to many hotel chains’ luxury travel programs.

If you’re big into elite status benefits, this is definitely something you’ll want to consider — especially since you don’t need any status at all to receive these perks, as long as you book through the hotel’s agent portal.

Most major hotel chains have these programs, including Hyatt Privé, Hilton Impresario, Marriott STARS & Luminous, Four Seasons Preferred Partner, Belmond Bellini Club, Rosewood Elite, Mandarin Oriental Fan Club and Shangri-La Luxury Circle.

While benefits vary by brand, many of these offers include things like room upgrades, complimentary breakfast, early check-in or late checkout and credits for expenses like dining or spa services. General consumers aren’t eligible for these programs, but once you’ve become a registered travel agent, they become accessible to you; however, some programs — such as Hyatt Privé — are invitation only.

For the most part, booking rooms through these programs shouldn’t cost more than the standard rate you’d be paying anyway, so you have the potential to get big benefits without shelling out any additional money.

However, note that these numbers don’t take into account any other discounted rates for which you may be eligible, such as those offered to American Automobile Association members and veterans .

» Learn more: Uncommon tips for saving money on travel

Earn money as a travel agent

Of course, becoming a travel agent isn’t all about scoring discounts for yourself. If you’re looking to earn some money, being a travel agent can be a good way to do so.

Note that travel agents operate in a customer-facing role, so you’ll also need to be able to build client relationships and be comfortable with sales. Courses such as those mentioned above can help train you to do this and run a successful business.

If booking travel and organizing trips for others is something that appeals to you, there’s definitely money to be earned. Marriott, for example, gives agents a commission of between 8% and 10% for all eligible stays booked.

» Learn more: The pros and cons of booking through online travel agencies

If you’d like to become a travel agent

There are a few good reasons to become a travel agent, especially if you travel a lot. Although it takes time and effort to complete training and apply for accreditation, the benefits you’ll receive as a travel advisor can be significant. This is true whether you’re booking personal travel or have built yourself a client base. Either way, there’s money to be had — and saved.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024 , including those best for:

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

on Chase's website

1x-5x 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases.

75,000 Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's over $900 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

1.5%-5% Enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.

Up to $300 Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) - worth up to $300 cash back!

on Capital One's website

2x-5x Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day. Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options.

75,000 Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.

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Everything You Need to Know About Becoming a Travel Agent

Here's what you should know before becoming a travel agent.

If you're someone who spends your days scanning flights , loves hotel rewards points, and in general, is a fervent traveler, you've probably wondered how to become a travel agent.

And, while it's true that living in the age of Expedia means travel agents are not as vital as they once were, people use them a lot more than you might think. Just because travelers aren't calling up an agent every time they need to book a quick flight doesn't mean they don't want to consult an expert for a big trip. This holds especially true when it comes to honeymoons or experiential trips that have a lot of moving parts — coordinating tour companies , translators, or multiple resort stays, for example. It's often easier to leave the logistics to someone else: travel agents.

You don't need a specific employment background to become a travel agent, so if you're looking for a fresh career start, that's totally OK. You have to start somewhere on your path to becoming a travel agent, and the sooner you jump in, the sooner you'll build your client base. On the other hand, if you're hoping to parlay your experience in a semi-related industry, be it marketing or hospitality, that can help because you'll have even more context for your new gig. Either way, this can be a rewarding career path (with some fun perks), so here's what you need to know to become a travel agent.

Formal Training Needed to Become a Travel Agent

While some four-year colleges, community colleges, and trade schools offer tourism certifications, it is not a requirement for those trying to become travel agents. Certificates of tourism can be very helpful, but so can previous training in marketing, hospitality, or even event planning. Ultimately, your knowledge of destinations, sales, itinerary planning, and booking software will be crucial for your career as a travel agent.

In terms of the training time you need to put in before becoming a fully-fledged travel agent, it depends. You could start your career right after high school, or you could put in one to four years to earn a certificate, associate's, or bachelor's degree in tourism. Of course, you could also change course from a related job, and morph your experience as, say, a destination wedding planner into a career as a travel agent.

Training Programs Available

You could take classes with a company like The Travel Institute to earn your certification. Not only will they teach you the basics of planning itineraries, but they'll also make sure you're learning about new cultures, world geography, and experiences you can have all over the world. They'll also help you decide what business route you want to take.

How to Become a Travel Agent: The Logistics

Becoming a travel agent will likely mean starting your own business . On the plus side, it requires relatively little overhead. If you're becoming a small business owner by opening a yoga studio, for example, you will need to rent a space, deal with permits, buy supplies, build a website, and pay yoga teachers and someone to work the front desk. However, if you're starting a travel agent business, you can operate from your living room and there aren't nearly as many upfront costs.

You will have to think about what type of business you want to become. Do you want to incorporate or become an LLC? Would you rather be a sole proprietor? Incorporating takes the most effort, and is often the most expensive. Becoming an LLC is a good happy medium because it can help protect you as a business entity without having as many associated costs. Small business owners typically become an LLC to protect their personal assets. If you get sued as an LLC, someone can come after your business holdings, but can't come after your house, car, or personal savings.

If you choose to remain a sole proprietor (which doesn't require any fees or legwork), you are essentially a freelancer or independent contractor. You can be an LLC and an independent contractor, too — they aren't mutually exclusive. If you want to be an independent contractor, it likely means you're working as part of a larger host agency, which is smart to do when you're starting out as a travel agent. Down the road, you can also own a travel agency franchise. Owning a franchise might come with more overhead costs, and that would be a reason to incorporate.

If you're an independent contractor, you should know that your taxes aren't going to be as straightforward as a full-time employee's might be. You may have to start keeping track of your business expenses, as you might be able to write them off. You also might not get things like health benefits from your employer. As you plan your new career, consider sitting down with an established travel agent to ask them some logistical questions: Where do they get their health insurance? How do they keep track of their income and expenses? Do they use an accountant to do their taxes? While meeting with the travel agent, you can discuss the pros and cons of working for a larger agency, too. If you're not sure how to get in touch with other travel agents, consider using social media, like LinkedIn or even Instagram.

What to Think About When You Become a Travel Agent

Once you've secured work as a travel agent, you'll want to think about how you can earn more money and distinguish yourself from other agents. Here are three things to consider as you start your career.

Making Commissions: If you're working for a larger travel agency as an independent contractor, how do commissions work? Make sure you have this conversation early on before accepting the position. When you're starting out, you want to make sure the commission rate you're receiving is similar to the industry standard.

Growing Your Client Base: How do you make more money as a travel agent? Clients, clients, clients. You want happy customers who will return to you every time they want to book a travel experience. You'll want to keep your clients happy by finding them great deals, curating unbelievable experiences for them, and simply being great to work with.

Establishing a Niche: This is by no means a requirement for becoming a travel agent, but as you establish your career, you may want to consider focusing on a specific niche. For example, perhaps you're someone who focuses on honeymoon travel , luxury travel, or adventure travel . Your niche can help you attract clients, and it can be anything in the travel realm, as long as there's a need for it.

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Travel Agent License + Seller of Travel Registration: Do You Need Them in 2024?

So, you want to become a travel agent and now you're wondering what's next. Do you need a travel agent license to get started? Is their travel agency licensing on the federal level? The state level?

Here's the quick answer to your travel agent license question: Depending on what state you live in — or if you sell to residents who live in states with seller of travel (SOT) requirements — the answer is yes, you may need one.

We're glad you're here because we're going to tell you, in laymen's terms, how to get the travel agency licensing you need.

What Is a Travel Agent License or Seller of Travel Registration?

First thing to know: we'll use the term travel agent license and seller of travel (SOT) registration interchangeably.

Normal people would call it a travel agent license but since it's not actually a license, the states call it seller of travel registrations. Po-tay-toes, po-tah-toes.

You might be envisioning that a travel agency license requires:

• travel agent training requirements,
• tests your industry knowledge,
• or lays out continuing education requirements.

Well, it doesn't. :) It's best to think of a travel agency license more like a registration, which is why they're formally called Seller of Travel registrations.

Federal + State Travel Agent Licensing

Let's start with the good news: On the national/federal level, a seller of travel license is not required . The US government isn't looking to cash in on travel agencies through registration/licensing fees. Phew!

The travel agent license thing changes a bit when it comes to the state level. While this may sound like a bummer, there's more good news . . . very few states (only four) have travel agent licensing requirements.

In the US, there are four states that have Seller of Travel (SOT) registrations: Hawaii, Washington, Florida, and California.

When we talk about The Big Four SOT States ® , we're talking about California (CA), Florida (FL), Hawaii (HI), and Washington (WA).

1. California Seller of Travel

2. Florida Seller of Travel

3. Washington Seller of Travel

4. Hawaii Seller of Travel

5. Other states with travel agency regulations

How do I know if I need a Seller of Travel Registration?

How do you know if you need a Florida Seller of Travel, California Seller of Travel, Washington Seller of Travel or Hawaii Seller of Travel registration?

If I had to summarize this entire article in two sentences it would go like this: If your agency is based in or you have clients in California, Florida, Washington, or Hawaii you will need to register as a seller of travel for those respective states.

If this isn't you, then congratulations! You're dismissed from HAR's travel agency license class.

If you are one of the lucky advisors who operate in or sell to clients in HI, WA, FL, or CA then congratulations to you too, because you're about to sound really knowledgeable at travel industry events when someone asks you about Seller of Travel registrations!

The thing to know about Florida's seller of travel, California's seller of travel and Washington and Hawaii's is that they aren't just contained to state lines.

If you live in New York but you're booking a client that lives in California, Florida, Washington or Hawaii, guess what? You're expected to comply with the Big Four laws.

The Seller of Travel for California, Florida, Hawaii, and Washington apply to any agency that does business with residents of those states. — Daniel Zim

Here's a great explanation from Daniel Zim, travel attorney 1 :

"The Seller of Travel for California, Florida, Hawaii and Washington apply to any agency that does business with residents of those states. They are extraterritorial laws meaning that the law extends far beyond the borders of the state. The business does not have to reside in the regulating state, the business could reside anywhere in the world but it would have to comply with California, Florida, Hawaii and Washington."

Next up, we'll take a high-level look at things with our infographic, and then we'll start diving deeper into the nuances and intricacies state by state.

I want to warn you that it may seem overwhelming . But don't worry. You only need to focus on the requirements in states that apply to you. Plus, once you figure out what you need and apply for your travel agency license, you're good to go!

A Visually Pleasing Way to Look at Seller of Travel Laws

We whipped up this neat infographic for you! It's a visual rundown of:

Florida Seller of Travel

California Seller of Travel

Washington Seller of Travel

and Hawaii Seller of Travel

It breaks down cost and complicated info into an easy-to-read visual. If you want to shortcut to a state, just click on the state you want in the infographic.

You have to enter your email to see the infographic, but I promise, it's worth it :). It's a less visually busy way to look at things.

California Seller of Travel + Travel Agency License: Do You Need One & How to Apply

Let's start with the doozie. California.

Because they're one of the Big Four SOT States ®, if your travel agency is located in California or you book clients who reside in California, you may need a travel agency license/ seller of travel number in California.

California's Seller of Travel + travel agency license is different in a few ways:

• They have a consumer restitution fund that all sellers of travel participate in and pay into.
• In addition to registering as a California seller of travel, you need to register for a business ID, even if you're not located in CA.

California seller of travel + Travel Agency LICENSE: exemptions

I know, increased regulations make your eyes glaze over. BUT, these regulations come with good tidings if you're a (relatively) small businesses.

If you meet all of the exemptions below , you do not need your own California travel agency license / seller of travel number!

1. Your business model is: Sole Proprietor, single-member LLC, or single-shareholder S Corp.

2. You are selling through your host, with your host's accreditation number.

3. You use your host's accreditation for all bookings (no booking direct, booking under your own accreditation or bypassing the host).

4. All fees (consultation/service fees) must be processed through the host agency. ( more on service fees and seller of travel laws )

5. Clients must pay host or supplier directly. (No taking cash. Checks would need to be made out to the host agency.)

6. You must disclose to every sale that you belong to a host, including the host's name, address, phone number and CA SOT registration number.

7. You have a written contract with a host agency that has a CA SOT. 

To find out if a host agency has a California travel agency license, visit our host agency list and check the company details section:

California Seller of travel + Travel Agency LICENSE: How to APPLY

Here's the steps to apply for California's seller of travel and travel agency license:

1. Register your business with California's Secretary of State

Register for a CA state business ID .

If you don't live in CA, you'll fill out the ' foreign entity ' (out-of-state or out-of-country) form for your respective business structure .

2. Register with the Travel Consumer Restitution Corporation

If you need to apply for your own California Seller of Travel number, register your agency with the Travel Consumer Restitution Corporation . They are in charge of administration of the Travel Consumer Restitution Fund. Cost is $100 for each location .

Who needs to participate in the Travel Consumer Restitution Fund? According to the CA dept. of justice (DOJ), "A registered seller of travel whose principal place of business is in California and who does business with persons in California must participate in the TCRC."

Of course, to keep it interesting, the Travel Consumer Restitution Fund has some exemptions :

• Applicant does not do business or advertise to persons located in California, including by internet advertisement; but has a location in California.
• Applicant's principal place of business is outside California.
• Applicant has no location or agent in California.
• Applicant is neither an issuer nor a subsidiary of an issuer of securities that are listed on a national securities exchange or designated as a national market system security.

Questions? California's Travel Consumer Restitution Corporation's office number is (530) 809-4220.

3. Establish a Trust Account

If you apply for a California Seller of Travel number and travel agency license, you will need to establish a trust account for any direct payments from clients.

There are a few alternatives to a trust account for any rebels about there:

• Credit Card Transactions: If you only accept credit card payments and you don't have access to clients funds, this is a great alternative to a trust. Do you qualify? Check out this California Seller of Travel affidavit form .
• Acquire a Surety Bond
• Include a Consumer Protection Escrow Plan (§17550.16 - Exemption from trust account. Letter (c), 1-7)

4. Apply for your California seller of travel + travel agency license

Once you're registered through the Travel Consumer Restitution Corporation, apply for your California seller of travel number (which is California's travel agency license) .

5. Renew annually

You'll need to renew your California seller of travel registration and travel agency license every year. Renewal is a choose your own adventure situation. Here's your two paths:

• There have been no changes in your agency: Congrats! This is the easy route. If all your agency info is the same when you previously applied, all you need to do is fill out this attestation form .
• There have been changes: This is the thornier path, but all you have to do is read these instructions then fill out this renewal form .

6. Uh.... can you go over that again, please?

It's confusing. Don't be afraid to contact their office for clarification.

• Email: [email protected]
• Phone:  (213) 269-6564

Florida Seller of Travel + Florida Travel Agency License

Since Florida is a member of our Big Four SOT States®, we know that Florida's Seller of Travel law applies to any travel agency who books clients residing in Florida, regardless of the agency's location, right?

[In unison: "Yes, Steph."]

You're doing so great!

Florida's travel agency license isn't nearly as complex as California's (thank goodness), but it's important to know that Florida may require you to have a surety bond.

Florida Seller of Travel + Travel AGENCY LICENSE: Exemptions

The big question: If an independent contractor belongs to a host agency , can that independent contractor use the host's Florida seller of travel number and travel agency license?

If you meet ALL of the exemptions below, you can use your host agency's Florida Seller of Travel number , but you must fill out the Independent Agent Statement of Exemption Form ($50/yr):

• You must be with a host agency that has a Florida Seller of Travel number; AND
• Have a writtencontract with the seller(s) of travel listed above (you'll provide them a copy of the contract); AND
• You do not accept fees (service/consultation/etc), commission, or other valuable consideration directly from your clients (they must go through your host agency); AND
• You do not have unused ticket stock in your possession; AND
• You do not have the ability to issue tickets, lodging or vacation certificates, or any other travel documents.

And here's another scenario where your travel agency can be exempt from Florida's Seller of Travel registration.

• If you're an ARC accredited agency for 3+ years under the same ownership, then you can file for an exemption.

Florida Seller of Travel + Travel AGENCY LICENSE: How to Apply

The Florida Seller of Travel number costs $300/yr and requires annual renewal. (If you're selling vacation certificates, add on another $100/yr.)

For all you active duty military, honorably discharged veterans, military spouses or surviving spouses out there—thank you for your service and sacrifices!—you may be eligible for a waiver of the registration/renewal fees ( see section 2(c) for requirements ). Here's the military fee waiver request form .

Something Florida requires for their seller of travel registration and travel agency license that California does not, is travel agencies need to provide a $25,000 Surety Bond with their application. (It jumps to a $50,000 bond if you're selling vacation certificates.)

But good news!

• If you've got a clean record and 5 or more years of operating in the state of Florida, you can file for a complete waiver of the bond requirement (waiver form is in the registration/renewal application).
• For those of you with a clean track record, you can also request a request a security reduction on your application or fill out a separate security exemption form , which would bring the bond amount down to $10k-20k, depending on your sales.

Here's the steps to get your Florida Seller of Travel number and travel agency license:

1. Get a surety bond (if applicable)

Don't forget to make sure the seals or signatures by principal and witnesses are on the bond. Also make sure the power of attorney is included with surety bond.

2. Apply for your Florida seller of travel registration and travel agency license

Fill out this application if you need your own seller of travel number . Or apply here if you can use your host agency's SOT number .

3. Renew annually

All registrations are valid for one year, beginning the day the certificate is issued, unless suspended or revoked for cause. Don't forget to renew because Florida may issue civil or administrative fines of up to $5,000 per violation. (Each sale or attempted sale may be considered a separate violation. )

Hawaii Seller of Travel + Travel Agency License

Again, Hawaii is one of our Big Four SOT States ® so if you're working with clients who live in Hawaii—even if your agency isn't in Hawaii—you'll need a Hawaii travel agency license/ seller of travel number.

There's a few key points to know about Hawaii's travel agency licensing:

• Similar to the CA SOT laws, regardless of where you live, you'll need to register your business in Hawaii if you are an LLC, LLP, Corporation, or Partnership. (Out of state agencies will register as a foreign entity.)
• If you're selling stand-alone activities to your clients, you technically also need an Activity Desk license.
• And this last one is the most challenging. Travel agencies need to have a business bank account with a bank located in Hawaii.

Hawaii Seller of Travel + Travel Agency License: Exemptions

One of our awesome Hawaii-based readers gave us the scoop on Hawaii's travel agency licensing/ seller of travel laws—thanks for your sleuthing, Mara Kunkel!

In addition to registering for a seller of travel license, Hawaii has regulations about opening a client trust account (see #3 above). But thanks to Mara's sleuthing, we've learned that Hawaii-based agents who want to go with a mainland host can apply for a waiver for the host, assuming the agent is not handling any of the clients' money—no cash, no checks—directly.

Hawaii agents with mainland hosts can qualify for a trust account waiver only if they do not handle client monies. Similar to CA, all client money needs to go through the supplier or the host agency. If this is up your alley, you can include that information in a letter asking for a trust account waiver along with your application for a Hawaii seller of travel license.

The Hawaii seller of travel and travel agency license costs $215/yr on the even-numbered years and $146/yr on the odd-numbered years. (Hawaii likes to keep you on your toes!)

Hawaii Seller of Travel + Travel Agency License: How to Apply

Here's what you need to do to get your Hawaii seller of travel and travel agency license:

1. Register your business with Hawaii's Dept of Commerce and Consumer Affairs

Register your business with the Business Registration Division (BREG) if you are an LLC, LLP, Corporation, or Partnership. (Out of state agencies will register as a foreign entity and sole proprietors need not register.) Here's the current fee schedule to register your business in Hawaii . If you have questions, you can e mail [email protected] or call (808) 586-2727.

2. Open a trust account with a bank in Hawaii

We know they give exceptions for Hawaii-based agencies that have a mainland host as long as the agency isn't accepting any money and that may transfer to non-Hawaii-based agencies. You can try calling them at (808) 586-3000 to see if your agency would qualify for an exemption on this.

3. Apply for your Hawaii Seller of Travel registration

Fill out the Hawaii travel agent license application , making sure to have your trust account information and if you're a LLC, LLP, partnership or corporation, have proof your business is registered with BREG (step 1).

3. Renew on odd-numbered years

All Hawaii travel agency licenses, regardless of issuance date, expire on December 31 of each ODD-NUMBERED year and are subject to renewal on or before the expiration date. Renewal applications and the notarized statement form are mailed to current registrations about 6 weeks prior to the expiration date.

Washington Seller of Travel + Travel Agency License

When it comes to Washington's travel agency license/ seller of travel laws, it's going to sound awfully familiar. Of course, we have the start with the same base as the other Big Four SOT States ® —you'll need the license not only if your agency is in Washington state, but also if you serve clients who live there.

Since (most) ICs sell travel under their own brand, they will have to get their own Washington travel agency license.

And like Hawaii and California, Washington wants to know who owns your agency so they require proof of business registration. But unlike Hawaii and California, if your agency is located outside Washington state, you can send proof of business registration in your home state. Hurray for small victories!

And here's a new twist: If you hold payments for travel for more than 5 days, you'll need to do 1 of 3 things:

• Open up a Seller of Travel trust account (business account) at a bank in Washington state.
• Purchase a Surety Bond (the size of the bond is based on the previous year's sales).
• Be a member of good standing in a professional association approved by the Department of Licensing, through which you get both a $1,000,000 errors and omissions policy and a surety bond of at least $250,000. What associations offer that, I honestly have no idea...

Washington Seller of Travel + tRAVEL aGENCY lICENSE: Exemptions

If the IC meets the following criteria, they can use the host's Washington travel agency license number 2 :

• The host agency has a Washington Seller of Travel number and has the IC is registered under their number.; and
• The IC is conducting business using the name of the host agency; and
• No money goes through the independent contractor. All money is collected in the name of the host agency and is processed by the host agency. No collecting cash, no checks made out to your agency, service/consultation fees would need to be charged under the host agency's name. ( more on service fees and seller of travel laws )

I'm going to be frank and say that it's unlikely an IC can use their host's Washington seller of travel number.

Because in order to use a host's Washington seller of travel number / travel agency license, the advisor needs to be selling under the name of the host agency. Since (most) hosted advisors sell travel under their own brand, not their host's brand, they will have to get their own Washington travel agency license.

Washington Seller of Travel + Travel agency License: How to Apply

We'll walk you through apply to get a Washington travel agency license online below:

1. Apply for a Washington state business license

Out of state businesses can attach proof of business registration in their state, and Washington based businesses can apply for a business license here . It's through the Department of Revenue so you may feel like you're in the wrong place, but you're not!

Set up an account and under 'Business Licensing' heading, select 'Apply for a New Business License'. This will walk you through the steps to get registered in Washington.

When you get to the 'Activity Search' section (below), select 'Travel Agent, Agency'. This will trigger the adding of the Seller of Travel endorsement (form) to your application.

For foreign entities (travel agencies not located in Washington), you'll have a chance to upload proof of business registration with your state at the end of the application.

There is a $50 processing fee for the business license and the Washington seller of travel license will set you back $222/yr. (Washington SOT fee schedule) . You can pay online.

2. Renew annually

Washington seller of travel and travel agency licenses expire one year after issue so make sure to renew it in the same place you applied for your business license in step 1.

Other States with Travel Agency Regulations

The Big Four SOT States ® are the ones everyone will always say have Seller of Travel (SOT) laws/travel agency licensing but there's a few I found I think should also be mentioned:

• Delaware: If you're a travel agency in Delaware (scroll to No. 24) , you are required to register for an occupational license. The cost is currently $225 USD. It's a bit different than the state travel agency licensing laws above because you only need it if you open a travel agency in Delaware (vs. needing it if you plan to sell to any Delaware residents).
• Illinois: Surprise! If your agency is based in Illinois, you may need to establish a trust account in order to adhere to the Illinois Travel Promotion Consumer Protection . Our insider source (Ann Thomson Nelson in the comments) mentioned this requirement only pertains to agents taking payments from clients, rather than paying the supplier directly. Even then, there are exemptions if you a.) have the equivalent of $1M liability coverage through Errors and Omissions Insurance , and b.) have a surety bond of $100,000 or more.
• Louisiana: Louisiana requires an annual travel agency licensing fee for retail travel agencies (storefronts). Are you a home-based agency in Louisiana? You're in the clear! What's the cost? It depends on your gross sales. So check out this resource on Louisiana travel agency licensing fees to see where you fall. (Shout to Alec Mena for sharing this resource!)
• Massachusetts: They have a 4-page document of random rules for travel agencies that make a wonderful read before bedtime. Sweet dreams, Massachusetts agency owners: MA's 940 CMR .
• New York: NY also has hard and fast laws for sellers of travel. I'd like to say they're common sense, and that so long as you're not a jerk, you're okay, but you know what, I'm going to go ahead and resist that temptation. Instead, if you're an NY-based agent, go read NY's Article 10-A Truth in Travel Act . Particularly, look at this chapter, Section 157-A for a very specific outline of disclosures you must provide for your travel clients.

Did we miss one? Let us know in the comments! We should say that this is not an exhaustive list. Rather, it's a crash course in states that have regulations that may directly impact travel advisors .

If you're a tour operator, or participate in travel club sales, chances are that since you're selling travel, you'll need a seller of travel license and the requirements and application process may be a little different.

Local/City Travel Agent Licensing

In the beginning, we said there is no travel agency licensing laws on the national level. Then we zoomed in on the state level, where we had The Big Four SOT States ® (Florida, California, Washington, Hawaii) with the seller of travel/ travel agency licensing laws.

Now let's talk about things on the city level.

Breaking down regulations to the city level is complex. The local level is going to involve some research on your end. What you'll want to do is familiarize yourself with local laws that affect travel agencies.

A good start is to ask your local Chamber of Commerce if there are any general business regulations in your city that you should be aware of.

If you don't know where to start to find out more about local laws, contact your Chamber of Commerce or visit our   resources page   to find your local SBA or SCORE office.

Did We Mention Travel Insurance Licensing... and Waivers?

Yeah. We have more info on regulations for you. Boring, confusing, and frustrating... but very important. Find out more on travel insurance licensing for agencies.

Most travel agencies have a travel waiver for their clients. See what other agencies are including in their travel waivers and download a free travel waiver sample and an Oversea Travel Tips & Checklist .

Save Money With a Travel Agent License with a Host Agency

Since the site focuses on host agencies, it's important to mention another host agency benefit —saving the expense of a travel agency license. In some states, you can use your host's Seller of Travel number instead of purchasing your own!

For instance, in Florida, independent contractors that are exempt don't have to pay the full $300 annual registration fee. Agents with a host can go under their host's Florida Seller of Travel number and pay only $50/yr - a savings of $250.  😊 And now hosted agents that meet CA's criteria for exemption can sell under their host agency's California Seller of Travel number — a savings of $100/year.

Check with your host agency or the state's seller of travel office for details. On our main page, you can filter hosts according to which seller of travel they provide.

If you're interested in finding a host agency, visit our host agency list and reviews .

Still Confused? We can help.

Applying for your seller of travel registration is just one small part of starting a travel agency . If you're finding you have analysis paralysis and feel completely overwhelmed and alone on the journey, we've got just the thing for you!

HAR's 7 Day Setup Accelerator course gives you information in digestible pieces, allowing you to get started faster and with the support you need to make it happen. You'll have the HAR team and a community of your peers to help answer your questions, cheer you on, and hold you accountable. :)

It's hard to find info on a travel agent license. Take this from a lady who spent hours on Washington's overly confusing Seller of Travel registration path!

We wrote this article to save agents time and money. If it helped you out, please drop us a line in the comments or share the article—doing so makes it easier for others to find this page.

Editor's note 9/10/2015: Nevada did have a seller of travel law... then they kept suspending it for what felt like forever (ahem, 6 years). And in July 2015,  Nevada's Seller of Travel Law is officially repealed and Nevada travel agents do not need a license to sell travel.

Editor's note 01/28/2021: Iowa repealed their Seller of Travel requirements as of 06/2020 so is no longer included in this article.

Editor's note 04/18/24: This article was originally published in Dec. 2012 and was updated and republished with the most current information at the post date listed above.

• Sorry, we need an obligatory disclaimer. I am not an attorney (but here are some travel industry attorneys !). I aggregated this info from first-hand experience and other industry sources to create a resource for those looking into a travel agent license. All info is accurate to my knowledge but information given should be fact-checked and never be considered legal advice. ↩
• 5(a-b) https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=19.138.100 ↩

About the Author

Steph grew up in the travel industry, helping on and off with her mom's homebased travel agency. She has worked with thousands of agents in her role as a former host agency director before leaving in 2012 to start HAR. She's insatiably curious, loves her pups Fennec and Orion, and -- in case you haven't noticed -- is pretty quirky and free-spirited.

If you’re looking for Steph, she leaves a trace where ever she goes! You can find her on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn (her fav) and Pinterest as 'iamstephly'. 🙂 You can also catch her on her Substack, Bumblin' Around, where she writes on things outside the world of HAR.

• Legal & Regulatory
• Travel Agent Basics

Travel Agent License by State

Interested in travel? Become a travel agent in your home state.

Get information on Travel Agent Training programs by entering your zip code and request enrollment information.

Find Travel Agent License in Your State

• Connecticut
• Massachusetts
• Mississippi
• New Hampshire
• North Carolina
• North Dakota
• Pennsylvania
• Rhode Island
• South Carolina
• South Dakota
• West Virginia

If you want to become a travel agent, in this section you will find out more information about this career path and the licensing regulations that govern this profession.

What Does a Travel Agent Do?

Travel agents sell trip-related services and products to individuals or groups.

A travel agent may offer advice on destinations, help clients plan itineraries, and make other travel arrangements regarding transportation, lodging, and entertainment activities.

Before making recommendations to clients, travel agents may visit hotels and resorts to assess the comfort level and the overall quality of service provided by that establishment.

Some travel agents specialize, depending on the type of clients they interact with.

For example, leisure travel agents sell vacation packages while corporate travel agents make arrangements for business trips.

Travel Agent Salary

Because usually, travel agents earn a combination of salary plus commission, total earnings depend on the number of travel packages sold.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage reported by employees in this line of work was $42,350, but salaries range between less than $26,000 and more than $73,000 annually.

These numbers include commissions.

Salaries also vary depending on the state of employment and the local economy.

The top-paying state for workers in this field in 2020 was Washington, where the median annual wage reported by travel agents was $62,040.

Median salaries above the $50,000 threshold were also reported in Arizona, the District of Columbia, California, and Massachusetts.

Travel agents in New Mexico, on the other hand, were remunerated only $32,510 per year, on average.

Work Opportunities for Travel Agents

You can become a travel agent after finishing high school if you apply for an opening at a travel agency.

Taking some travel and hospitality-related courses at a community college will help you learn more about this business.

Having a degree will also improve your chances of getting a good job.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2020 approximately 14 percent of all travel agents in the United States were self-employed.

Companies in the travel arrangement and reservation services field hired about 72 percent of all travel agents.

Job Prospects

This profession will grow 5 percent from 2020 to 2030, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

This will result in approximately 7,500 openings each year over the decade.

Most of this growth will occur when the nation recovers from the COVID-19 recession.

Travel agents who know how to communicate with their clients and are able to recommend personalized travel experiences will have the best prospects.

The ability to use online resources when researching and booking trips is another very valued skill in this line of work.

Education and Licensing Requirements

If you want to become a travel agent in the United States, there is no specific testing, licensing, or training requirements that are applicable at a national level.

However, some states that have their own licensing requirements.

These vary, depending on the state where you wish to sell travel, the type of business you wish to conduct, and other factors.

In the next sections, we will take a closer look at the path towards a career as a travel agent.

Education Requirements

Most employers require a high school diploma for all travel agent positions but some prefer candidates who also have sales experience or a relevant certification or education.

Technical training programs for travel agents are available at many community colleges and vocational schools and usually last less than two years.

If you want a Bachelor’s degree there are also four-year programs in travel and tourism available at many colleges.

Post-secondary programs usually cover topics such as reservation systems, regulations, and marketing classes.

Those who have no relevant experience or training can prove their skills by taking the Travel Agency Proficiency test administered by The Travel Institute.

The Travel Institute is a non-profit organization that offers career training courses, certification, travel industry specialization training programs, and access to an extensive resource library.

You can become a member by paying a monthly or annual fee.

If you want to learn the basics of this business, the Institute offers a Travel Introductory Program.

This program teaches students about five core travel products, workplace orientation, and marketing strategies.

Once you feel ready you can apply for certification.

There are three certification levels available:

• Certified Travel Associate
• Certified Travel Counselor
• Certified Travel Industry Executive

Each one of these products costs $550.

Credentialing and educational programs are also offered by the American Society of Travel Advisors and the Cruise Lines International Association.

Most employers train their newly-hired travel agents on the job.

This training period focuses mostly on the airline and hotel booking applications that are used within the company.

Licensing Requirements by State

As mentioned above there are no national licensing requirements that govern this line of work.

However, California, Hawaii, Florida, Iowa, and Washington have extraterritorial laws that apply to travel agents.

This means that these regulations apply to all those who sell travel packages in these states, regardless of their state of residence.

It is important to know the regulations that apply in each state because if you fail to comply, this may lead to penalties.

Licensing Requirements in California

If you want to sell or distribute travel products or services in the state of California, you have to become a registered Seller of Travel.

In California, a travel agent is defined as a person or business who sells, arranges, or advises that they can sell:

• flight or cruises or
• land or water transportation that exceeds $300 in value.

The two registration programs that apply to travel agents in the state of California are:

• Travel Consumer Restitution Corporation
• California Seller of Travel Program

The Travel Consumer Restitution Corporation applies to those who handle customer funds.

The California Seller of Travel Program is endorsed by the California Attorney General and is enforced to all travel agencies who sell travel in California.

All travel agencies that conduct business in California are required to display their California Seller of Travel number on any advertising materials that promote travel products and services.

There are a few steps you need to complete before becoming a licensed travel agent in the state of California:

Complete a California Seller of Travel Registration Application – a form that can be found online.

Obtain one for the following:

• A trust account
• A California Seller of Travel Bond
• A Consumer Protection Deposit Plan through the United States Tour Operators Association

Travel customers usually pay upfront for certain travel packages.

A safety net is needed to protect customers if their money is mishandled.

According to California law, you are not allowed to spend your clients’ money on expenses such as salaries unless you have a surety bond in place.

Pay the registration fee.

In some situations, travel agents have to participate in the Travel Consumer Restitution Fund.

Submit your application packet to the Office of the Attorney General.

The application packet may also be sent via email or fax.

The cost to register as a California travel agent is $100 per location.

Afterward completing all these steps, you will receive your California Seller of Travel Certificate in the mail in 1-3 weeks.

Hawaii Requirements

If you want to sell travel products and services in the state of Hawaii, you must get a registration from the Hawaii Travel Agent Licensing Program.

All travel agencies in Hawaii have to re-register at the end of each odd-numbered year.

The bi-annual registration fee is $140.

Travel agents who reside in another state also have to apply for a Certificate of Authority, which means they have to pay a registration cost of $25 per year.

Licensing Requirements in Florida

Florida requires a bond of $50,000 if you want to sell vacation certifications and a $25,000 bond if you don’t plan on selling certificates.

Travel agents don’t need to have this sum upfront, but they have to pay a yearly premium bond.

Depending on the agent’s qualifications, this translates into between 1-10% of the total value of the bond.

Anyone who wants to sell travel products and services in Florida needs to register with the Department of Agriculture of Consumer Affairs.

Licensing Requirement in Iowa

The Department of Economic Development is the registering agency for travel agents in Iowa.

Those seeking to become licensed need to purchase a $10,000 bond, which means they have to pay between 1-3% of the bond value.

Requirements for Washington Travel Agents

Washington is another state that requires all travel agents to hold a license.

This means that you will have to spend a few hundred dollars in application and state fees, depending on your business structure.

Earning a license to sell travel is not always an easy task.

However, it is far easier than paying a fine or receiving a cease and desist letter.

Having a license will also increase the comfort of your clients and will prove that you are a trustworthy individual/agency.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do i need a license to sell travel products in the united states.

There are no national license requirements for travel agents.

However, you will need a license to sell travel services or products in California, Florida, Iowa, Hawaii, or Washington.

Licensing requirements vary by state, but you will need to undergo a registration process to sell travel in the states listed above, regardless of your state of residence.

How Much Does This Registration Process Cost?

Total registration costs vary depending on the state where you want to sell travel.

California, for example, charges a registration fee of $100 per travel destination, which means that you will have to pay $500 if you want to sell travel packages to five Californian destinations.

A surety bond is also required to protect your clients in case their money is mishandled.

Are There Any Education Requirements for Travel Agents in the United States?

There are no specific education requirements for travel agents and usually, you can start a career in this field with only a high school diploma.

However, there are agencies that prefer applicants who have proven sales and/or marketing experience.

One way to compensate for your lack of experience is by attending a hospitality or tourism program at a community college or technical school.

What Type of Courses Can Prepare Me For a Career As a Travel Agent?

Travel agent training usually covers topics such as reservation systems, marketing, and regulations.

Many employers train their newly-hired travel agents on the job.

This training period focuses mostly on the booking and reservation software used in that specific agency.

Not Interested in Travel Agent License?

See something else:

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California Travel Agency License

Are you serious about registering as a California Seller of Travel? If so, we can help! We’ve put together a list of helpful information such as the licensing costs, application process, and more. Keep reading to learn more about getting your travel agency license.

Apply for your CA Travel Agency License with The License Company today!

Step 1 of 4.

• Applicant Name * First Last Enter the name of the individual applying for the license. This is typically the travel agency owner or the person applying on their behalf. We’ll gather your business information on the next page.
• Email * Enter Email Confirm Email
• I am the sole owner of the travel agency.
• I am a partial owner of the travel agency.
• I’m not an owner of the travel agency.

Ownership Information Section

• Name First Last Enter the name of the business owner.
• Home Address * Street Address City State / Province / Region ZIP / Postal Code
• Ownership Percentage Please enter a number from 1 to 100 .
• Ownership Percentage
• Owner 2 Name First Last
• Owner 2 Address Street Address City State / Province / Region ZIP / Postal Code
• Ownership Percentage Please enter a number from 1 to 99 .
• Owner 3 Name First Last
• Owner 3 Home Address Street Address City State / Province / Region ZIP / Postal Code
• Hidden Total Ownership Percentage
• I’m a sole proprietor.
• Business or Prospective Business Name *
• PARTNERSHIP
• SOLE PROPRIETOR
• Business Address * Street Address City State / Province / Region ZIP / Postal Code

State Application Questions

• CA Seller of Travel Registration Services
• STATE FEE – CA DOJ – CALIFORNIA SELLER OF TRAVEL APPLICATION State fee for CA SOT reg
• STATE FEE – CALIFORNIA SECRETARY OF STATE – DOMESTIC LLC REGISTRATION State fee for CA LLC registration
• STATE FEE – CALIFORNIA SECRETARY OF STATE – FOREIGN LLC REGISTRATION State fee for CA LLC registration
• STATE FEE – CALIFORNIA SECRETARY OF STATE – DOMESTIC CORPORATION REGISTRATION State fee for CA Corp Registration
• STATE FEE – CALIFORNIA SECRETARY OF STATE – FOREIGN CORPORATION REGISTRATION State fee for CA Corp Registration
• STATE FEE – CALIFORNIA SECRETARY OF STATE – DOMESTIC PARTNERSHIP REGISTRATION State fee for CA Corp Registration
• STATE FEE – CALIFORNIA SECRETARY OF STATE – FOREIGN PARTNERSHIP REGISTRATION State fee for CA Corp Registration
• STATE FEE – CALIFORNIA SECRETARY OF STATE – DBA REGISTRATION FEE DBA Registration Fee
• Website Referral
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This Privacy Policy, together with the Terms and conditions posted on our Website, set forth the general rules and policies governing your use of our Website. Depending on your activities when visiting our Website, you may be required to agree to additional terms and conditions. WEBSITE VISITORS Like most website operators, The License Company LLC collects non-personally-identifying information of the sort that web browsers and servers typically make available, such as the browser type, language preference, referring site, and the date and time of each visitor request. The License Company LLC’s purpose in collecting non-personally identifying information is to better understand how The License Company LLC’s visitors use its website. From time to time, The License Company LLC may release non-personally-identifying information in the aggregate, e.g., by publishing a report on trends in the usage of its website. 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SECURITY The security of your Personal Information is important to us, but remember that no method of transmission over the Internet, or method of electronic storage is 100% secure. While we strive to use commercially acceptable means to protect your Personal Information, we cannot guarantee its absolute security. ADVERTISEMENTS Ads appearing on our website may be delivered to users by advertising partners, who may set cookies. These cookies allow the ad server to recognize your computer each time they send you an online advertisement to compile information about you or others who use your computer. This information allows ad networks to, among other things, deliver targeted advertisements that they believe will be of most interest to you. This Privacy Policy covers the use of cookies by The License Company LLC and does not cover the use of cookies by any advertisers. LINKS TO EXTERNAL SITES Our Service may contain links to external sites that are not operated by us. If you click on a third party link, you will be directed to that third party’s site. We strongly advise you to review the Privacy Policy and terms and conditions of every site you visit. We have no control over, and assume no responsibility for the content, privacy policies or practices of any third-party sites, products or services. HTTPS://THELICENSECOMPANY.COM USES GOOGLE ADWORDS FOR REMARKETING Https://thelicensecompany.com uses the remarketing services to advertise on third party websites (including Google) to previous visitors to our site. It could mean that we advertise to previous visitors who haven’t completed a task on our site, for example using the contact form to make an inquiry. This could be in the form of an advertisement on the Google search results page, or a site in the Google Display Network. Third-party vendors, including Google, use cookies to serve ads based on someone’s past visits. Of course, any data collected will be used in accordance with our own privacy policy and Google’s privacy policy. You can set preferences for how Google advertises to you using the Google Ad Preferences page, and if you want to you can opt out of interest-based advertising entirely by cookie settings or permanently using a browser plugin. PROTECTION OF CERTAIN PERSONALLY-IDENTIFYING INFORMATION The License Company LLC discloses potentially personally-identifying and personally-identifying information only to those of its employees, contractors and affiliated organizations that (i) need to know that information in order to process it on The License Company LLC’s behalf or to provide services available at The License Company LLC’s website, and (ii) that have agreed not to disclose it to others. Some of those employees, contractors and affiliated organizations may be located outside of your home country; by using The License Company LLC’s website, you consent to the transfer of such information to them. The License Company LLC will not rent or sell potentially personally-identifying and personally-identifying information to anyone. Other than to its employees, contractors and affiliated organizations, as described above, The License Company LLC discloses potentially personally-identifying and personally-identifying information only in response to a subpoena, court order or other governmental request, or when The License Company LLC believes in good faith that disclosure is reasonably necessary to protect the property or rights of The License Company LLC, third parties or the public at large. If you are a registered user of https://thelicensecompany.com and have supplied your email address, The License Company LLC may occasionally send you an email to tell you about new features, solicit your feedback, or just keep you up to date with what’s going on with The License Company LLC and our products. We primarily use our blog to communicate this type of information, so we expect to keep this type of email to a minimum. If you send us a request (for example via a support email or via one of our feedback mechanisms), we reserve the right to publish it in order to help us clarify or respond to your request or to help us support other users. The License Company LLC takes all measures reasonably necessary to protect against the unauthorized access, use, alteration or destruction of potentially personally-identifying and personally-identifying information. AGGREGATED STATISTICS The License Company LLC may collect statistics about the behavior of visitors to its website. The License Company LLC may display this information publicly or provide it to others. However, The License Company LLC does not disclose your personally-identifying information. AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE This site uses affiliate links and does earn a commission from certain links. This does not affect your purchases or the price you may pay. COOKIES To enrich and perfect your online experience, The License Company LLC uses “Cookies”, similar technologies and services provided by others to display personalized content, appropriate advertising and store your preferences on your computer. A cookie is a string of information that a website stores on a visitor’s computer, and that the visitor’s browser provides to the website each time the visitor returns. The License Company LLC uses cookies to help The License Company LLC identify and track visitors, their usage of https://thelicensecompany.com, and their website access preferences. The License Company LLC visitors who do not wish to have cookies placed on their computers should set their browsers to refuse cookies before using The License Company LLC’s websites, with the drawback that certain features of The License Company LLC’s websites may not function properly without the aid of cookies. By continuing to navigate our website without changing your cookie settings, you hereby acknowledge and agree to The License Company LLC’s use of cookies. E-COMMERCE Those who engage in transactions with The License Company LLC – by purchasing The License Company LLC’s services or products, are asked to provide additional information, including as necessary the personal and financial information required to process those transactions. In each case, The License Company LLC collects such information only insofar as is necessary or appropriate to fulfill the purpose of the visitor’s interaction with The License Company LLC. The License Company LLC does not disclose personally-identifying information other than as described below. And visitors can always refuse to supply personally-identifying information, with the caveat that it may prevent them from engaging in certain website-related activities. BUSINESS TRANSFERS If The License Company LLC, or substantially all of its assets, were acquired, or in the unlikely event that The License Company LLC goes out of business or enters bankruptcy, user information would be one of the assets that is transferred or acquired by a third party. You acknowledge that such transfers may occur, and that any acquirer of The License Company LLC may continue to use your personal information as set forth in this policy. PRIVACY POLICY CHANGES Although most changes are likely to be minor, The License Company LLC may change its Privacy Policy from time to time, and in The License Company LLC’s sole discretion. The License Company LLC encourages visitors to frequently check this page for any changes to its Privacy Policy. Your continued use of this site after any change in this Privacy Policy will constitute your acceptance of such change. CREDIT & CONTACT INFORMATION This privacy policy was created at termsandconditionstemplate.com. If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy, please contact us via email or phone.
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Do you need to register as a travel agent in California?

The answer is most likely yes if you’re offering travel services to California and/or to California residents. This is true if even if you don’t have a physical office located in the state. Please consult an attorney if you feel you do not need to register with California. Otherwise, why not be on the safe side and register with the state regardless? No one likes unexpected or, quite candidly, any fines or cease and desist orders.

What is a California Seller of Travel?

California has a very broad definition of a Seller of Travel. They state, “A Seller of Travel is any person or entity that sells, provides, furnishes, contracts for, arranges, or advertises that it can or may arrange, wholesale or retail travel.” They don’t leave a whole lot of guesswork as to who needs to register but there are a few exceptions. They are airlines, cruise ships, and hotels who arrange transportation but don’t receive money for providing it. Please consult Business and Professions Code Sections 17550.1 and 17550.20 for additional information on exceptions.

What does it cost to register?

The cost of your CA Seller of Travel registration varies depending on your business structure. In general, you should expect to pay $100 for each business location you have, regardless of the state it’s located in. Additionally, you’ll need to register with the California Secretary of State which can cost anywhere from $70-$100. Complete our California Seller of Travel Registration application to receive a more detailed cost breakdown.

Can you help with my California Seller of Travel Application?

Absolutely! The License Company has helped numerous clients receive their seller of travel registration. The registration process is often confusing and time consuming if you haven’t done it in the past. Do you need a DBA registration? Should you register with Secretary of State? Do I need a surety bond ? How long does it take? We can help!

Our License Application Processing fee is $199. This is in addition to your state application fee, required corporate registrations, or other items such as bonds or insurance which may be needed. You can learn more about our services by visiting our FAQ .

Contact Information

Did you know the CA Department of Justice oversees travel agency registrations? It sounds scary but they’re great to work with once you get used to their requirements. Listed below is the contact information for the DOJ:

Seller of Travel Program Office of the Attorney General Department of Justice 300 South Spring Ste. Suite 1702 Los Angeles, CA 90013-1230

You may also be interested in the following travel agency affiliate registrations:

The License company also assists with various travel industry certifications such as IATAN , ARC , TCRC , and more!

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An Overview On Travel Agent Licensing Requirements In The USA and Canada Go Back Button

You are considering becoming a professional travel agent, so you start doing your research on all the things you need to start selling travel. One of the things you may research or come across is licensing. Do you need licensing to start selling travel? The answer to that question is broken down below to hopefully provide you with the clarity you need to move forward.

Travel Agent Licensing Requirements For Travel Agents In The United States

The licensing requirements in the US for travel agents is not much of a licensing process. There are no testing, training or qualification process needed. All that is required is to complete a simple form, pay a small fee and just like that, you can start selling travel in the USA. There are certain states however that have their individual "Seller Of Travel Requirements." These states are California, Florida, Iowa, Washington and Hawaii. We will look at the individual licensing requirements for those later on in this article for those looking to trade in travel products and services in any of those 5 states. 

Travel Agent Licensing Requirements For Travel Agents In Canada

Selling travel legally in Canada is not so easy as in the US. This is especially so for those living in the province of Ontario. Anyone selling travel products and services in the Province of Ontario must be a registered member of the Travel Industry Council Of Ontario (TICO) or affiliated with a registered member of TICO. There are two different types of TICO registration requirements. If you are looking to start your own travel agency, you must complete the TICO application, qualification, training and registration process to obtain a TICO registration number. If you are looking to simply sell travel, you must first complete the TICO Exam then join a TICO registered travel agency.

So here are the requirements for Travel Agents and Agencies In Ontario

A) Travel Agency must be TICO registered with a TICO number to employ or host travel agents.

B) All members of that Travel Agency, selling or giving advice for travel services, must complete the TICO Exam.

To write the TICO Exam, you must first download and read the TICO education standard manual. This manual provides you with a list of rules, guidelines and etiquette you must follow when selling travel in the province of Ontario. Once you have completed the manual, which should take no longer than one to two weeks, you then need to register for exam at one of the approved centers. You can find a list of upcoming exams on the ACTA (Association Of Canadian Travel Agents) website. The course registration fee is only $35, and there are a few courses you can take. You can either take the Travel Counselors course of if you have and can show experience in the industry you can take the travel manager/supervisor course. The combined courses will cost you $50.

To run your own TICO registered travel agency is not as easy and cost friendly as completing the exam to sell travel through an agency that is already certified. If you are thinking of starting your own TICO registered travel agency, here are the list of requirements:

-   You will need to come up with an application fee of $3000 CDN

-   You must provide your tax returns to show proof of financial stability

-   You will need to show evidence of a minimum $5000 in working capital

-   You will need to provide a $10,000 bond that TICO will hold for two years

-   You will need to open a trust account where all funds you collect for travel must be held.

-   You will need to register your travel business with Service Ontario

TICO registration numbers are non-transferable, so there are no options to buy out an already existing TICO certified travel agency. Starting a travel agency in the province of Ontario is among the hardest if not the hardest in the industry, so if you are new to the business and you are living in Ontario, the easiest thing to do is work through a host agency that is already TICO certified.

British Colombia Travel Agency Licensing Requirements

To start a travel agency in British Columbia, Canada, you are required by the Insurance Council of British Colombian to take a travel insurance exam for a fee of $225 per year. That licensing will be tied to the Agency, and each agent will be required to take the exam once, and then maintain by taking a 2-hour course each year. A 2-year lapse or non-activity will require the agency to start the process all over again.

There are some additional fees and certification requirements for sellers of travel residing in British Columbia.

-   You must register with the BC Corporate Registry

-   You must register with Consumer Protection BC

If you are a hosted agent working under an Agency located in BC, you will need to apply for a branch location of your host agency in British Columbia.

Saskatchewan Colombia Travel Agency Licensing Requirements

Similarly to British Colombia, getting licensed to sell travel in Saskatchewan Canada is insurance based. The tow exams that’s required to be written and passed are the General Insurance Council of Saskatchewan (GICS)—the Qualifying Exam (online: $109 CAD + taxes) and the Travel Bylaw Exam (online: $55 CAD + taxes). The bylaw exam is an open book exam, so you do not need to worry too much about passing it.

US Travel Agency Licensing Requirements Per State

Even though getting your travel business up and running on the national level in the United States is pretty much hassle free, some states have implemented their own registration procedures that may make things a little bit more complicated. 5 States have their own Seller of Travel laws in place. Those states are California, Florida, Washington, Iowa, and Hawaii. These laws are what is called extraterritorial laws that do not just apply to those residing in the above-mentioned states, but those outside of the states selling travel to the residents of those states.

In the State of Delaware, if you plan on opening your travel agency there, you will need an occupational license that can be obtained for the nominal fee of $25. The same procedure is said to be in Lousiana but does not seem to be enforced. When it comes to Seller Of Travel licensing requirements, Louisiana and Delaware are hardly mentioned. It is the 5 primary states mentioned above that is worth paying close attention to.

Hawaii Seller Of Travel Requirements

Hawaii Seller of travel laws states that anyone acting as an intermediary between a person looking to buy travel products and services, and anyone that wishes sell travel products and services, must first register with the Hawaii Travel Agent Licensing Program. All travel agencies, chartered tour operators residing in Hawaii is required to register at the end of each odd-numbered year. The bi-annual registration fee is $140. For those living outside of the State of Hawaii but wish to do business in Hawaii, must apply for a Certificate of Authority to sell trade in travel products and services in the state of Hawaii. The registration cost is $25 per year. For full details of these and other requirements, contact the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs.

California Seller Of Travel Requirements

Anyone that sells, offers consultation, or offers travel products and travel-related services in the state of California or from n office located in California, is required to be registered as a California Seller Of Travel. This is also including anyone selling or distributing travel certificates, a coupon, vouchers, passes, are all required to comply with the California State Seller Of Travel Laws. Failing to register may result in penalties, a cease and desist order and the possibility of criminal charges.

There are two registration programs for travel businesses located in California. Once is the Travel Consumer Restitution Corporation which manages the handling of customer funds and the other is the California Seller Of Travel Program (CST) that is administered and upheld by the California Attorney General. Out of state agencies are only required to register for the CST. The California seller of travel law is strictly enforced and travel agencies conducting business are required to display their CST number on any marketing material promoting of offering travel services in the State of California.

Florida Seller Of Travel Requirements

In the sate of Florida, anyone seeking to sell travel products or travel related services must register with the Department of Agriculture of Consumer Services. The Seller Of Travel registration requirements applies to all persons offering pre-arranged travel packages, tourist related services, guided tours for Land, Air and Sea.

The state requires a bond of $50,000 and extensive disclosures in order to obtain a Seller Of Travel license. Independent travel agents are not required to post the bond but must meet the other mandatory requirements.

Iowa Seller of Travel Requirements

It is a requirement in the state of Iowa that all sellers of travel register with the department of Economic Development. This applies to anyone selling or offer consultation for travel products and travel-related services.

Washington Seller Of Travel Requirements

The State of Washington has a seller of travel registration requirement done through the Department of Licensing. There are also certain financial requirements and securities that needs to be in place. A travel business can become exempt from these fees is certain business standards are met and funds and consumer funds collected for travel are being held properly.

When looking to get licensing to sell travel, the best thing to do is thoroughly research the laws in your local area. This is another place where the value of a Host Agency comes in. By contacting a host agency, they will not only be able to save you time and money of the licensing and registration process; they will be able to provide you with a lot of the information you are looking for.

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