Legal Question in Business Law in California

I don't know the answer, but I can give you some advice that might assist you in finding it:

There are two types of licenses you may, or will, need. First, any kind of business requires a business license issued by the city or county where it's located.

Second, a business providing transportation of goods or people (railroads, truckers, bus companies, and probably bicycle couriers as well, need authority to operate, as they are considered to be providing a regulated public service.

As to finding out whether it's needed, and then obtaining, operating authority, I suggest that you check two places: First, get a phone directory listing for Beverly Hills City Government offices, and try to figure out whether there is a public utilities department. If there doesn't seem to be one, contact the regular business-licensing staff and inquire whether any kind of permit or operating authority is required from the city for a bicycle courier service.

Next, contact the California Public Utilities Commission in San Francisco. It is a big bureaucracy and it may take several attempts to reach someone who can tell you whether the CPUC has any regulatory interest in your proposed business. I'd say it's less than 50% likely that the CPUC licenses or regulates bicycle couriers any more, but they may, and you need to be sure. Same with the City.