Do I Need a Business License?

I am a relatively new  freelance reporter in California, and I had been told that I need to get a business license.  However, I had heard that it's not absolutely necessary, so I am confused.  As an independent contractor/deposition reporter, am I required to get a business license in CA?  And if so, would I only need to apply for one in the city that I live in?  Somebody told me that we need to apply for one for each city that we work in, but if that were the case, I'd be applying for 30 different business licenses as I take depos in many different cities, and that is a bit excessive, let alone expensive.  Any info would be appreciated.  Thanks!

I've been reporting since 1997 and never had a business license.  I'm also in CA, and I have lived in Alameda County, El Dorado County and now in San Joaquin County and still have no business license.

I belive as a freelance reporter you only need a business licience if you want to start a firm. The firm you work for holds the business licience and you are contracted by them as a independant 1099form. You can call the NCRA directly and Iam sure you will get the answer you need. Im investagating this throughly as I am looking to start my own firm. Good Luck.