How to Become a Licensed Vendor in Santa Monica

May 13, 2019 2:46 PM
by Stephanie Venegas

(En español: Cómo Convertirse en un Vendedor Con Licencia en Santa Mónica)

On April 9, 2019, the Santa Monica City Council adopted a new law establishing a permitting program for Sidewalk Vendors and we want to make sure you have the information you need to set yourself up for success in Santa Monica.

If you plan to sell food or merchandise in Santa Monica from a pushcart, stand, display, pedal- driven cart, wagon, showcase, rack or other non-motorized conveyance, or from one’s person, on a public sidewalk or other pedestrian path, you will need a Business License and a Vending permit issued by the City of Santa Monica.

  

There are four things you need to do before you are issued a Santa Monica Business License and Santa Monica Sidewalk Vending Permit:

    DETERMINE YOUR BUSINESS NAME: If you will be using a name other than your given name or the name of your LLC or corporation, you must file a Fictitious Business Name with the Los Angeles County Clerk in person at one of the offices listed below:

  • You will need to bring your Driver’s License, Passport, I-TIN, Social Security Number or Mexican Matricular Consular card as identification.
  • Bilingual staff will assist you in completing the 3-page form.
  • There is no fee for the Seller’s Permit and you will be issued it immediately.

    GET A SELLER’S PERMIT: All vendors need a seller's permit. Apply in-person to the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration for your seller’s permit which will allow you to make quarterly sales tax payments:

  • You will need to bring your Driver’s License, Passport, I-TIN, Social Security Number or Mexican Matricular Consular card as identification.
  • Bilingual staff will assist you in completing the 3-page form.
  • There is no fee for the Seller’s Permit and you will be issued it immediately.

   DECIDE WHAT YOU ARE SELLING: If you are planning to sell food you must contact the County of Los Angeles Department of Public Health to apply for a public health permit. Contact the Environmental Heal Plan Check Program at (626) 430-5560 to start the process. If you are not planning to sell food, you can skip this step.

Contact the Environmental Heal Plan Check Program at (626) 430-5560 apply.

You will need the following:

  • Valid photo ID (Driver’s license, California ID, Matricular Consular ID, Consulate of Argentina & Republic of Korea ID)
  • Articles of Incorporation (for a corporation) and Articles of Organization (for an LLC)
  • Carts that will be towed or driven on the street will need to be registered with the DMV
  • Commissary Contract & Verification of Mobile Food Facility Storage Form
  • Completed Mobile Food Facility Permit Application

   SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION: Submit the Santa Monica business license and vending permit application in person or online:

  • You will need to bring your CA Seller’s Permit and LA County Health permit (if vending food).
  • The cost for a vendor permit is $157.96 per year. Payment is due with your application along with an image of your operation. You can pay by credit or debit card, check, money order, or cash.

Once your application is processed and approved, you will receive a business license certificate and a vendor permit within 30 days. You will also be issued a vendor decal to put on your cart or a badge. This decal or badge must be displayed at all times when you are vending in the City of Santa Monica and you must follow all state, county and Santa Monica specific vending laws in and the location-specific regulations below:

We hope this information has been helpful. If you have questions or need more assistance, please email vending@smgov.net.

Authored By

Stephanie Venegas
Council & Legislative Affairs Liaison