How to Apply for a Business License in a Commercial Location

Prior to commencing business within the City, every person or entity engaging in business, regardless of whether the business is subject to taxation or not, must apply, pay all applicable taxes, fees, assessments and obtain the appropriate approvals in order to procure a business license and any other regulatory permits. Upon City approval of the business license application and applicable regulatory permits, the Business License unit will issue a business license certificate.

A business license is required for commercial operations.  All business licenses and regulatory permits are valid through June 30th of each year and must be renewed on July 1st of each year. 

Please Note:

The State of California has new laws pertaining to certain businesses across the state that will be enacted as of January 1, 2024.  Please see this summary document and links located here to review the details of these new regulations.  You may also view the text of the bills here: AB-783 & SB-4748.

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Continue the Process:

Online

  1. Review the Applicable Laws and Regulations

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    Review and familiarize yourself with the Santa Monica Municipal Code Article 6 Business, Profession.

  2. Determine Your Business Name

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    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. Click LA County Business Filing and Registration website for more information.

  3. Obtain a California Seller’s Permit (For Retail/Wholesale Sales Only)

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    For information on how to obtain a California Seller’s Permit from the California Fee & Tax Administration, click HERE.

  4. Identify a Location in Santa Monica and Check the Land Use

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    For questions on activities permitted at a particular location in Santa Monica, please submit questions using the 311 Portal.

    If you location is in a business improvement area, please visit our website for more information on these assessments. 

  5. Gather Your Documents and Apply for Your Santa Monica Business License

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    You will need the following supplemental forms:

  6. Submit Your Completed Application

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    Gather your documents, and complete the online submission using the system HERE. Be sure to include the Zoning Conformance Review form and upload it with your online application submission.

  7. Submit Your Payment

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    Once the application is processed by the Business License unit, you will receive an email with instructions on how to pay the applicable taxes and fees.

    When the Business License unit deems the application is complete and payment is received, the application will be routed to the appropriate City departments for review. If the appropriate approvals are received, a business license certificate will be issued. If your submission is not compliant with local, county or state regulations, then your business license will be denied. 

    Note: Depending on the business activity and location, additional fees and assessments may apply. 


Email

  1. Review the Applicable Laws and Regulations

    + -

    Review and familiarize yourself with the Santa Monica Municipal Code Article 6 Business, Profession.

  2. 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. Click LA County Business Filing and Registration website for more information.

  3. Obtain a California Seller’s Permit (For Retail/Wholesale Sales Only)

    + -

    For information on how to obtain a California Seller’s Permit from the California Fee & Tax Administration, click HERE.

  4. Identify a Location in Santa Monica and Check the Land Use

    + -

    For questions on activities permitted at a particular location in Santa Monica, please submit questions using the 311 Portal.

    If you location is in a business improvement area, please visit our website for more information on these assessments. 

  5. Gather Your Documents and Apply for Your Santa Monica Business License

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    Complete the Business License Application, and if applicable the Police Permit Form.

  6. Submit Your Completed Application

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    Email the Completed Application and Supplemental Documentation to:

    Business.License@santamonica.gov

  7. Submit Your Payment

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    Once the application is processed by the Business License unit, you will receive an email with instructions on how to pay the applicable taxes and fees.

    When the Business License unit deems the application is complete and payment is received, the application will be routed to the appropriate City departments for review. If the appropriate approvals are received, a business license certificate will be issued. If your submission is not compliant with local, county or state regulations, then your business license will be denied. 

    Note: Depending on the business activity and location, additional fees and assessments may apply. 


Mail

  1. Review the Applicable Laws and Regulations

    + -

    Review and familiarize yourself with the Santa Monica Municipal Code Article 6 Business, Profession.

  2. 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. Click LA County Business Filing and Registration website for more information.

  3. Obtain a California Seller’s Permit (For Retail/Wholesale Sales Only)

    + -

    For information on how to obtain a California Seller’s Permit from the California Fee & Tax Administration, click HERE.

  4. Identify a Location in Santa Monica and Check the Land Use

    + -

    For questions on activities permitted at a particular location in Santa Monica, please submit questions using the 311 Portal.

    If you location is in a business improvement area, please visit our website for more information on these assessments. 

  5. Gather Your Documents and Apply for Your Santa Monica Business License

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    Complete the Business License Application, and Police Permit Form.

  6. Submit Your Completed Application

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    Mail the Completed Application and Supplemental Documentation to:

    City of Santa Monica

    Business License Unit

    P.O. Box 2200

    Santa Monica, CA 90407-2200

  7. Submit Your Payment

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    Once the application is processed by the Business License unit, you will receive an email with instructions on how to pay the applicable taxes and fees.

    When the Business License unit deems the application is complete and payment is received, the application will be routed to the appropriate City departments for review. If the appropriate approvals are received, a business license certificate will be issued. If your submission is not compliant with local, county or state regulations, then your business license will be denied. 

    Note: Depending on the business activity and location, additional fees and assessments may apply. 


In-Person

  1. Review the Applicable Laws and Regulations

    + -

    Review and familiarize yourself with the Santa Monica Municipal Code Article 6 Business, Profession.

  2. 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. Click LA County Business Filing and Registration website for more information.

  3. Obtain a California Seller’s Permit (For Retail/Wholesale Sales Only)

    + -

    For information on how to obtain a California Seller’s Permit from the California Fee & Tax Administration, click HERE.

  4. Identify a Location in Santa Monica and Check the Land Use

    + -

    For questions on activities permitted at a particular location in Santa Monica, please submit questions using the 311 Portal.

    If you location is in a business improvement area, please visit our website for more information on these assessments. 

  5. Gather Your Documents and Apply for Your Santa Monica Business License

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    Complete the Business License Application, and Police Permit Form.

  6. Submit Your Completed Application

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    Applications can be accepted in person by appointment. Click HERE to make an appointment. Bring your completed application and supplemental documentation to the Business License office located at:

    City of Santa Monica

    City Hall East

    1685 Main Street

    Santa Monica, CA 90401

  7. Submit Your Payment

    + -

    Once the application is processed by the Business License unit, you will receive an email with instructions on how to pay the applicable taxes and fees.

    When the Business License unit deems the application is complete and payment is received, the application will be routed to the appropriate City departments for review. If the appropriate approvals are received, a business license certificate will be issued. If your submission is not compliant with local, county or state regulations, then your business license will be denied. 

    Note: Depending on the business activity and location, additional fees and assessments may apply. 

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