Business License Forms & Resources
The quickest way to apply for a Santa Monica business license is online. However, the following application packets may be downloaded and returned to the Business License office.
- Commercial Business(operating in/from a commercial location in Santa Monica)
- Residential Business(operating in/from a residential location in Santa Monica)
- Commercial Property Lessor(leasing or subleasing of commercial property located in Santa Monica)
- Residential Property Lessor(leasing or subleasing of residential property located in Santa Monica)
- Sidewalk Vendor (English | Spanish) (vending from a public sidewalk or pedestrian path)
- Vehicle Vendor (English | Spanish) (vending from a vehicle)
- Pedicab Operator (for operators of a pedicab business)
- Delivery(delivery of goods only)
- Vehicle for Hire(automobile or motor-propelled vehicle used for the transportation of passengers)
- Event Planner(event planners and promoters only)
- Out-of-City Business(all other business activities)
- In-City Massage Operator/Establishment(operating in/from a location in Santa Monica)
Permit Applications
The City of Santa Monica imposes regulatory restrictions on certain business activities to address public safety and to benefit the public welfare, and requires businesses to obtain a police or other regulatory permit in conjunction with its business license. The permits listed below are required by the business activities indicated:
- Auto Park Permit(autoparks)
- Industrial Wastewater Permit(see Industrial Discharge Permit Classifications to see if your business requires this permit)
- Department of Justice Pawn Broker Permit(pawnbrokers & secondhand dealers)
- Pedicab Vehicle Application(for pedicab operators to apply or change active pedicab vehicles)
- Performer Permit(street performers)
- Police Permit(bars/restaurants with live entertainment, firearms dealers, massage technicians not licensed by the State of California, secondhand dealers, tow truck operators)
- Massage Establishment/Operator Permit(massage establishments)
* If you are applying for a Santa Monica business license online, you may be required to complete and upload additional forms to your application. Please select each of the permit applications above that relate to your business activity.
Additional/Supplemental Forms
- Business Closure
- Change of Information (Commercial) - In City
- Change of Information (Residential) - In City
- Change of Information - Out of City
- Home-Share Renewal Supplemental Form
- Lost/Stolen Performer Permit Declaration
- Massage Business Monthly Report
- Notice of Violation Objection(Performers)
- Payment Plan Request
- Penalty Waiver Request
- Renewal Amendment Request
- Representative Authorization
- Request for a Hearing
- Request for Business License Tax Review
- Sidewalk Vendor Supplemental Form
- Statement of Gross Receipts
- Subcontractors List(Contractors)
- Vehicle for Hire Supplemental Form
- Vehicle Vendor Supplemental Form
- Zoning Review - Commercial
- Zoning Review - Residential
* If you are applying for a Santa Monica business license online, you may be required to complete and upload additional forms to your application. Please select each of the forms above that relate to your business location and/or activity.
Useful Information & Resources
- Associated Fees & Assessments
- Business License Tax Rate, Penalty, Classification & Renewal Summary
- CA Business and Professions Code
- Department of Industrial Relations(work permits for minors)
- Disability Access
- CA Commission on Disability Access
- CA Senate Bill 1186 and CA Assembly Bill 1379
- Department of Rehabilitation
- Division of the State Architect
- Business Improvement Districts Summary
