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Business license requirements in Santa Monica, California depend on your industry, business activities, entity type, and location. Most businesses need several types of licenses to operate legally.
A general business license or business tax certificate from the City of Santa Monica is typically required for any business operating within city limits.
State-level tax registrations, professional licenses, and regulatory filings required by California agencies.
If you provide professional services in Santa Monica (legal, medical, engineering, accounting), you must hold the appropriate state-issued credentials.
Your business location in Santa Monica must comply with local zoning ordinances. Home-based businesses may need a home occupation permit.
Food service, health, fire, alcohol, and other industry-specific permits may be required depending on your business activities in Santa Monica.
Businesses in regulated industries (alcohol, firearms, broadcasting, transportation) must also obtain federal licenses and permits.
City of Santa Monica, Finance Department — Revenue Division
1685 Main Street, Room 124
Santa Monica, CA 90401
Mon-Thu 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM; Alt Fri 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Information verified as of June 17, 2026
Web VerifiedSanta Monica requires a business license for all businesses operating within city limits. The Finance Department's Business License Office handles all applications and renewals. The office is open Monday–Thursday 8:00 AM–5:00 PM and alternating Fridays 8:30 AM–4:30 PM.
July 1 annually (fiscal year July 1–June 30); penalty-free deadline August 31
Renews annually
20% after August 31; 30% after September 30; 40% after October 31; 50% from December 1 onward (applied to unpaid taxes and assessments)
Santa Monica Business License Office is open alternating Fridays with reduced hours (8:30 AM–4:30 PM) — not closed
The Business License Office is at 1685 Main Street, City Hall East
Email [email protected] for all licensing inquiries
Businesses with under $100,000 in worldwide annual gross receipts may qualify for tax exemption; nonprofits, certain banks, and insurance companies may also be exempt — a license is still required even when the tax is waived
| Fee | Amount | Period |
|---|---|---|
Minimum business license tax Minimum business license tax: $75 for first $60,000 in annual gross receipts | Varies | varies |
additional percentage of gross receipts above $60,000 per business cla additional percentage of gross receipts above $60,000 per business classification | Varies | varies |
State SB-1186 (CASp) fee — annually (permanent as of 2024 per AB 2164) | $4 | annual |
All businesses operating within Santa Monica city limits must obtain a business license prior to commencing operations.
All businessesYour business location must comply with Santa Monica's zoning ordinances. Contact the Planning Department to verify zoning before applying for a business license.
All businessesHome-based businesses in Santa Monica must obtain a home occupation permit in addition to a standard business license.
home basedNavigating business licensing in Santa Monica, CA doesn't have to be complicated. CLS provides end-to-end licensing support so you can focus on what matters—running your business.
We identify every license and permit required for your specific business in Santa Monica.
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Businesses found operating without required licenses in Santa Monica, CA can face penalties ranging from late-fee surcharges to four-figure fines per violation, cease-and-desist orders, revocation of existing permits, inability to enforce contracts, and in some cases criminal misdemeanor charges. Don't risk your business.
Get a free compliance assessmentEvery city has different fees, deadlines, and penalties. Miss your filing window and penalties range from late-fee surcharges to four-figure fines — and operating unlicensed can mean forced closure. Search below to get the exact requirements for your location.
Not sure what you need? Get a free compliance assessment — our licensing experts will identify every requirement for your business.
Follow these steps to obtain your Santa Monica business license. Requirements vary by business type, but this is the general process for most businesses in Santa Monica, CA.
Before applying for a Santa Monica business license, determine your entity type (sole proprietorship, LLC, corporation, partnership). Your structure affects which licenses you need and how you register with California and the IRS.
Verify that your business location in Santa Monica is zoned for your intended use. Contact the Santa Monica Planning Department for zoning verification. Home-based businesses typically need a home occupation permit.
Register your business entity with the California Secretary of State (if applicable), obtain an EIN from the IRS, and register for state tax obligations including sales tax and employer withholding.
Submit your business license application to the City of Santa Monica, Finance Department — Revenue Division. Online applications are available. Include all required documentation and fees.
Depending on your industry in Santa Monica, you may need additional permits — health department permits for food service, fire department approval, alcohol licenses, professional licenses, or industry-specific certifications.
Once issued, display your Santa Monica business license prominently at your place of business. Licenses renew annually. Track renewal deadlines to avoid penalties and late fees.
CLS also provides business license services in these California cities.
Santa Monica, California business license information on this page was compiled and verified by Corporate Legal Services from official government sources — last verified .
Santa Monica business license information last verified June 17, 2026. Fees, deadlines, and requirements are subject to change. Verify with Santa Monica or contact CLS for current requirements.