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Business License Online Application

BEFORE YOU APPLY ONLINE

The City requires any person or entity conducting, managing, or engaged in any business, trade, profession or occupation in Santa Monica to obtain a business license prior to commencing business activities. Depending on your situation, filing for a Santa Monica Business License may be relatively simple or fairly complex.

HOME-SHARING APPLICANTS
The online submission option is not available for home-sharing. Please click HERE to view the rules and regulations and to download the appropriate application.

Before you begin the online application, please review the information below.

  1. Supplemental Forms - Additional documentation may be required to obtain a business license. These forms are not included in the online application and must be uploaded when applying online.
  2. The online application must be completed in one session, as you will not be able to save and return at a later time.
  3. If the application is deemed incomplete, you will receive an email indicating the required/missing information or forms.
  4. Payment will not be required until your application has been accepted. You will receive an email verifying the receipt of application, the amount due and instructions on how to make payment on-line.

These webpages provide more information about the Santa Monica business license process:

How to Apply for a Business License
Detailed instructions on the process of applying for a business license.

Application Fees, Tax Rates and due dates
Descriptions of the business types in each classification and corresponding tax rates.
Learn when tax is due and the penalty for paying late.

Assembly Bill 3002 went into effect on January 1, 2019, which provides information regarding disability access requirements and resources to business owners. To read the full notice in English, click HERE. To view in other languages click HERE.

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Acceptance of payment does not constitute approval of a business license. Authorization to conduct business is not granted until the business license is issued.