Welcome to the City of Del Mar! Starting a business can be exciting and challenging. We wish you great success in your new venture!

The City of Del Mar requires all businesses operating within the city limits to obtain a business license and pay business license tax prior to commencing business operations. This Tax is based on expected gross receipts earned and must be renewed at the end of each calendar year.

The easiest and fastest way to apply for a new business license or renew your current license is using the online filing method. To begin, simply click on the "Submit a Business License Application" located below under the Apply subheading.

If you need further assistance or help applying for a business license, you are welcome to contact us at DelMar@hdlgov.com or by phone at (619) 848-7426.


To get started, please select one of the online activities below:
Apply
Renew
Pay
  • Pay a Balance Due

    Start here to pay a balance due on an established account. Please do not use this option to begin the license renewal process.

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Download Forms

Please download

Business Tax Application .pdf   file_download

Please download below

Home Occupation Form .pdf   file_download
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Frequently Asked Questions

If you are entering the city temporarily as a; Solicitor, Food truck or catering on public property, you must contact the inner-City departments for further permits after obtaining your City of Del Mar Tax Certificate.

** A permit does not authorize you to operate a business. You must receive your approved business license in addition to your operating permit, and prior to starting your business operations. **

  • Finance Department 1050 Camino Del Mar Del Mar, CA 92014 (858)755-9354 Business Hours: Monday-Thursday – 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM Friday- closed to the public
  • Planning Department 1050 Camino Del Mar Del Mar, CA 92014 (858) 755-9313 Business Hours: Monday & Wednesday – 1:00 PM to 5:30 PM (In- Person & Remote Services) Tuesday, Thursday & Friday – 1:00 PM to 5:30 PM (Remote Services Only)

If your business pertains to operating a Massage Establishment or operating as a Massage Technician, please first review items 1 and 2 as shown below in determining which permit application you need to submit to the City Hall Finance Department.

1) One of the City’s exemptions for either a Massage Establishment or Massage Technician’s permit (DMMC 6.6) is a Holistic Health Practitioner, with a City of Del Mar HHP permit (DMMC 6.60.5). Does the applicant qualify for a City of Del Mar “Holistic Health Practitioner” permit that requires proof of 1,000 hours of massage training and a CAMTC certificate?

  • If yes, the massage applicant is required to submit a zero-cost HHP permit application in addition to the business license fee, which will be based on expected Gross Receipts.
  • If no to item 1, the applicant does not qualify for a HHP permit and they must apply for a “Massage Establishment” permit, directly with the City’s Finance Department (DMCC 6.60.120). The Massage Establishment application will be assessed a fee of $440.00, which is due in addition to the business license fee based on expected Gross Receipts.

2.) If the massage applicant is sub-contracting with an approved massage establishment in Del Mar, the zero cost “Certificate of Registration: Massage Technician” permit is required to be submitted to the Finance Department.

  • Sub-contracted massage technicians must file a business license based on Gross Receipts.
  • Employed (W-2) massage technicians are not required to obtain a business license. Applications would need to be submitted to the Finance Department.