Business Licenses

The City of San Marcos requires all businesses within city limits to have a valid business license. Doing business in the city, even temporarily, includes being located in or entering the city to conduct business. This requirement applies to businesses based in other cities, such as contractors and delivery companies, when operating in San Marcos.

A business license is not required for family childcare homes, including small and large family childcare homes, as defined in the Cal. Health and Safety Code section 1597.78.

Before you apply

Thank you for choosing San Marcos for your business. Before you get started, please make sure all required filings, licenses, permits and approvals are completed.

Steps to starting a business 

Once ready, determine your rate type using the Business License tax and fee schedule(PDF, 715KB).

IMPORTANT NOTICE:

In Fall 2024, City Council unanimously adopted the City’s proposed fee adjustment for administrative fees under Resolution 2024-9389, which includes new Business License fees, to bring them in line with current City needs. A public hearing will be held on Tuesday, January 28, 2025 to amend San Marcos Municipal Code Chapter 3.08 – Occupational License Taxes to adopt administrative fees. Effective March 14, 2025, the City will collect administrative fees to recover costs associated with issuing business licenses and administering the business license program. These fees do not replace the current tax collected for Business Licenses. Further information regarding the User Fee study please visit the City's Development Impact, Administrative and Housing In-Lieu Fee Adjustment website

 

Apply online

What kind of business license do you need?

Home-based license

Business located in San Marcos

Doing business here but located elsewhere

Payment options

  • Pay for a business license online using e-check or debit/credit card
  • Requires license number and security code
  • The city collects a 2% transaction fee for credit/debit card payments and a $1 fee for e-check payments
  • Checks and cash are also accepted

Don't miss important renewal information

  • Please ensure the email address provided in the application under Owner 1 is for the person who should receive license notifications.
  • If your business address (San Marcos only) or ownership has changed, you must complete a new application.

 

Renewals

Ensure the City has your correct email address on file before your license expires. If you have not received a renewal notice or email 45 days before your license expiration, email smbusinesslicense@sanmarcosca.gov to request your security code. Add this email address as a safe sender or check your spam/junk folder to receive updates.

Renew or close your business license 

Other permits/licenses

Other permits and licenses

License type Contact
Amusement License (760) 744-1050, ext. 3204
Bingo License(PDF, 356KB) (760) 744-1050, ext. 4517
Dance License (760) 744-1050, ext. 3204
Entertainment Establishment License (760) 744-1050, ext. 3204
Firearms License(PDF, 470KB) (760) 744-1050, ext. 4517
Massage Establishment License (760) 744-1050, ext. 3101
Nonprofit Solicitation License(PDF, 315KB) (760) 744-1050, ext. 4517
Solicitor License(PDF, 338KB) (760) 744-1050, ext. 4517
Taxicab Permit (760) 744-1050, ext. 4517
Tobacco Retail License (760) 744-1050, ext. 4517

License search

Search for a local business*

*This information is "self-reported" by businesses operating within the City of San Marcos through the business licensing process. The City is unable to guarantee the accuracy or timeliness of the data.

Stormwater discharge regulations 

Senate Bill (SB) 205 places additional requirements for business license applications and renewals involving an industrial business that is regulated by the Industrial General Permit for stormwater discharge (officially called the State General Permit for Stormwater Discharges Associated with Industrial Activities Excluding Construction Activities).  

  • Applicants that fall under a certain category will need to provide under penalty of perjury their primary State Industrial Classification (SIC) Code. 
  • If the SIC Code is regulated by the IGP then one of the following must also be provided: Waste Discharge Identification Number (WDID), WDID Application Number, No Exposure Certification Identification Number (NEC), or Notice of Nonapplicability Identification Number (NONA). 
  • The city is also required to confirm that information submitted to demonstrate enrollment or application actually applies to that business and its facility/facilities. 

For more information and assistance regarding IGP coverage please visit the State Water Board website

The City's Stormwater Division requires facility-specific Best Management Practices (BMPs) for those businesses that have the potential to generate and discharge pollutants into the city's stormwater drainage system. To learn more about what BMPs may be required for your business, contact the city's Stormwater Division at (760) 481-3878.

 

 

Business license help

Email business license team
(760) 744-1050, ext. 3101

 

City of San Marcos
1 Civic Center Drive
San Marcos, CA 92069

 

M - Th
7:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Alternating Fridays
8 a.m. - 5 p.m. 

Back to top