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Business Licenses

Please see the FAQ section IN THE business license INFORMATION SECTION UNDER BUSINESS LICENSE RESOURCES

A business license is required if you do business in the City of Monterey. It is mandatory for all businesses to submit a business license application on or before starting to do business. Business license tax is not refundable or transferable. All business licenses expire on June 30th and must be renewed by August 15th to avoid late penalties.
For more information about renewing or applying for a City of Monterey business license, call (831) 646-3944.

RENEW MY BUSINESS LICENSE

ONLINE BUSINESS LICENSE APPLICATION

Business License Tax Calculator

This calculator is used to compute the City of Monterey business license tax and promotion fee, if applicable. Please select the appropriate business license section, indicate whether the business is located in one of the City's promotion districts, and input the annual gross receipts. Select the Calculate button and the business license tax calculator will display the corresponding tax and promotion fee.

This calculator is used to compute the City of Monterey business license tax and promotion fee, if applicable. Please select the appropriate business license section, indicate whether the business is located in one of the City's promotion districts, and input the annual gross receipts. Select the Calculate button and the business license tax calculator will display the corresponding tax and promotion fee.

Business License Web Search

  1. Select one of the following business license sections – refer to your business license renewal form (also referred to as the Affidavit of Gross Receipts) to determine which license section is applicable for your business:

  2. Select one or none of the following promotion districts, as appropriate – refer to your business license renewal form or contact the Revenue Office if you are not sure whether your business is located within a promotion district:

  3. What are the annual gross receipts for your business, (exclusive of liquor sales and sales tax)?
    PLEASE NOTE: DO NOT USE A DOLLAR SIGN ($) or COMMA (,)

More Information

Business License Information

Renew Business License

To renew your business license, click on the Renew My Business License link. For information and instructions click on the general renewal instructions link.
Business License Application

At the time the business license application is completed and the required tax paid, you will receive a receipt. The final business license will be mailed after all appropriate City Departments have reviewed and approved the application. You should not operate the business until all City requirements are met.
Business License Search


The City of Monterey Business Web Search lists most businesses that hold or have held a City Business registration. The City is unable to guarantee the accuracy or timeliness of the data. To facilitate quick responses, query results are limited to a maximum of 100.

Business License Resources

Depending on the type of business, the location, and whether alterations are planned for the building or property, other permits and fees may be required. To assure that you meet all City requirements, check with the Planning Office. Additional state and county requirements may apply to your business. Visit the Starting a Business Page for more information.