APPLY FOR A Business License
National City, CALIFORNIA
Is your plan to operate or open a business in National City, California?
If your plan is to open a new business or purchase an already established business in National City, you will need to apply for and be issued a business license. A business license application can be obtained from the National City website or you can pick one up from the National City Finance Department. They are located at 1243 National City Boulevard between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday.
What information can you expect to provide to obtain your National City business license?
The application for a business license in National City is a short two-page document that requests information about your business and the owners, such as:
Business name
Business phone
If applicable, a corporation name
Mailing and physical address of business
Full description of the nature of your business including whether it is a wholesale, retail, professional service, rental, manufacturing, or contracting
If applicable: state license number, health permit information, alcoholic beverage control information, valid driver’s license, state resale number, and/or FEIN (federal ID number) and social security number
Type of ownership (single owner, partnership, or corporation)
Owner name and all current contact information, including home phone number
Emergency contact information for two contacts
Burglar alarm information including type of alarm, the alarm company, and the phone number of the alarm company
Number of employees
Calculation of tax information
Signature verifying that you agree to all federal, state, and local rules and regulations associated with operating a business and that all information is true and complete to the best of your knowledge
When you have completed your business license application, you will need to return it along with a business clearance application, an environmental survey form, and a $100.00 processing fee to the Finance Department. If you have questions or need help to complete any of the applications, you can contact the Finance Department by phone at (619) 336-4330. The business clearance application is a brief application requesting information on the nature of your business including whether you will be handling flammable or hazardous materials, using cooking appliances or spray painting. The environmental survey asks yes or no questions to determine if you will need a Hazardous Materials Division permit. Answering yes to any of the questions on this questionnaire will mean that you will need a permit from the Hazardous Materials Division. Discuss this application with the Finance Department if you have any questions.
Are you considering using your home for your National City business base?
If you are planning to use your residence as a base for your business, you will need to file a home occupation application, which can be printed from the National City website. It is important to note that if you have not applied for a business license, your home occupation permit will be invalid and that the $220 processing fee is non-refundable. The home occupation permit application is four pages, but only one page is used for your actual application. The other pages are a list of conditions and regulations that you will need to be in compliance with in order to run your business from your home. You will need to follow all instructions on the application exactly in order to receive your home occupation permit.
Do you have other questions or concerns?
If you need more information or you would like to speak to someone from the National City Finance Department about obtaining your business license, you can contact them at (619) 336-4330. The office is located at 1243 National City Boulevard. Office hours are between 7:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Additionally, the National City website is full of information that is useful for those starting a business.
Disclaimer: This site is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial or tax advise. The information on this site should not be relied upon as an official source of information and should be independently verified.
