Business License

Who needs a business license in the City of Del Mar?
The City of Del Mar Ordinance Title 5 requires all businesses, including home-based businesses, conducting transactions and carrying on of business within the city to obtain an annual business license.  Businesses that operate through a post office box are also required to obtain a business license.

How do I apply for a City of Del Mar new business license?
To apply for a City of Del Mar business license, you must fill out a business license application and pay a business license tax to the Finance Department.  You may obtain an application via mail, fax, web site, or in person.

What period does the City of Del Mar Business license cover? 
The business license covers one calendar year from January 1st through December 31st and must be renewed annually.

Are Del Mar Business Licenses pro-rated?
The business license is not pro-rated.  However, the business license tax is based on the estimated gross receipts from the business start date to the end of the calendar year (December 31st).  The minimum cost is $30.

When are business license renewals due?  Are there any penalties?
The City of Del Mar mails business license renewals each year on/or about December 1st.  Business license renewals are due on December 31st of each calendar year.  If we do not receive payment for the business license renewal by January 31st, a 20% penalty charge will be applied to your delinquent tax each month of delinquency until payment has been received.  For example, for one month delinquency, the penalty is 20%, for 2 months delinquency, the penalty is 40%.

Does the City of Del Mar accept credit card payments for business licenses?
The City of Del Mar accepts Visa and MasterCard payments for business licenses.  Credit card payments may be made in person at the Finance Department, 1050 Camino del Mar.

** Please visit the City Codes FAQ page for more information on business license requirements. **