Get a business license

Need to know

Requirements

We only issue licenses for businesses in unincorporated Marin County. If your business is in a city, you’ll need to get a license from that city. You can look up your jurisdiction here.
If you own more than one business, you’ll need to get a license for each business.

Fees

Application fee

Before you start

Gather all the information you’ll need to complete your business license application. You’ll need some basic information to get started, including:

Business address. This has to be a physical address, not a P.O. box.
Mailing address
Phone number
Standard Industrial Classification code (SIC). You’ll be able to search for your SIC using a keyword within the application.

If your business is a sole proprietorship, you’ll also need:

Driver’s license number and a copy of your license
Social security number
Doing Business As (DBA) name, if you’re using one

If your business is an LLC, LLP, or corporation, you’ll also need:

Articles of Incorporation from the Secretary of State
Secretary of State number
Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN)

What to do

Step 1. Use the online portal to complete your application

You’ll need to complete the application in one sitting. You can’t save and return to an application at a later time. Visit the online portal.

Step 2. Enter all the required information

Be sure to enter your social security number, even if the field is not marked as required. Note that not every business will need to provide exactly the same information.

Step 3. Review your application

On the final screen of the application, you’ll have a chance to review all the information you entered. Complete your digital signature and submit your application. You can print out a copy of your application to keep for your records.

Step 4. If your business is a short-term rental, you’ll also need a Transient Occupancy Tax certificate.

You can learn about the application process here.

What's next

What's next content

After you submit your application, you’ll get an email confirmation that we've received it. If there are any errors, we’ll let you know.

Once we've processed and approved your application, you’ll get a second email confirmation. This email will also ask for payment. You can pay online using the online portal where you applied. You’ll have the choice to pay with a check, money order, debit, or credit card.

After you’ve paid, you’ll get a business license mailed to you.

You need to renew your business license and pay your business tax annually during our fiscal year. The fiscal year runs from July 1 to June 30. If you don’t renew and pay your tax by July 31, you’ll be penalized with late fees. You can renew your license in the online portal where you applied.

Let us know if there’s any changes to your business, including:

If you sell the business or there’s a change in ownership
Your contact information changes
The business moves outside of unincorporated Marin County
If you need to close the business, complete the Request to Close Business License form in the online portal.

Get a Transient Occupancy Tax certificate
If you run a short-term rental business, you’ll need a Transient Occupancy Tax certificate.