Business Licenses

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The City of Carlsbad requires all businesses within the limits of the city to have a valid license. Doing business in the city includes businesses based in other cities that enter Carlsbad as part of their work, such as contractors and delivery companies. It also includes businesses that are located in Carlsbad but may not have customers in Carlsbad. Even companies with a temporary presence require a business license.

You may apply for a business license online, by mail or in person. The current processing time is three to four weeks. An invoice for payment will be sent once your application has been processed and all necessary department approvals have been received. Please do not submit multiple applications or payments.

Prior to applying for a business license, please review the city's business license FAQ, required information for business licenses, real estate sign information (for realtors) and licensing tips.

If you have any questions or need additional information, please call or email the business license office at 442-339-2495 or business.license@carlsbadca.gov.

Apply for a business license

Renew a business license

Pay for an invoice

Search for a business license

Short Term Vacation Rentals

Sidewalk Vending and Food Trucks

On March 21, 2019, a new city ordinance went into effect that regulates food trucks and sidewalk vendors. Mobile vendors should review Chapter 8.32 of the Carlsbad Municipal Code to familiarize themselves with all requirements. Additional background information is provided below:

At a Glance summary of regulations, en Español
Staff report about the regulations

To obtain a permit, mobile vendors must, at a minimum, have:

City Business License

All mobile vendors are subject to the city’s business licensing requirements (CMC sections 5.04 and 5.08).

Most mobile vendors will also require a city vendor permit application, if they utilize a motorized or non-motorized vehicle, food truck, wagon, stand, bike or other form of conveyance for vending activities.

To obtain a business license or vending permit, or to obtain additional information about these rules, please call 442-339-2495.

Special San Diego County rules apply for food product vendors.

California Seller’s Permit

All mobile vendors must possess a valid California Department of Tax and Fee Administration seller’s permit that designates “City of Carlsbad” as a location or sublocation.

Insurance

All mobile vendors must acquire and maintain any insurance required by the city’s risk manager, such as commercial general liability insurance, auto insurance, or worker’s compensation insurance. Submit copies of all existing insurance policies with your business license application.

Permit Complaints

To make a county health permit complaint, please call 858-505-6903.

Entertainment license application