National City welcomes you to its business community. Starting a business can be exciting and challenging. We wish you great success in your new venture!

National City requires all businesses operating within the City limits to obtain a business license and pay business license tax prior to commencing business operations.

The easiest and fastest way to apply for a new business license or renew your current license is using the online filing method. To begin, simply click on the "Submit a Business License Application" located below under the Apply subheading.

Businesses located outside of National City who are doing business within the City can apply, pay, and receive their license in under 10 minutes by calling (619) 382-2596, Monday – Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm (PST).

If you need further assistance applying for a business license, you are welcome to contact us at NationalCity@hdlgov.com or by phone at (619) 382-2596. Phone support is available Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm (PST).

First Time Applicants:

For more information regarding what forms must be submitted with the business license application, please download the "New Business Process Form" under the "Download Forms" section.

To operate a business within the City, a Business License is required before conducting a business. Businesses located outside of National City are required to obtain a National City Business License before conducting any business within National City, even if licensed by another jurisdiction.

If your business name is other than your surname, or has more than one owner, or implies multiple ownership, you will need to file a Fictitious Business Name with the County Assessor, Clerk and Recorder's Office.

BUSINESS LICENSE DIRECTORY: https://nationalcity.hdlgov.com/search
To get started, please select one of the online activities below:

Apply
Renew
Pay
  • Pay a Balance Due

    Start here to pay a balance due on an established account with National City. Please do not use this option to begin the license renewal process.

Close
Search
file_download
Download Forms

Please download below

Application for Business License .pdf   file_download

Please download below

Zoning Clearance Form .pdf   file_download

Please download below

Environmental Survey Form .pdf   file_download

Please download below

Home Occ Permit .pdf   file_download

Please download below

Street Vending Permit Annual A .pdf   file_download

Please download below

Street Vendor Checklist and Process (English) .pdf   file_download

Please download below

Street Vendor Checklist and Process (Spanish) .pdf   file_download

Please download below

Fire Inspection Fee Chart .pdf   file_download

Please download below

New Business Process Form .pdf   file_download
psychology_alt
Frequently Asked Questions

A business license is an annual business tax for doing business within the City limits. The City of National City Municipal Code (Section 6.04) requires that you obtain a license when you conduct any business activity within the City, even if your business is located outside of the City limits or if you have a business license from another City. Businesses that are based in the City must also have a business license. This includes home based businesses, building contractors, independent contractors, and non-profit businesses.

Business license taxes and fees help pay for City services like roads, fire, police and other community services. These services benefit businesses, business owners, and the general public.

You are required to obtain a business license within 30 days of the commencement of business in National City. Penalties will apply if applications are received after this 30-day period. Thereafter, business licenses renew every year on December 31st and taxes and fees are due by the last day of February.

Yes, businesses operating from a location inside National City may require a zoning review from the Planning Department. This is to ensure that the business activity and site location are compatible with the City’s municipal code and zoning requirements. Businesses operating from a residential (home based) location in the City will need to complete a Home Occupations Permit Application.