Business Licenses

Business License Applications

The City of Indian Wells requires a business license for anyone conducting a business, service or contracting work within City limits.

You can complete your business license application online at Indian Wells Permit Hub. For guidance on getting started, view the Indian Wells Business License Decision Tree.

You can also obtain an application from the Business License Division by emailing Licensing@IndianWells.com or in person at City Hall during normal business hours.

Please note: Effective July 1, 2026, business license application/renewal fees will be increased pursuant to the approved annual CIP adjustment updated fees reflected as listed.

Business License Types	Application	Renewal
Vendor License (outside city limits)	$118.01	$118.01
Vendor Contractor License (outside city limits)	$118.01	$118.01
Commercial License-Professional	$611.93	$151.89
Commercial License-Eating Establishment	$669.84	$119.11
Commercial License-Hotel	$896.03	$161.72
Home Occupation	$369.34	$139.87

• Each Application and Renewal is subject to a 4.7% City Technology Fee + $4.00 SB1186 Mandatory State Fee
• Business Licenses are not prorated and are issued on a calendar year basis. All Business Licenses expire annually on December 31.
• Active business licenses not renewed prior to February 15 of each year shall be automatically rescinded and will be closed.
• Closed business license accounts will be required to reapply and will be subject to the applicable application fee.

Additional Information

• Your application will be returned to you unprocessed if it is incomplete or if proper documentation is not attached.
• Business licenses are not transferable to a new owner.
• Licenses are issued on a calendar year, January through December.
• Any change in the business requires written notification to the City of Indian Wells Business License Division.

Information Required to Submit a Business License Application

1. Permit information: Business owners can find the permits that apply to their business on the CalGOLD permit search results for Indian Wells. CalGOLD also provides contact information for the city, county, and state agencies that issue permits.
2. State tax and fee programs: The California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA) has information on all programs it administers, including how to register for permits and licenses and how to file and report correctly.
3. Contractors: All contractors must have a current, valid license from the Contractors State License Board (CSLB). A copy of your license certificate or card is required with your application. CSLB can be reached at 1-800-321-2752.
4. Seller's permit: Anyone selling products must have a California seller's permit from CDTFA. If you are an in-city business, you must provide a copy of your seller's permit when you apply. Please note your permit number; the permit must show your Indian Wells business address. CDTFA can update the address on your permit if needed.
5. Fictitious business name: If a fictitious business name is used, it must be filed with the Riverside County Assessor-County Clerk-Recorder. You will be required to publish the name in a local newspaper. Copies of the fictitious business name statement and proof of publication (receipt) must be included with your application.
6. Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN): If a partnership, corporation, trust, or limited liability company owns the business, you must provide a federal EIN. Sole proprietors may use either a Social Security Number or an EIN. A married couple operating a business together may not need an EIN; see EIN requirements on the IRS website for details. Corporations must attach copies of the first three pages of their Articles of Incorporation.
7. State employer account number: If you have employees, you must provide your state employer account number from the California Employment Development Department (EDD).
8. Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) code: Because of reporting requirements under California Senate Bill 205 (SB 205), an SIC code is required on all applications. SIC codes standardize business classifications and descriptions. You can look up your SIC code on the U.S. Department of Labor OSHA website.

Gardeners and Landscape Professionals

As part of a valley-wide ordinance to improve air quality, before you apply for or renew your business license in Indian Wells, you are required each year to obtain:

• A Certificate of Completion from the Coachella Valley Association of Governments (CVAG) for its free Overseeding Course, and
• A Certificate of Completion from the Coachella Valley Water District (CVWD) for its free Water Conservation Landscape Certification Program.

For more information or to register, contact College of the Desert PACE at (760) 776-7420 or visit the College of the Desert PACE website.

Massage Therapy

Anyone who wishes to work as a massage therapist in the City of Indian Wells must obtain state certification through the California Massage Therapy Council (CAMTC). Learn more on the CAMTC certification website.

Tobacco Retailers License

All retailers who wish to sell cigarettes or tobacco products must obtain a California Cigarette and Tobacco Products Retailer's License. A seller's permit may also be required. Get more information and apply for the state cigarette and tobacco retailer's license on the CDTFA website.

Senate Bills and Fees

Senate Bill 1186: State Fee and Disability Access Notice

Senate Bill 1186 (SB 1186) was signed by Governor Brown on September 19, 2012. Beginning January 1, 2013, SB 1186 added a state fee of $1.00 to every new or renewed local business license. On January 1, 2018, this fee increased from $1.00 to $4.00 indefinitely.

SB 1186 also requires the following notice:

Notice: Under federal and state law, compliance with disability access laws is a serious and significant responsibility that applies to all California building owners and tenants with buildings open to the public. You may obtain information about your legal obligations and how to comply with disability access laws from the following agencies:

• Division of the State Architect
• California Department of Rehabilitation
• California Commission on Disability Access

Senate Bill 205: Storm Water Permit Requirements

Senate Bill 205 (SB 205) was signed by Governor Gavin Newsom on October 2, 2019, and took effect January 1, 2020. It requires anyone applying to a city or county for a new or renewed business license to demonstrate enrollment in a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) storm water permit, if such a permit is required. Whether a permit is required depends on your business's SIC code.

• Look up your SIC code on the OSHA website.
• Compare your SIC code to the list of SIC codes that require a storm water permit.
• Read more about SB 205 business license requirements from the State Water Resources Control Board.

If applicable, provide one of the following numbers on your business license application. Each is issued by the State Water Resources Control Board:

• Waste Discharge Identification (WDID) number
• Notice of Non-Applicability (NONA) number
• No Exposure Certification (NEC) number

If you do not have an SIC code or permit number, or are unsure of the requirements, contact the State Water Resources Control Board storm water program.