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.

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, 2025, all business license application fees increased to the following:

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^st.

 Active business licenses not renewed prior to February 15th of each year shall be automatically rescinded and will be closed.

Closed business license accounts will be required to re-apply and will be subject to the applicable application fee.

Business License Applications

• Vendor-Contractor (Outside of City Limits)
• Commercial-Professional (within City Limits)
• Home Occupation (within City Limits)

Additional Information

• Your application will be returned to you unprocessed if it is incomplete and/or if proper documentation is not attached.
• Business licenses are not transferable to the 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.

The following information is required to submit a Business License Application:

1. Business Owners can find the appropriate permit information for their business at CalGold Website CalGOLD Search Result. This website also provides contact information for the various agencies that administer and issue permits, including those for cities, counties, and various other departments.
2. California Department of Tax and Fee Administration has specific information on all administered programs and how to register for permits, licenses and how to file and report correctly. Please visit their website at https://cdtfa.ca.gov.
3. All Contractors must have a current and valid contractor’s license with the Contractor's State License Board. A copy of your license certificate/card is required with your application. Contractor's State License Board can be reached at 1-800-321-2752.
4. Anyone selling products must have a State Sellers Permit. 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 and it must show the Indian Wells business address. The State Board of Equalization will be able to provide address changes, if needed.
5. If a Fictitious Business Name is used, it must be filed through the County of Riverside. You will be required to publish the name in the local newspaper. Copies of the fictitious name statement and proof of publication (receipt) must be included with your application.
6. If a partnership, Corporation, trust or Limited Liability Corporation owns the business; you must provide a Federal ID Number (EIN). If you are a Sole Proprietor, you may either use a Social Security Number or a federal ID Number. A husband Wife may not need to obtain a Federal ID Number. Please check the above link for details. Businesses that are corporations must attach copies of the first three pages of their Articles of Incorporation.
7. If you have employees, you must provide a State ID Number (EDD).
8. Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) Code. Due to reporting requirements under California State Senate Bill 205 (SB 205), a SIC Code will be required on all applications. A SIC Code is used as a way to standardize business classifications and descriptions. You can look up the SIC code based on your type of business by visiting the US Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health administration website: https://www.osha.gov/pls/imis/sicsearch.htm

Attention Gardeners and Landscape Professionals: As part of a valley wide ordinance to improve air quality, before you renew or apply for your Business License in Indian Wells you will be required annually to obtain a Certificate of Completion issued by Coachella Valley Association of Governments (CVAG) certifying successful completion of their free Overseeding Course and a Certificate of Completion issued by the Coachella Valley Water District (CVWD) certifying successful completion of their free

Water Conservation Landscape Certification Program. For more information or to register for this course, please contact College of the Desert - PACE at (760) 776-7420 or visit www.collegeofthedesert.edu/pace.

Massage Therapy

Those who wish to work as massage therapists in the City of Indian Wells must obtain State Certification through the California Massage Therapy Council (CAMTC).

For more information on State Certification please visit www.camtc.org.

Tobacco Retailers License

All Retailers who wish to sell cigarettes, tobacco products, etc. must obtain a California Cigarette and Tobacco Products Retailer’s License. A Sellers Permit may also be required.

For further information and to apply for the State Cigarette and Tobacco License please visit www.cdtfa.ca.gov/taxes-and-fees/spctretailers or contact the State Board of Equalization Business Tax and Fee Department at 1-800-400-7115.

Senate Bills and Fees

Senate Bill 1186 was signed by Governor Brown On September 19, 2012. Beginning January 1, 2013 SB 1186 adds a state fee of $1.00 on any applicant or renewal for a local business license. On January 1, 2018, this fee was increased from $1.00 to $4.00 indefinitely.

Additionally, SB1186 requires the following information to be provided:

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 with the following agencies:

- The Division of the State Architect

- The Department of Rehabilitation

- The California Commission on Disability Access

Senate Bill 205 was signed by Governor Gavin Newsom on October 2, 2019, and became effective January 1, 2020. This bill requires a person 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. Businesses with certain Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) Codes are required to demonstrate enrollment and possession of a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination (NPDES) storm water permit, if required.

You can compare your business SIC Code to the list of impacted codes by visiting the following link: https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/water_issues/programs/stormwater/sicnum.shtml.

If applicable, please provide your Waste Discharge Identification (WDID), Notice of Non-Applicability (NONA), or No Exposure Certification (NEC) number on your Business License Application.

If you do not have an SIC number or Permit number, of if you are unaware of the requirements, please contact the State Water Resource Control Board at https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/water_issues/programs/stormwater/contact.html.

To search SIC Code visit link: https://www.osha.gov/data/sic-search

The state Water Resources Control Board will issue your “Water Discharge Identification Number”, “Notice of Non-Applicability (NONA)” identification number, or “No Exposure Certification (NEC)” identification number.

For more information on SB 205 permit requirements, please visit the following link: https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/water_issues/programs/stormwater/sb_205_business_license_requirements.html.

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