Business License Requirement for Vacation Rental Operators

Effective October 11, 2024, all vacation rental operators in the unincorporated areas of the County of Monterey are required to obtain an annual business license from the County of Monterey Treasurer-Tax Collector.

The business license requirement is separate from any permits administered by Housing and Community Development (HCD). For questions regarding vacation rental permits, contact HCD at (831) 755-5025 or HCDVacationRentals@countyofmonterey.gov.

Who Needs a Business License

A business license is required for the operators of:

Lodging & Rental Businesses

• Hotels and Motels
• Commercial Vacation Rentals
• Limited Vacation Rentals
• Homestays

Regulated Businesses

• Commercial cannabis-related businesses

Businesses located within incorporated city limits should contact their respective city regarding local business license requirements.

Before You Begin

Before starting your application, gather all required documents and information. Applications cannot be processed without complete documentation.

All uploaded documents must be submitted in PDF format.

Application Process

Step 1. Prepare Required Documentation

Business Formation & Identification

Provide the following, as applicable:

• Articles of Incorporation or Organization
• Government-issued identification for sole proprietors (such as a driver's license)
• List of all officers, directors, general partners, and managers.

Ownership Information

Provide a list of all individuals or entities with a financial interest in the business, including ownership percentages. Total ownership percentages must equal 100%.

Workers' Compensation Documentation

Provide one of the following:

• Proof of Workers' Compensation Insurance, or
• Completed Workers' Compensation Compliance Affirmation Form (Contact our office to obtain the form.)

Permits & Licenses

Include copies of all required permits and licenses, such as:

• California Seller's Permit
• Cannabis Business Permit
• Department of Cannabis Control License(s)
• Any other required state or county permits/licenses

Authorization Documents (If Applicable)

If someone is submitting the application on behalf of the business owner, include:

• Written authorization signed by the owner/applicant, or
• Equivalent legal documentation authorizing representation

Step 2. Submit Your Application

A business license must be obtained before beginning operations.

• New businesses should apply before opening.
• Existing businesses must submit an application immediately to remain compliant.

Payment is not required at the time of submission.

After submitting your application, you will receive an email confirming receipt.

Step 3. Review & Payment Instructions

Within approximately 10 business days, you will receive a follow-up email containing:

• The total amount due
• Online payment instructions
• Any additional requirements, if applicable

Step 4. Review & Payment Instructions

Business licenses are issued only after:

• All required documentation has been received and approved, and
• All applicable fees have been paid

Start Your Application

If you are a first-time business owner and are eligible to apply online, select the Begin >> button below to start the application process.

Legal Notices

Disability Access Notice (AB 3002)

Assembly Bill 3002, effective January 1, 2019, provides information regarding disability access requirements and available resources for business owners. Review the Disability Access Notice.

Residential Address Privacy (AB2184)

Applicants may protect their residential address by providing an alternative Service of Process address in accordance with the California Business and Professions Code (BPC) Sections 16000.1(a)(2) and 16100.1(a)(2).

If you choose this option, complete the applicable fields in the application.

Need Assistance?

If you need help with the application process, please contact the County of Monterey Treasurer-Tax Collector Office at (831) 755-5057 or business.tax@countyofmonterey.gov.