Business License Information
Questions?
951-413-3080
businesslicense@moval.org
Welcome to the City of Moreno Valley’s Business License information center.
The Business License Team wants to help you start your business in the easiest and quickest manner. If you have any questions ,
contact us so we may walk you through the requirements for obtaining your Business License to get your business opened.
Tip: Licensed businesses in Moreno Valley can qualify for Hire Moval incentives including a discount equal to the annual Business License Processing Fee. Learn how...
- New
License - Renew
License - License
Fees - Pay Your
Balance - Close
License - Search
Businesses - State Law
AB 1379
Getting a New Business License
Operating a new business within the City of Moreno Valley requires specific licenses and permits before the business can operate legally:
- a Certificate of Occupancy if the business is located in a retail or commercial establishment
or - a Home Occupation Permit if the business operates from a residence. This includes online businesses and mobile businesses that do not have a permanent retail or commercial location.
Please complete the appropriate paperwork below to begin the business license process.
Business Located Within Moreno Valley
Use the online system:
ONLINE Business License Application
Home Occupation Permit/Certificate of Occupation Application
Apply for a home occupation permit or certificate of occupancy online:
Or, complete one of the following Business Application Packets — in the links below - and mail the completed paperwork to:
City of Moreno Valley
Attention: Business License Section
P.O. Box 88005
Moreno Valley, CA 92552
Business Located Outside Moreno Valley
Use the online system:
Online Business License Application
Or, complete the appropriate application below and mail the completed paperwork to:
City of Moreno Valley
Attention: Business License Section
P.O. Box 88005
Moreno Valley, CA 92552
General Guidelines for Opening a New Business
In addition to a Business License, additional documentation may be required from Federal, State or Local agencies.
- Sales: 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 must show the Moreno Valley address. The California Department of Tax and Fee Administration will be able to provide address changes, if needed
- Business Name: If a Fictitious Business Name is used, it must be filed through the Riverside County Clerk & Recorder.
- Ownership: 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 your Social Security Number or a Federal ID Number. A husband and wife may or may not need to obtain a Federal ID Number.
- Employers: If you have employees, you must provide a State ID Number (EDD).
- Licensed Contractors: If you operate a business that is licensed by a state agency (such as contractors) you must provide your State License number, type and expiration.
- An Independent Contractor or Booth Rental License is for individuals working in an existing licensed business (ex. barbers, hairstylists, real estate agents and massage therapists.)
- A Peddler/Solicitor License is required for Individuals or organizations that wish to engage in door-to-door sales.
Other Resources
- Permits: For more information about local, state, and federal licenses and permits, visit the Department of Consumer Affairs, and the Small Business Administration website.
- See our Business License FAQ for more information.
Business License Renewal
Moreno Valley business licenses are issued annually. Here are the key renewal dates:
- Renewal Notices sent out 2nd week of December
- Business License Renewal Due Date January 31
How you renew the license depends on if it is current, or not:
- Current License Holders: You can renew the license online before the expiration date.
- Expired Licenses: To renew licenses that have expired, please complete the appropriate application form return it to City Hall in person during regular business hours, Monday–Thursday 7:30 am–5:30 pm and every Friday from 7:30 am–4:30 pm, or mail it to City of Moreno Valley, 14177 Frederick Street, PO Box 88005, Moreno Valley, CA 92552-0805.
- Not Sure? You can look up businesses online. Check Search Businesses to see how.
License Fees
Current business license fees from Jan 1, 2019 thru Dec 31, 2019 are:
(Note that business license fees are not pro-rated and are valid through the end of the calendar year. Business licenses that are purchased after September 30 will be valid through the end of the following calendar year.)
Per license |
$61 |
Vehicle Tag (per tag) |
$6 |
License for Farmers Market |
$5 |
License for single day events per vendor, per day |
$5 |
Reprint of License (each) |
$5 |
Business Listing (each) |
$20 |
City business license fees include a processing fee which can be found on the application and a gross receipts tax. All businesses are classified in one of three categories. Each category has a separate gross receipts tax scale:
Category A |
Category B |
Category C |
$.25 per $1000 of gross receipts |
$.50 per $1000 of gross receipts |
$.75 per $1000 of gross receipts |
(calculate using 0.00025) |
(calculate using 0.00050) |
(calculate using 0.00075) |
Please refer to the Business License Categories & Application Fees schedule for details on specific business categories.
State Law-AB 1379
Effective January 1, 2018, the State of California has enacted AB 1379 (Dutton; Special Access: liability), a new law which imposes a $4 State fee on every applicant for a local business license or renewal (including all in-city commercial and home-based, landlords, out-of-city, and all contractors. Exempts and non-profits are excluded) and is required to be collected by all cities and counties throughout California, including the City of Moreno Valley.
This new law requires that you be provided the following notices: 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 at the following agencies:
Search Businesses
If you're not certain whether or not your business license has expired, you can look it up online.
Moreno Valley business licenses are issued annually:
- Renewal Notices sent out 2nd week of December
- Business License Renewal Due Date January 31
Search Online
You can look up businesses to see if the business license is current.
Pay YourBalance
You can now pay any outstanding balance for your business license online:
Close License
You can now close out your business license online: