The city license required to operate a business in Desert Hot Springs.
Key requirements
Required before doing business in the city (Municipal Code 5.04.040). Applies to commercial, home-based, out-of-town, rental-unit, cannabis and street-vendor businesses. Home businesses also need a Home Occupation Permit, and massage businesses a Massage Establishment Permit. New paper applicants include a copy of photo ID.
Availability and location
Apply or renew online through the City’s permit portal; staff review the application and the system calculates the fee, payable by card online or by check. A paper application is also available. Questions: City of Desert Hot Springs, (760) 329-6411 ext. 241.
City of Desert Hot Springs only.
Additional terms
Licenses are issued annually. Administrative fee per the City’s fee schedule effective July 1, 2026: $27.30 for a new online application, $54.58 for a new paper application, $32.75 for a renewal. The license fee itself varies by business type (some types are based on number of employees), plus a $4 state disability-access fee. Businesses without a fixed place in the city pay double (wholesalers excepted). Renewals more than 30 days late add 10% of the license fee per month.
Source: City of Desert Hot Springs. Key requirements reviewed November 3, 2026.
Provider eligibility requirements
Required before doing business in the city (Municipal Code 5.04.040). Applies to commercial, home-based, out-of-town, rental-unit, cannabis and street-vendor businesses. Home businesses also need a Home Occupation Permit, and massage businesses a Massage Establishment Permit. New paper applicants include a copy of photo ID.
Key requirements, not the complete provider checklist. Final eligibility, address and funding decisions belong to the provider.
Provider eligibility source. Requirements reviewed 2026-11-03.
Program at a glance
Anyone doing business in Desert Hot Springs needs a city business license, renewed every year. Applying online costs less than applying on paper.
Anyone running a business in Desert Hot Springs, including home-based and out-of-town businesses
A required city business license
- Required before you start operating.
- Renew every year; late renewals cost more.
- Online applications have a lower fee.
- Apply online through the City’s business license page (or use the paper form).
- Pay the fee once staff review the application.
Original program name: City of Desert Hot Springs Business Licenses