Any business physically located within the town of Ridgecrest is required to have a business license. Additionally, any business that is located outside of the City of Ridgecrest, but comes into the town to do business, is also required to have a business license.

To verify if your business or your client's home/business is within the City of Ridgecrest, please view the Zoning Map.

Please follow this guide when applying for a Business License with the City of Ridgecrest.

1. Inside City Limits, Outside City Limits, or Home Occupation

Inside City Limits – If you are conducting business from a physical location within City Limits, the City of Ridgecrest requires Zoning Clearance per RMC 106.39 before applying for a Business License. 

Outside City Limits – If you are conducting business within city limits, but do not have city address, you are required to have a Business License with the City of Ridgecrest.

Home Occupation – If you work from home or have a transient business located within City Limits, the City of Ridgecrest requires a Home Occupation Permit  per RMC 106.31 before applying for a Business License.

2. Documents that May be Required

Apply for your Federal Tax ID Number

Corporations and partnerships require a Federal Tax ID number.  Sole Proprietors may use their Social Security Number.

Visit the Internal Revenue Service's website for further information.

State Licensing

You may provide copies of all applicable State Licensing or licensing numbers for the type of business you are conducting:

If you will you be selling inventory, you will need a Seller’s Permit.
If your business will be in the construction trade, you will need State Contractor’s License and a Workman's Comp Policy if you have employees working within city limits.

While we do not require some state and county licensing, we suggest looking into what is needed at the county, state, and federal level for starting a business.

3. Complete City of Ridgecrest Business License Application

Please complete the Business License Application FY23.  You must pay all required license fees when applying. Acceptable form of payment include cash, check, money order, or credit card (Visa, MasterCard). Payments can be made to: City of Ridgecrest.

Required Information

Applicant must provide the following:

• Business Name/Address
• Federal Tax ID Number or Social Security Number
• Information of applicant and/or stockholders/corporation officer
• Telephone Number

Applications cannot be filed via our website at this time. However, you can make changes to your Business License or close your Business License by following the links under Online Business License Resources on the left-hand side of the web page.

4. Submit Application

Submit signed and completed application, including all legal and supporting documents listed in 2. Documents that May be Required, either by emailing businesslicense@ridgecrest-ca.gov, or mailing or stopping by the Building Department in City Hall located at:
100 W California Ave
Ridgecrest, CA 93555

5. Issuance of License

A Business License will be issued next business day once the Business License application has been processed and all items and fees have been secured. All licenses expire on December 31 and may be renewed annually.