Government » Departments and Divisions » Finance » Business Licenses

Apply/Pay My Business License Online

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Applications

Click here to apply for a business license online.

The City of Costa Mesa is proud to bring the latest technology to its permit and license processing system with the launch of Totally Electronic Self-Service Application (TESSA). This easy to use portal will revolutionize the way businesses interact with the City. With TESSA, businesses can now apply, renew, and pay for their licenses with just a few clicks of a button. The system is completely paperless and secure, ensuring that your information is kept confidential. So why wait? Sign up for TESSA today and experience the future of licensing and permits. To learn more about TESSA, visit our FAQ page.

Processing Fees

As approved by the City Council, Finance will assess Business License processing fees as shown below: 

Changes and amendment - existing accounts  $25
Reactivations  $35
Reprint fee  $10

Assembly Bill 2184

Per AB 2184, you may protect your residential address by providing a different Service of Process address in accordance with Sections 16000.1(a)(2) of the Business and Professions Code.  To do so, please apply in person – you may not apply online.

Assembly Bill 3002

Assembly Bill 3002, which provides information regarding disability access requirements and resources to business owners, went into effect on January 1, 2019. For more information, please visit:

HdL Review Letters 

The City of Costa Mesa has contracted with HdL Companies to conduct a review of the businesses that are operating in the City.  To operate any business within the City of Costa Mesa, you must first obtain a business license. The purpose of the review is to make certain that all businesses operating in the City have a current business license as required by the City’s Municipal Code.  If you received a letter with an application from HdL Companies, we ask that you extend your cooperation to their staff during the review process. You may contact the HdL Business Support at (714) 627-5611 or by email at support@HdLGov.com.

If you have a current Costa Mesa business license or believe the HdL notice is an error, please contact HdL Business Support. We appreciate your cooperation.

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions may be found here, If you have any questions, please free to contact us via email at bl@costamesaca.gov or call (714) 754-5235 or (714) 754-5240.