A business license helps the public find you. We are often asked for information on various types of businesses in the city. While we cannot endorse any one business, your license assures that your business name is included among the referrals we provide. When people need your type of business, we can give them the name of your business, your address and phone number – as long as you have a city business license. (By the way, we never give out your personal phone number or home address, unless it’s your place of business.)

A business license assures that everyone doing business within Cathedral City is on a level playing field, which protects our citizens and your own business from competition or unfair business practices by unscrupulous vendors and suppliers. If the firms your business deals with are licensed, you can be certain that desirable standard criteria are met.

Discourages transient business people who often perform shoddy work and then leave town.

Supports cooperation with regulatory agencies whose job it is to encourage ethical business practices

Assures that certain trades have appropriate licenses and meet standard qualifications. For example, before a Cathedral City business license is provided, auto repair shops must have approval from the State Department of Consumer Affairs. Hairdressers must have cosmetology licenses and restaurants need County Health Department permits before the city will issue business licenses. General contractors must supply the names of all subs to the city and they all must have their own business licenses; this discourages contractors from working with unskilled or incapable workers.