Frequently Asked Questions

Persons doing business in the City of Dublin are required to have an active business license. This includes business administered out of a home, commercial space and non-Dublin businesses that provide services, deliver goods for a fee, or sub-contracts in Dublin.

Owners of residential rental property in Dublin are required to have a business license, even if renting to family members or if the rent does not cover owner expenses.

It typically takes two to four weeks to process inside-City business license applications. For commercial businesses within Dublin, Building Division and Fire Prevention approvals are required before issuance, so the timeframe may be longer if a tenant improvement is in progress. The two-to-four week period is dependent on the timely receipt of any required documents. Please keep an eye out for emails from dublin@hdlgov.com, as requests for additional information are sometimes overlooked or filtered into junk folders. Businesses located outside of Dublin are generally approved the same day. Business license certificates are provided by HdL Companies once issued. 

Complete your business license application online by visiting https://dublin.hdlgov.com/. 

For questions about business license applications or to request a paper application, you may email Dublin@hdlgov.com or call 925-359-2952.

Renewal invoices are both emailed and mailed to the billing contact on file for active businesses prior to the license expiration date. Each invoice includes instructions on how to renew. You may also renew online at https://dublin.hdlgov.com/. For renewal questions, please email Dublin@hdlgov.com or call 925-359-2952. Please note that renewals submitted after the expiration date are subject to penalty and interest fees.

See Business License Fees or contact the Economic Development Department at 925-833-6650.

Your Dublin business license is for business operations in the City of Dublin. If you plan to do business in another city, contact that city for licensing requirements.

To find out if a business has an active business license in the City of Dublin you can visit https://dublin.hdlgov.com/ (opens in a new tab) and search for individual business license records. 

Yes. A list of active business license account holders can be found at https://dublin.hdlgov.com/. The public search includes a business name and business phone number. In accordance with state law, the City is not authorized to provide certain information about a business, including the owner’s home address and email address.

Yes. You need to notify HdL Companies if your business moves to a new location in Dublin, if you are no longer conducting business in Dublin, if your business changes ownership or name, or if your business operations or services change.

Yes. You may request a copy directly from HdL Companies by emailing Dublin@hdlgov.com or calling 925-359-2952.

You must also comply with all regulations that apply to your business (such as zoning, health, and safety requirements). We recommend reviewing the City’s How to Start a Business Guide or contacting the Office of Economic Development with any questions. The Office can be reached by email at economic.development@dublin.ca.gov, by phone at 925-833-6650, by text at 925-493-8256, or through the Business Services form.

If you are traveling by foot, car or any other type of conveyance, place to place or house to house to sell or convey a product, you must register with Dublin Police Services for a solicitor’s/peddler’s permit. Any mobile or stationary sidewalk vending in the public right of way also needs a permit with Dublin Police Services. In addition to a solicitor’s/peddler and/or sidewalk permit, you will need a business license.