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Permits Application Quick Guide

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Welcome to the San Jose Police Department's online permit application guide. Using this system, you can submit an application for a permit online from the convenience of your home or office, 24 hours a day.

Be Prepared

Prior to starting your application, we recommend you review the “What Do I Need” section below to gather all the documents required for the permit.

The San Jose Municipal Code has different requirements such as new and renewal application deadlines. We encourage applicants to review the municipal code to become familiar with these requirements. Title 6 details the permit and license procedures by permit type.

Click Here for the Municipal Code

Application Fee

Permits will not be processed until payment is received. After submitting your application, call to pay by credit card or send a check made payable to the City of San Jose. Mail check to our office: San Jose Police Department – Permits Unit, 201 W Mission St., San Jose, CA 95110. Fees are non-refundable. Permits are non-transferable.

Click here for the current permit fee schedule

What Do I Need?

Each permit has different document requirements. Click on a permit type below for the required documents. The online system will accept image files and PDF documents.

Permit Types

How to Apply

Permits can be requested online by clicking this link to eProval

apply for a permit online - button

 

Required Documents by Permit Type

Bingo

  • Driver’s License or Government-Approved ID Card: A color copy of a valid government-issued ID card for all employees of the business.
  • Live Scan Form(s): A copy of the completed and signed fingerprint Live Scan form. All individuals of the business are required to be fingerprinted. Fill out the Application Information section of the Request for Live Scan form, bring three (3) copies to the Live Scan location. Download the Live Scan Request Form | See Live Scan Locations
  • Photograph for Permit ID Card: A color photograph capturing from the top of the head to the mid-chest area. Photo may be taken with a cell phone.
  • Planning Department Zoning Letter and Conditional Use Permit: Zoning verification letter of compliance and Conditional Use Permit from the City of San Jose’s Planning Department, City Hall, 200 E Santa Clara St., 1st Floor, San Jose (408) 535-3555.
  • Property Lease or Deed: A copy of your lease or deed for the building or space occupied.
  • Fire Department Safety Permit and Occupancy Load Report: A copy of the Fire Department Safety Permit (including Occupancy Load Report/diagram signed and dated by the Fire Marshal), San Jose Fire Department, 200 E. Santa Clara St., San Jose, CA (408) 535-7750.
  • County Health Permit: A copy of your valid health permit from the Santa Clara County Health Department, 1555 Berger Road, San Jose (408) 918-3400.
  • Tax Exemption: A copy of your tax-exempt letters from the IRS and State Franchise Tax Board.

Block Party

  • Signed Petition: A petition signed by each resident affected by the closure within barricade locations. Must have original signatures — copies of prior year’s signatures will not be accepted. Download the Block Party Petition
  • Computer-Generated Map: A computer-generated map of the area showing streets to be barricaded and the location of the barricades.

Canvasser

  • Business Tax Certificate: A copy of your Business Tax Certificate issued by the Finance Dept., City Hall, 200 E Santa Clara St., 1st Floor, San Jose (408) 535-7055.
  • Driver’s License or Government-Approved ID Card: A color copy of a valid driver’s license or government-issued ID card.
  • Live Scan Form(s): A copy of the completed and signed fingerprint Live Scan form. Download the Live Scan Request Form | See Live Scan Locations
  • Photograph for Permit ID Card: A color photograph capturing from the top of the head to the mid-chest area. Photo may be taken with a cell phone.

Close-Out Sale

  • Business Tax Certificate: A copy of your Business Tax Certificate issued by the Finance Dept., City Hall, 200 E Santa Clara St., 1st Floor, San Jose (408) 535-7055.
  • Driver’s License or Government-Approved ID Card: A color copy of a valid government-issued ID card for all employees of the business.
  • Inventory List: A copy of your inventory or manifest list of remaining inventory listing description, quantity, and pricing.
  • Photographs of Signs: Photographs of signs or advertisements used in the sale. Photos may be taken with a cell phone.

Dance Hall

  • Business Tax Certificate: A copy of your Business Tax Certificate issued by the Finance Dept., City Hall, 200 E Santa Clara St., 1st Floor, San Jose (408) 535-7055.
  • Driver’s License or Government-Approved ID Card: A color copy of a valid driver’s license or government-issued ID card.
  • County Health Permit: A copy of your valid health permit from the Santa Clara County Health Department, 1555 Berger Road, San Jose (408) 918-3400.
  • Fire Department Safety Permit and Occupancy Load Report: A copy of the Fire Department Safety Permit (including Occupancy Load Report/diagram signed and dated by the Fire Marshal), San Jose Fire Department, 200 E. Santa Clara St., San Jose, CA (408) 535-7750.
  • ABC License and Conditions: A full copy of the Alcohol Beverage Control (ABC) license and all conditions attached. Issued by ABC – District Office, 100 Paseo de San Antonio, San Jose (408) 277-1200.
  • Planning Department Zoning Letter and Conditional Use Permit: Zoning verification letter of compliance and Conditional Use Permit, City of San Jose Planning Dept., City Hall, 200 E Santa Clara St., 1st Floor, San Jose (408) 535-3555.
  • Property Lease or Deed: A copy of your lease or deed for the building or space occupied.
  • Property Owner Authorization: A signed letter from your property owner authorizing the use of the building/property as a Dance Hall.
  • Live Scan Form(s): A copy of the completed and signed fingerprint Live Scan form. Download the Live Scan Request Form | See Live Scan Locations

Ice Cream Truck Inspection

  • Vehicle Registration: A copy of a valid DMV vehicle registration for the ice cream truck.
  • Vehicle Insurance: A copy of the insurance policy for the ice cream truck verified by Risk Management Division. The City of San Jose must be listed as “Additional Insured.” For verification, contact the Finance Dept., City Hall, 200 E Santa Clara St., 1st Floor, San Jose (408) 535-7000.
  • Photographs of Ice Cream Truck: Color photographs of the exterior (all sides) and interior of the ice cream truck. Photos may be taken with a cell phone.

Ice Cream Truck Vendor

  • Business Tax Certificate: A copy of your Business Tax Certificate issued by the Finance Dept., City Hall, 200 E Santa Clara St., 1st Floor, San Jose (408) 535-7055.
  • County Health Permit: A copy of your valid health permit from the Santa Clara County Health Department, 1555 Berger Road, San Jose (408) 918-3400.
  • Driver’s License: A color copy of a valid driver’s license.
  • Live Scan Form(s): A copy of the completed and signed fingerprint Live Scan form. Download the Live Scan Request Form | See Live Scan Locations
  • Photograph for Permit ID Card: A color photograph capturing from the top of the head to the mid-chest area. Photo may be taken with a cell phone.

Lost or Damaged ID Card

  • Police Report: A copy of your police report. The report must be filed with the city where the ID was lost. Damaged IDs do not require a police report — the damaged ID will need to be exchanged for a new one.
  • Driver’s License or Government-Approved ID Card: A color copy of a valid driver’s license or government-issued ID card.

Entertainment Business / Event Promoter

  • ABC License and Conditions: A full copy of the Alcohol Beverage Control (ABC) license and all conditions attached. Issued by ABC – District Office, 100 Paseo de San Antonio, San Jose (408) 277-1200.
  • Business Tax Certificate: A copy of a valid Business Tax Certificate issued by the Finance Dept., City Hall, 200 E Santa Clara St., 1st Floor, San Jose (408) 535-7055.
  • Business Operations Plan: A current business operations plan including: type of business and vision, description of entertainment offered, a security plan, a schematic of the business interior, and any other pertinent operational information.
  • County Health Permit: A copy of the health permit, issued by Health Department, 1555 Berger Dr., San Jose (408) 918-3400.
  • Driver’s License or Government-Approved ID Card: A color copy of a valid government-issued ID card for all employees of the business.
  • Fire Department Safety Permit and Occupancy Load Report: A copy of the Fire Department Safety Permit (including occupancy maps signed and dated by the Fire Marshal), San Jose Fire Department, 200 E Santa Clara, San Jose (408) 535-7750.
  • Letter from Property Owner: A letter from the property owner stating they agree with the business plan for the property.
  • Live Scan Form(s): A copy of the completed and signed fingerprint Live Scan form. Download the Live Scan Request Form | See Live Scan Locations
  • Photograph for Permit ID Card: A color photograph capturing from the top of the head to the mid-chest area. Photo may be taken with a cell phone.
  • Planning Department Conditional Use Permit: A current Conditional Use Permit issued by City Hall Planning, 200 E Santa Clara St., 3rd Floor, San Jose (408) 535-3555.
  • Planning Department Zoning Letter: A zoning verification letter of compliance from the City of San Jose’s Planning Dept., City Hall, 200 E Santa Clara St., 1st Floor, San Jose (408) 535-3555.
  • Release of Information Waiver: Click Here to Download
  • Property Lease or Deed: A copy of a valid lease or property deed where the business will be located.

Massage Business Permit

  • Building Floorplan: A drawing of the interior of the massage establishment with wall dimensions. Label all rooms (lobby, restroom, breakroom, massage rooms, steam room, etc.).
  • Business Tax Certificate: A copy of a valid Business Tax Certificate issued by the Finance Dept., City Hall, 200 E Santa Clara St., 1st Floor, San Jose (408) 535-7055.
  • CAMTC ID Cards: A color copy of valid California Massage Therapy Council Identification cards for all individuals performing massages.
  • CAMTC Certifications: A color copy of California Massage Therapy Council certifications for all individuals performing massages.
  • Driver’s License or Government-Approved ID Card: A color copy of a valid government-issued ID card for all employees of the business.
  • Fire Department Safety Permit and Occupancy Load Report: A copy of the Fire Department Safety Permit (including occupancy maps signed and dated by the Fire Marshal), San Jose Fire Department, 200 E Santa Clara, San Jose (408) 535-7750.
  • Letter from Property Owner: A letter from the property owner stating they agree with the business plan for the property.
  • Liability Insurance: A copy of professional liability insurance or massage malpractice insurance with the business name on the certificate and the City of San Jose as certificate holder in the amount of $1,000,000. Must be filed with the City of San Jose’s Risk Management Dept. at the time of application (408) 975-1438.
  • Live Scan Form(s): A copy of the completed and signed fingerprint Live Scan form. Download the Live Scan Request Form | See Live Scan Locations
  • Photograph for Permit ID Card: A color photograph capturing from the top of the head to the mid-chest area. Photo may be taken with a cell phone.
  • Photographs of the Building: Color photos of the exterior (front, sides, and rear) and the interior, including all rooms.
  • Planning Department Zoning Letter: A zoning verification letter of compliance from the City of San Jose’s Planning Dept., City Hall, 200 E Santa Clara St., 1st Floor, San Jose (408) 535-3555.
  • Property Lease or Deed: A copy of a valid lease or property deed where the business will be located.
  • Therapists Government ID Cards: A color copy of a valid government-issued ID card for all massage therapists.
  • Therapists Massage School Diploma or Certificate of Graduation: A color copy of massage school diploma or certificate certifying successful completion of a 100-hour course of instruction from a Recognized School of Massage pursuant to CA Business and Professions Code Section 4601.
  • Therapists Professional Liability Insurance: A valid copy of massage therapist liability insurance for all individuals performing massages.

Parade / Street Closure

  • Diagram: A detailed, accurate, and complete diagram of the proposed use (street names, areas to be closed, route of event, etc.).
  • Liability Insurance / Vehicle Insurance: A copy of the general liability insurance policy covering the event, including the City of San Jose, its employees, officers, agents, and contractors as additional insured. Must be presented to and approved by Risk Management at 200 E. Santa Clara St., San Jose, CA 95113 (408) 535-7061. Minimum coverage: $1,000,000; if pyrotechnics are used, minimum is $2,000,000.

Secondhand Dealer / Pawn Broker

  • Business Tax Certificate: A copy of a valid Business Tax Certificate issued by the Finance Dept., City Hall, 200 E Santa Clara St., 1st Floor, San Jose (408) 535-7055.
  • Business Regulatory Permit: Obtained through the City’s Finance Department. Click Here for the website
  • Driver’s License or Government-Approved ID Card: A color copy of a valid government-issued ID card for all employees of the business.
  • Surety Bond (Pawnbroker only): $20,000 Surety Bond (copy) or a certified financial statement indicating $100,000 in liquid assets.
  • CAPSS Registration (New Owners only): New owners must register on CAPSS and submit a completed Live Scan Request Form. Register on CAPSS | Download the CAPSS User Guide
  • Live Scan Form(s): A copy of the completed and signed fingerprint Live Scan form. Download the Live Scan Request Form | See Live Scan Locations

Peddler (Mobile and Fixed)

  • Business Tax Certificate: A copy of a valid Business Tax Certificate issued by the Finance Dept., City Hall, 200 E Santa Clara St., 1st Floor, San Jose (408) 535-7055.
  • County Health Permit: If selling food, submit a valid copy of the health permit issued by the Health Department, 1555 Berger Dr., San Jose (408) 918-3400.
  • Driver’s License or Government-Approved ID Card: A color copy of a valid government-issued ID card for all employees of the business.
  • Liability Insurance: A copy of valid commercial general liability insurance ($500,000 minimum; City of San Jose as additional insured).
  • Live Scan Form(s): A copy of the completed and signed fingerprint Live Scan form. Download the Live Scan Request Form | See Live Scan Locations
  • Photograph(s) for Permit ID Card: A color photograph capturing from the top of the head to the mid-chest area. Photo may be taken with a cell phone.
  • Photograph of Vendor Cart: Color photos of the front, rear, and side of the vendor cart.
  • Photograph of Vehicle: Color photos of the front, rear, and side of the vehicle.
  • Vehicle Insurance: A copy of valid vehicle insurance certificate.
  • Vehicle Registration: A copy of valid vehicle registration.

Pool Hall

  • Business Tax Certificate: A copy of your Business Tax Certificate issued by the Finance Dept., City Hall, 200 E Santa Clara St., 1st Floor, San Jose (408) 535-7055.
  • Driver’s License or Government-Approved ID Card: A color copy of a valid government-issued ID card for all employees of the business.
  • County Health Permit: A copy of your valid health permit from the Santa Clara County Health Department, 1555 Berger Road, San Jose (408) 918-3400.
  • Fire Department Safety Permit and Occupancy Load Report: A copy of the Fire Department Safety Permit (including Occupancy Load Report/diagram signed and dated by the Fire Marshal), San Jose Fire Department, 200 E. Santa Clara St., San Jose, CA (408) 535-7750.
  • ABC License and Conditions: A full copy of the Alcohol Beverage Control (ABC) license and all conditions attached. Issued by ABC – District Office, 100 Paseo de San Antonio, San Jose (408) 277-1200.
  • Planning Department Zoning Letter: Zoning verification letter of compliance from the City of San Jose’s Planning Dept., City Hall, 200 E Santa Clara St., 1st Floor, San Jose (408) 535-3555.
  • Property Lease or Deed: A copy of your lease or deed for the building or space occupied.
  • Photographs of Building: Color photographs of the exterior and interior of the building. Photos may be taken with a cell phone.
  • Live Scan Form(s): A copy of the completed and signed fingerprint Live Scan form. Download the Live Scan Request Form | See Live Scan Locations
  • Photograph for Permit ID Card: A color photograph capturing from the top of the head to the mid-chest area. Photo may be taken with a cell phone.

Press Pass

  • Driver’s License or Government-Approved ID Card: A color copy of a valid government-issued ID card for all employees of the business.
  • Photograph(s) for Permit ID Card: A color photograph capturing from the top of the head to the mid-chest area. Photo may be taken with a cell phone.
  • Proof of Employment: A letter verifying the applicant’s employment on company letterhead.

Secondary Employment

  • Written Agreement (Optional): If any written agreement(s) are to be signed by the officer, upload a copy in the Documents tab.
  • Fee Exemption Documentation (Optional): If you believe you are eligible for one of the two exemptions from the Secondary Employment Approval Fee, provide written proof under the “Documents” tab:
    1. Persons or organizations using city-owned or controlled facilities, including the Convention Center, Center for Performing Arts, Montgomery Theater, Civic Auditorium Complex, Arena, Repertory Theater, city park facilities, and outdoor public property owned or controlled by the city (SJMC Section 8.16.090(B)(1)).
    2. Persons or organizations required by city contract or city permit/license to contract with or employ San Jose police officers or reserve officers as traffic controllers or private security guards (SJMC Section 8.16.090(B)(2)).

Private Property Tow

For ALL Applicants:

  • Map of the Property: A parcel map or Google satellite view of each parcel showing where private property tow signs have been installed.
  • Photographs of the Posted Tow Signs: A close-up and a distance photo of each installed sign showing the detailed information printed on the sign and its location.

Owner Change or Tow Company Change:

  • Tow Company Contract: Copies of your new contract with the tow company showing the new owner’s name.

Taxi Company

  • Business Financial Sworn Statement: A current business financial sworn statement with profit/loss itemizations and balances.
  • Business Tax Certificate: A copy of your Business Tax Certificate issued by the Finance Dept., City Hall, 200 E Santa Clara St., 1st Floor, San Jose (408) 535-7055.
  • Driver’s License or Government-Approved ID Card: A color copy of a valid government-issued ID card for all employees of the business.
  • Liability Insurance: A copy of the insurance policy for the company and all vehicles verified by Risk Management Division. The City of San Jose must be listed as “Additional Insured.” Contact the Finance Dept., City Hall, 200 E Santa Clara St., 1st Floor, San Jose (408) 535-7000.
  • List of Permitted Drivers: A list of all San Jose permitted drivers with date of birth, California driver’s license number, expiration date, and SJPD driver permit number and expiration date.
  • Live Scan Form(s): A copy of the completed and signed fingerprint Live Scan form. Download the Live Scan Request Form | See Live Scan Locations
  • Planning Department Zoning Letter or Conditional Use Permit: Zoning verification letter of compliance from the City of San Jose’s Planning Dept., City Hall, 200 E Santa Clara St., 1st Floor, San Jose (408) 535-3555.
  • Vehicle Insurance: Insurance policies for each vehicle.
  • Vehicle Registration: Registration cards for each vehicle. The vehicle must be registered as commercial.
  • Vehicle List: A list of all vehicles used in San Jose, including year/make/model, company taxicab numbers, VIN numbers, license plate numbers, and current mileage for each vehicle.

Taxi Driver

  • Business Tax Certificate: A copy of your Business Tax Certificate issued by the Finance Dept., City Hall, 200 E Santa Clara St., 1st Floor, San Jose (408) 535-7055.
  • Driver’s License or Government-Approved ID Card: A color copy of a valid government-issued ID card for all employees of the business.
  • Drug Test Result(s): A copy of a negative drug test result. The sample collection date must be within the past 12 months from the date of application submission, with the name of the intended employer on the form.
  • Live Scan Form(s) – New Drivers Only: A copy of the completed and signed fingerprint Live Scan form. Download the Live Scan Request Form | See Live Scan Locations
  • Photograph for Permit ID Card: A color photograph capturing from the top of the head to the mid-chest area. Photo may be taken with a cell phone.
  • Release of Information Form: Download the Authorization to Release Drug and Alcohol Test Results and upload a signed copy.
  • Taxi Driver Compliance Form: Download and upload a completed form.

Taxicab Inspection

  • Bureau of Automotive Repair Brake and Lamp Inspection: Obtained by a mechanic licensed by the California State Bureau of Automotive Repair.
  • Photographs of Vehicle(s): Photographs of the interior and exterior.
  • SJPD Annual Taxi Inspection Form: Must be filled out by a mechanic licensed by the California State Bureau of Automotive Repair. Click Here to Download
  • Weights and Measures Inspection Report: Obtained from the County of Santa Clara, Weights and Measures Dept., 1553 Berger Dr., Building 1, 2nd Floor, San Jose, CA 95112 (408) 918-4601.
  • Vehicle Insurance: Insurance policies for each vehicle.
  • Vehicle Registration: Registration cards for each vehicle.

Tow Company

  • Business Tax Certificate: A copy of your Business Tax Certificate issued by the Finance Dept., City Hall, 200 E Santa Clara St., 1st Floor, San Jose (408) 535-7055.
  • Driver’s License or Government-Approved ID Card: A color copy of a valid government-issued ID card for all employees of the business.
  • Liability Insurance / Vehicle Insurance: A copy of the insurance policy for the company and all vehicles verified by Risk Management Division. The City of San Jose must be listed as “Additional Insured.” Contact the Finance Dept., City Hall, 200 E Santa Clara St., 1st Floor, San Jose (408) 535-7000.
  • List of Permitted Drivers: A list of all San Jose permitted drivers with date of birth, California driver’s license number, expiration date, and SJPD driver permit number and expiration date.
  • Live Scan Form(s): A copy of the completed and signed fingerprint Live Scan form. Download the Live Scan Request Form | See Live Scan Locations
  • Photograph for Permit ID Card: A color photograph capturing from the top of the head to the mid-chest area. Photo may be taken with a cell phone.
  • Planning Department Zoning Letter: Zoning verification letter of compliance from the City of San Jose’s Planning Dept., City Hall, 200 E Santa Clara St., 1st Floor, San Jose (408) 535-3555.
  • Vehicle Insurance: Insurance policies for each vehicle.
  • Vehicle Registration: Registration cards for each vehicle.
  • Vehicle List: A list of all vehicles used in San Jose, including year/make/model, company tow numbers, VIN numbers, license plate numbers, and current mileage for each tow vehicle.

Tow Driver

  • Driver’s License or Government-Approved ID Card: A color copy of a valid government-issued ID/driver’s license.
  • Intent to Hire Letter: Filled out by the applicant and signed by the manager/owner. Download the Intent to Hire Letter
  • Live Scan Form(s): A copy of the completed and signed fingerprint Live Scan form. Download the Live Scan Request Form | See Live Scan Locations
  • Photograph for Permit ID Card: A color photograph capturing from the top of the head to the mid-chest area. Photo may be taken with a cell phone.

Revised 4/2026