The City of Napa issues a variety of permits, licenses and certificates. Permits and licenses are also issued by the County of Napa, State of California and other public agencies. The list here provides a description of permits, licenses and certificates that are commonly sought by visitors to this website, and where possible, a link to the appropriate form, web page or web site to expedite the process. The information here pertains to permits and licenses issued by the City for activities within the City limits, except where noted. 

Permits, Licenses and Certificates - Listed Alphabetically 

Amplified Music Permit

Banner Permit
Birth Certificate
Building Permit
Burglar Alarm Permit
Business License

Card Room Dealer Permit 
Certificate of Appropriateness
Concealed Weapons Permit

Death Certificate
Drivers License
Dog License

Encroachment Permit

Facility Permit (for use of City Park or other City facility)
Film-Photo Permit
Fishing License
Food Vendor-Ice Cream Vendor Permit
Fortune Teller-Palm Reader Permit

Library Cards
Liquor Licenses

Marriage License
Massage Permit  

Parade Permit
Parking Permit

Second Hand Dealer/Pawnbroker Permit
Solicitor-Canvasser-Peddler Permit
Special Event Permit

Taxi Service License
Transportation Permit

Vehicle for Hire Permit   

Weapons Dealer Permit

Amplified Music Permit
This permit is issued by the Police Department. Amplified Noise Permits are generally issued on a one-time basis for events which require the use of sound amplification equipment. The equipment may include a public address system or music amplification.  The events are usually related to activity in residential areas for private parties.  Permits can also be issued for gatherings such as speeches or political events where the participants wish to use microphones and speakers to address groups of people.

Several factors may be considered prior to the issuance of an amplified noise permit.  Those factors may include the potential impact on the surrounding neighborhood, the history of disturbance complaints at the specified location and the number of attendees at the event.  The ending time of the event will be limited to 9:30 pm in most cases.  This limitation is necessary to protect the public safety and the correlative rights of the citizens of this community to privacy and freedom from public nuisance of loud and unnecessary noise.

It is important to note that the amplified noise permit does not protect the organizer of the event from possible law enforcement action if the music or amplified noise exceeds a reasonable level, or if citizens disturbed by the noise call the police department to complain.

Amplified noise permits will not be issued to businesses to hold events which would be in conflict with the conditions of that businesses use permit or other licensing restrictions.

Click here to download the the permit request form . Fill in the required fields, save the document on your computer, and send it as an attachment by email to Sgt. Brian McGovern at bmcgovern@cityofnapa.org or print out the form with the required fields completed and mail it in or drop it off at the Police Station at 1539 First Street, to the attention of Sgt. McGovern. 

Banner Permit
The City of Napa provides two locations where banners can be hung across the street to advertise events. The locations for banners are Third Street and Burnell, and Main Street and Pearl. Each banner is allowed to be on display for a maximum of 18 days. There is no charge for the banner permit, but it is only available to non-profit organizations. Persons interetsed in the banner permit should visit the Building Department at the Community Services Building, 1600 First Street, to check availability and reserve the space. Reservations for the coming calendar year are accepted starting October 1.

Birth Certificate
The City of Napa does not provide birth certificates. This document can be obtained from the Napa County Recorder-County Clerk.

Building Permit
Click here for the City of Napa Online Building Permit site.

Burglar Alarm Permit
A permit must be obtained from the Police Department before activating an alarm system in the City of Napa. The permit fee is $32 for the initial permit which is good for three years.  Click here to view and print a pdf copy of an alarm permit application.  For additional information please visit the Napa Police Department's webpage.  Click here. 

Business License
Doing business in Napa? Email FinanceCollections@cityofnapa.org to request a Business License Tax Application to be sent to you, or download the application here. Once you have completed the application, return four (4) copies to the Finance Department.  If you have questions, please call the Finance Department at 707-257-9508. Click here for more on Business Licenses. 

Card Room Dealer
To obtain a Card Room Dealer permit, complete the permit application and pay the required fees. The permit application is available from the City of Napa Collections Department - inquire at the Collections window in the north wing of City Hall at 955 School Street. The application can also be downloaded for printing by clicking here.  Note: Completion of the permit application along does not constitute issuance of the permit.   

Certificate of Appropriateness (Cultural Heritage Commission)
Certificates of Appropriateness (C of A’s) are issued to conserve and enhance historic buildings, sites and neighborhoods, and encourage compatible rehabilitation and new construction. Properties may be designated as Landmarks, Neighborhood Conservation Properties or otherwise be listed on the City’s adopted Historic Resources Inventory or “HRI”. Click here to learn how to apply and get more information on Certificates of Appropriateness.

Concealed Weapons Permit
A Concealed Weapons Permit is issued by the Police Department. Click here for basic information on the permit process. 

Death Certificate
The City of Napa does not provide death certificates. This document can be obtained from the Napa County Recorder-County Clerk. 

Driver's license
Driver's licenses are not issued by the City of Napa - they are obtained from the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)

Dog license
Dog licenses are not issued by the City of Napa. The City contracts with the County of Napa to provide all Animal Control functions. Click here for more information on dog licenses. 

Encroachment Permit
Encroachment Permits are required by the Napa Municipal Code whenever work is being performed in the public right-of-way, which includes the travel lanes and parking lanes on City streets, City sidewalks, and any other area designated as right-of-way. Click here to download an Encroachment Permit Form. This permit is issued by the Public Works Department. 

Facility Permit (for use of City Park or other facility)
The City offers specified park spaces and public buildings for rental.This permit is issued by the Parks and Recreation Services Department. Click here for full details on Facility Rentals and to access the required forms.

Film-Photo Permit
To film in the City of Napa or on City property, the submission of a Film Permit Application is required, along with an insurance certificate and payment of use fees. This permit is issued by the Parks and Recreation Services department. Click here for more on Film-Photo Permits.

Fishing License
Fishing licenses are issued by the State Department of Fish and Game through authorized agents in the area. You can get more information on fishing licenses here: http://www.dfg.ca.gov/licensing/fishing/sportfishingfaqs.html   and you can get a list of locations where a fishing license can be purchased in the Napa area here: http://dfginternal5.dfg.ca.gov/lasweb/

Food Vendor/Ice Cream Vendor Permit
This permit is issued by the Police Department following successful completion of the application process. Applicants should follow these steps:
1). Applicant requests a food vendor permit application from City of Napa Collections. The application is available at the Collections window in the north wing of City Hall at 955 School Street, or click here to download for printing a packet including instructions and permit application documents. 
2). Applicant should read the application and understand that their criminal history will be checked. This includes a Live Scan (Fingerprints). If the applicant falsifies the application in any way their permit will be denied. Any convictions must be stated.
3). Applicant must have a valid California Drivers License if they are driving a mobile vending truck.
4). If the applicant is pushing a cart valid ID is still necessary in order to complete a criminal background check. California ID Card is an acceptable form of ID. (For the list of valid ID see * below.)
5). Applicant should read and understand Napa Muni Code 5.40.010 – 5.40.070 which pertains to peddlers and solicitors, and NMC 10.36.180 which addresses peddlers and vendors parking.
6). Applicant must provide a certificate from Napa County Health Department stating their vehicle meets Health Department requirements. Please call 707-253-4471 for further assistance.  (Applicant must obtain this before paying City fees)
7). If driving a motor vehicle as a food vendor, applicant must have a Certificate of Liability Insurance for $1,000,000 naming the City of Napa as additionally insured.
8). Applicant must have current vehicle registration and insurance.
9). For interview with Napa Police Department applicant needs to bring a receipt showing all fees paid to the City of Napa, proof of insurance, proof of $1,000,000.00 liability insurance, vehicle registration, identification, Health Department Certificate.
10). Applicant must be interviewed and fingerprinted by Napa Police Department. Call Sgt. Mike Hensley at 707-258-7885 to schedule an appointment. Applicant will be given a temporary permit upon successful completion. Permanent permit will follow upon completion of background check.
* Valid ID is as follows; a State Driver's License or State Identification card is preferred.  If the applicant does not possess one of those the following is accepted:  US Birth Certificate or Passport, Federal Proof of Indian Blood Degree, INS American Indian Card, US Identification Card, US Military ID Card, Certificate of Naturalization or Citizenship, Northern Mariana Card, Permanent Resident Card, Temporary Resident Card, Canadian passport, birth certificate, or border crossing card, Valid Foreign Passport with a valid Record of Arrival/Departure (Form I-94), Certificate from Ca Dept of Corrections or Youth Authority, Employment Authorization Card, Permanent Resident Re-entry Permit, Refugee Travel Document, Immigration Judge’s order granting asylum, Mexican border crossing card with valid I-94.

Fortune Teller/Palm Reader Permit
To obtain a Fortune Teller/Palm Reader permit, complete the permit application and pay the required fees. The permit application is available from the City of Napa Collections Department - inquire at the Collections window in the north wing of City Hall at 955 School Street. The application can also be downloaded for printing by clicking here.  Note: Completion of the permit application along does not constitute issuance of the permit.   

Ice Cream Vendor Permit (see Food Vendor Permit)

Library Cards
Library Cards are not issued by the City of Napa - they can be obtained from the Napa City-County Library.

Liquor License
Liquor licenses ae not issued by the City of Napa. Liquor license information can be obtained from Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC).

Marriage License
The City of Napa does not issue marriage licenses - they are obtained from the Napa County Recorder-County Clerk.

Massage Permit
This permit is issued by the Police Department following successful completion of the application process. Applicants should follow these steps:
1). Applicant requests a massage permit application from City of Napa collections. The application is available at the Collections window in the north wing of City Hall at 955 School Street, or click here to download for printing a packet including instructions and permit application documents.  
2). Applicant should read the application and understand that their criminal history will be checked. This includes a Live Scan (Fingerprints). If the applicant falsifies the application in any way their permit will be denied. Any convictions must be stated.
3). Applicant must possess a diploma or certificate from a Recognized school pursuant to section 94300 of the California Education Code consisting of 70 hours or more of theory, ethics, practice, methods, profession or work of massage technicians. (Provide to NPD upon interview) Most applicants have several hundred hours of educational training.
4). Applicant must have a current TB test showing negative. (Within 15 days)
5). Applicant pays fees to City of Napa collections.
6). Applicant calls the Napa Police Department (Sergeant Mike Hensley - 707-258-7885) and secures an appointment for a Live Scan (fingerprints) and interview.  (Note: sometimes the Interview/Live Scan cannot be scheduled for several days due to other conflicts).
7). Applicant must bring to their NPD interview: Massage School Diploma, TB test results, application, receipt showing fees paid, and valid identification*.
* Valid ID is as follows:  State Driver's License or Identification card (preferred).  If the applicant doesn't possess a valid State Driver's License or Identification Card the following forms of identification are accepted:  US Birth Certificate or Passport, Federal Proof of Indian Blood Degree, INS American Indian Card, US Identification Card, US Military ID Card, Certificate of Naturalization or Citizenship, Northern Mariana Card, Permanent Resident Card, Temporary Resident Card, Canadian passport, birth certificate, or border crossing card, Valid Foreign Passport with a valid Record of Arrival/Departure (Form I-94), Certificate from Ca Dept of Corrections or Youth Authority, Employment Authorization Card, Permanent Resident Re-entry Permit, Refugee Travel Document, Immigration Judge’s order granting asylum, Mexican border crossing card with valid I-94.

Parade Permit (see Special Event Permit)

Parking Permits
City of Napa parking permits for use in designated spaces in City parking facilities can be obtained from the Finance Department window in City Hall, 955 School Street, North Wing. Parking Permits for each upcoming calendar year are made available for sale in November on a “first come-first served” basis. Permits remaining available after this initial sale can be purchased during regular business hours. A permit for the full calendar year costs $360. Permits may also be purchased on a month-to-month basis for $30 per month. Acceptable methods of payment are cash, check or credit card.Owning a permit does not guarantee access to any particular parking spaces or locations. Person interested in permits may call 707-258-7880 x7701 for more information. 

Second Hand Dealer/Pawnbroker Permit
Click here to download the instructions and permit application form for the Second Hand Dealer/Pawnbroker category. 
For a Pawnbroker Permit, this Financial Code document must also be downloaded and printed  as part of the application process.  

Solicitor/Canvasser/Peddler Permit
To obtain a Solicitor/Canvasser/Peddler permit for door-to-door sales, complete the permit application and pay the required fees. The permit application is available from the City of Napa Collections Department - inquire at the Collections window in the north wing of City Hall at 955 School Street.  The application can also be downloaded for printing by clicking here.  Note: Completion of the permit application along does not constitute issuance of the permit.

Applicant must be interviewed and fingerprinted by Napa Police Department. Call Sergeant Debbie Peecook at 707-257-9256 to schedule an appointment. Applicant will be given a temporary permit upon successful completion. A permit will follow upon completion of background check.
* Valid ID is as follows; a State Driver's License or State Identification card is preferred.  If the applicant does not possess one of those the following is accepted:  US Birth Certificate or Passport, Federal Proof of Indian Blood Degree, INS American Indian Card, US Identification Card, US Military ID Card, Certificate of Naturalization or Citizenship, Northern Mariana Card, Permanent Resident Card, Temporary Resident Card, Canadian passport, birth certificate, or border crossing card, Valid Foreign Passport with a valid Record of Arrival/Departure (Form I-94), Certificate from Ca Dept of Corrections or Youth Authority, Employment Authorization Card, Permanent Resident Re-entry Permit, Refugee Travel Document, Immigration Judge’s order granting asylum, Mexican border crossing card with valid I-94.

Special Event Permit
This permit is issued by the Office of the Parks and Recreation Services Director after review by multiple City Departments. The Special Event Permit is required for activities such as parades, street fairs, block parties, rallies, and other events that require closures of City streets, sidewalks or other facilities, or may have an impact on the provision of City services beyond the normal day-to-day level. Permit applications must be submitted 90 days in advance and will be accepted up to 365 days in advance. For more information or to schedule a pre-application meeting, contact Micah Hinkle at (707) 257-9502 or via email at mhinkle@cityofnapa.org  .

We have updated our application process. If you are having difficulty using these new web forms or if you have questions, please contact Samantha at the phone number or email address above. 

Persons interested in learning more about or applying for a Special Event Permit can:

                                     CLICK HERE instructions, rules and regulations pertaining to special events

                                     CLICK HERE for the 4, approved Traffic Control Plan's for events in the downtown area

                                     CLICK HERE to fill out and email or print the online application

Applicants who will also be using a City facility or park space, must also submit a facility rental application and applicable fees at the same time as the Special Event Application. 

 Applications can also be submitted:

• In person: Parks and Recreation Services Department 1100 West St. (Next to Cinedome) Monday-Friday 8am-5pm
• By Mail: City of Napa, PO BOX 660 Napa, CA 94559 Attn: Micah Hinkle
• By Email: mhinkle@cityofnapa.org

Taxi Service License (see Vehicle for Hire Permit)

Transportation Permit
Transportation Permits are required by State Law when a trucked load exceeds the weight limits outlined in the California Vehicle Code.  The City issues Transportation Permits whenever such a trucked load is proposed to operate within the City Limits. Click here to download a Transporation Permit Form . This permit is issued by the Public Works Department. 

Vehicle For Hire Permit
This permit is issued by the Police Department following successful completion of the application process. The applicant should follow these steps:
1). Applicant requests a permit application from City of Napa collections. The application is available at the Collections window in the north wing of City Hall at 955 School Street, or click here to download for printing a packet including instructions and permit aplication documents. 
2). Applicant should read the application and realize their criminal history will be checked which includes a Live Scan (Fingerprints). If they falsify the application in any way their permit will be denied. Any convictions must be stated.
3). Applicant pays fees to City of Napa collections.
4). Applicant calls Napa Police Department Records Bureau at 707-257-9573 and secures an appointment for a Live Scan (fingerprints).  Applicant then calls 707-258-7880 (ext. 5287) and schedules an interview with Officer Rich Pharo. (Note; sometimes the interview/Live Scan cannot be scheduled for several days due to other conflicts)
5). Applicant must possess a valid, current California Drivers License and must present it at the time of the interview with Napa Police. (Any form of official ID will due, so we can conduct a complete background check) To work as a Vehicle for Hire operator in California, applicant must possess a California Driver’s License upon employment.
6). Applicant will give Napa Police permission to conduct a Criminal History background check. All previously used names (AKA) must be provided.
7). If approved, applicant will be given a temporary permit which is valid for 30 days. Once the criminal history returns and is clear a permanent permit will be issued. 

Weapons Dealer Permit
This permit is issued by the Police Department. However, the City of Napa Police Department fulfills only part of the process one needs to go through to obtain a firearms dealers license. The process covers City, State, and Federal permits.  To learn more about how to obtain a Federal Firearms License (FFL) use this link http://www.atf.gov/firearms/fflc/ffl/faqs_lic.htm#q1 . In addition to the FFL, applicants are required to have a Certificate of Eligibility issued by State of California Department of Justice. See the following link for further details http://ag.ca.gov/firearms/forms/pdf/coeapp.pdf . The state also issues a California’s Seller’s permit (http://www.boe.ca.gov/pdf/boe400spa.pdf)  and a California Firearms Dealer (CFD) (http://ag.ca.gov/firearms/dlrfaqs.php). Once all the licenses and permits are in place, the Napa Police Department Investigations Division will conduct a review and based on the completeness of the necessary documents, issue a Local Firearms License. Contact the Investigations Sergeant at 707-257-9566.