Permits & Licenses
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 information pertains to permits and licenses issued by the City for activities within the City limits, except where noted.
Amplified Music Permit
View information on the amplified music permit.
Banner Permit
Updated January, 2014: The City of Napa has adopted new Downtown Napa Street Banner Policy and Program Guidelines (PDF) setting forth the process for installing banners on downtown light poles. The banner program is a public/private effort which supports local business and non-profit community events, provides information to the public, denotes special areas of Downtown Napa, and visually enhances the overall streetscape.
The policy is being implemented to facilitate coordination among organizations wishing to install banners promoting their events. The policy applies to Victorian poles, cobra-head poles, and the two locations where banners can be hung across the street to advertise events, at Third Street and Burnell, and Main Street and Pearl. A map of banner pole locations is included in the policy and application guidelines.
There is no charge for the banner permit, but it is only available to non-profit organizations. Persons interested in the banner permit may obtain an application by clicking the link above. Permit applications may be submitted to the Economic Development Division of the Community Development Department. You can also view the horizontal banner application (PDF).
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
Visit the City of Napa's Building Division page. .
Burglar Alarm Permit
Find for more information on the Burglar Alarm permit.
Business License
Doing business in Napa? For information on how to renew or apply for a business license and how to start your business in the City of Napa, visit the Business License page.
Card Room Dealer
Napa Municipal Code 5.16.020 states “No new permits for a card room shall be issued under this chapter”.
Concealed Weapons Permit
A Concealed Weapons Permit is issued by the Police Department. View more information.
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. Check out 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. View the encroachment permit form (PDF), or the traffic control guidelines (PDF). This permit is issued by the Public Works Department.
Facility Reservations (for Use of City Park or Other Facility)
The City offers specified park spaces and public buildings for rental.These reservations are handled by the Parks and Recreation Services Department.
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.
Fishing License
Fishing licenses are issued by the State Department of Fish and Game through authorized agents in the area. Check out more information on fishing licenses.
Valid ID
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.
Library Cards
Library Cards are not issued by the City of Napa - they can be obtained from the Napa County Library.
Liquor License
Liquor licenses are 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.
Parade Permit
You will need a special event permit to hold a parade in the City of Napa.
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. 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, ext. 7701 for more information.
Second Hand Dealer/Pawnbroker Permit
Download the instructions and permit application form for the Second Hand Dealer/Pawnbroker category. For a Pawnbroker Permit, this Financial Code document (PDF) must also be downloaded and printed as part of the application process.
Valid ID
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 Shannon Clegg at (707) 257-9529 or via email. Persons interested in learning more about or applying for a Special Event Permit can:
- View instructions, rules and regulations pertaining to special events (PDF).
- Applicants who will also be using a City facility or park space should view the park rental information packet in English (PDF) and in Spanish, and must also submit a facility rental application and applicable fees at the same time as the special event application.
- Download the special event permit application (PDF). (This form cannot be completed online. Print, fill out completely and scan to submit by email, or deliver a paper version by mail or in person.)
- Applicants may also submit applications to rent the Oxbow Commons or City plazas.
Applications Can Be Submitted
- In person: Parks and Recreation Services Department, Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The office is closed on all major holidays.
- By Mail: City of Napa, Parks and Recreations Services
- By Email: Email us your application
Completion of the Application does not constitute permission for holding the event. The Application must be processed and all conditions met prior to final approval and issuance of a Special Event 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. Access the transportation permit - single (PDF) and transportation permit - annual (PDF). This permit is issued by the Public Works Department.