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Business licenses & tax certificates in California

Check the local authority, requirements, applications, renewal, changes and public license searches for your business.

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Check or apply for a business licenseRenew a business licenseClose or update a business licenseLook up a business licenseRegister a business for stormwater compliance
Before you start · 4 things to check
  • Start with where your business is located and where it will operate. A county license may apply only to unincorporated areas or specific activities; cities can have their own requirements.
  • Some county offices provide guidance or referrals and do not issue a general business license. Read the entry before choosing an application.
  • A business license or tax certificate, an FBN/DBA filing, business entity registration and a professional license serve different purposes. Zoning, health and other activity permits may also apply. Business stormwater registration is a separate local programme where required.
  • Check the license period, renewal date and rules for changes in ownership or location. A renewal may not cover a move or a new owner. Fees and application steps depend on the license category.

7 guides with reviewed service links · Sonoma

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County government · Sonoma

Sonoma County Economic Development Collaborative — licensing guidance

Business licensing requirements and referrals depend on the business activity and its location. Read the specific service scope before applying.

Local business licensing: cities and unincorporated Sonoma County (opens in a new tab)Official instructions

The county EDC distinguishes the nine cities from unincorporated Sonoma County. Its non-issuance guidance does not waive zoning, activity permits or separate business registrations.

Source checked October 16, 2026

Sonoma County Economic Development Collaborative · Sonoma County local licensing requirements (opens in a new tab)

Reviewed business licensing instructions

If your business is located or operating in unincorporated Sonoma County (outside a city boundary), the County of Sonoma does not require a business license or tax certificate.

Saved evidence: ae6d38fe1020a422 · Agent source review

Full guide, contact details & sources →
City government · Sonoma

City of Cloverdale — Business licensing information

City of Cloverdale

Business license information — City of Cloverdale (opens in a new tab)Official instructions

The official source lists “Business License Tax”. Follow the issuing provider's instructions for requirements and availability.

Service area: City of Cloverdale Area details & sources

Source checked October 28, 2026

Cloverdale municipal government · Cloverdale — business licensing discovery (opens in a new tab)

Exact named official link (entrance only; linked contents not reviewed)

Business License Tax

Saved evidence: 172b1d4e7b330e1f · Agent source review

Renew a business license — City of Cloverdale (opens in a new tab)Official instructions

Apply, Renew, and make payments online for Business License Application. You can also obtain assistance from City staff by visiting City Hall anytime Tuesday and Thursday between 1 pm and 5 pm. City Hall is located at 124 North Cloverdale Boulevard in Cloverdale.

Service area: City of Cloverdale Area details & sources

Source checked October 28, 2026

Cloverdale municipal government · Cloverdale — business licensing discovery (opens in a new tab)

Visible topic-specific information on the official page

Apply, Renew, and make payments online for Business License Application. You can also obtain assistance from City staff by visiting City Hall anytime Tuesday and Thursday between 1 pm and 5 pm. City Hall is located at 124 North Cloverdale Boulevard in Cloverdale.

Saved evidence: 172b1d4e7b330e1f · Agent source review

Full guide, contact details & sources →
City government · Sonoma

City of Cotati — Business licensing information

City of Cotati

Business license information — City of Cotati (opens in a new tab)Official instructions

The official source lists “Business License”. Follow the issuing provider's instructions for requirements and availability.

Service area: City of Cotati Area details & sources

Source checked October 28, 2026

Cotati municipal government · Cotati — business licensing discovery (opens in a new tab)

Exact named official link (entrance only; linked contents not reviewed)

Business License

Saved evidence: 56733dc48ef901c1 · Agent source review

Full guide, contact details & sources →
City government · Sonoma

City of Healdsburg — Business licensing information

City of Healdsburg

Business license information — City of Healdsburg (opens in a new tab)Official instructions

The official source lists “Business Licenses”. Follow the issuing provider's instructions for requirements and availability.

Service area: City of Healdsburg Area details & sources

Source checked October 28, 2026

Healdsburg municipal government · Healdsburg — business licensing discovery (opens in a new tab)

Exact named official link (entrance only; linked contents not reviewed)

Business Licenses

Saved evidence: 7a0dd61da4ba7061 · Agent source review

Renew a business license — City of Healdsburg (opens in a new tab)Official instructions

Renewal for Fiscal Year 2026-27 are now open! Renew your existing business license by logging into the Portal, going to My Account, and selecting Renew Now.

Service area: City of Healdsburg Area details & sources

Source checked October 28, 2026

Healdsburg municipal government · Healdsburg — business licensing discovery (opens in a new tab)

Visible topic-specific information on the official page

Renewal for Fiscal Year 2026-27 are now open! Renew your existing business license by logging into the Portal, going to My Account, and selecting Renew Now.

Saved evidence: 7a0dd61da4ba7061 · Agent source review

Full guide, contact details & sources →
City government · Sonoma

City of Rohnert Park — Business licensing information

City of Rohnert Park

Business license information — City of Rohnert Park (opens in a new tab)Official instructions

The official source lists “Business License”. Follow the issuing provider's instructions for requirements and availability.

Service area: City of Rohnert Park Area details & sources

Source checked October 28, 2026

Rohnert Park municipal government · Rohnert Park — business licensing discovery (opens in a new tab)

Exact named official link (entrance only; linked contents not reviewed)

Business License

Saved evidence: bbeb55fb1e580acc · Agent source review

Renew a business license — City of Rohnert Park (opens in a new tab)Official instructions

The City of Rohnert Park is pleased to offer online payments for business license tax renewals! Please visit Citizen Self-Service to set up an account and pay your annual business license tax fees using the account number on your annual business license bill. Need help finding your account number? Email the Business Tax Division or call 707-585-6725.

Service area: City of Rohnert Park Area details & sources

Source checked October 28, 2026

Rohnert Park municipal government · Rohnert Park — business licensing discovery (opens in a new tab)

Visible topic-specific information on the official page

The City of Rohnert Park is pleased to offer online payments for business license tax renewals! Please visit Citizen Self-Service to set up an account and pay your annual business license tax fees using the account number on your annual business license bill. Need help finding your account number? Email the Business Tax Division or call 707-585-6725.

Saved evidence: bbeb55fb1e580acc · Agent source review

Full guide, contact details & sources →
City government · Sonoma

City of Sebastopol — Business licensing information

City of Sebastopol

Business license information — City of Sebastopol (opens in a new tab)Official instructions

The official source lists “Business Licenses”. Follow the issuing provider's instructions for requirements and availability.

Service area: City of Sebastopol Area details & sources

Source checked October 28, 2026

Sebastopol municipal government · Sebastopol — business licensing discovery (opens in a new tab)

Exact named official link (entrance only; linked contents not reviewed)

Business Licenses

Saved evidence: 49c83f6952d93e76 · Agent source review

Renew a business license — City of Sebastopol (opens in a new tab)Official instructions

Business License Renewal Online is now available – Save Time, Effort and Postage!

Service area: City of Sebastopol Area details & sources

Source checked October 28, 2026

Sebastopol municipal government · Sebastopol — business licensing discovery (opens in a new tab)

Visible topic-specific information on the official page

Business License Renewal Online is now available – Save Time, Effort and Postage!

Saved evidence: 49c83f6952d93e76 · Agent source review

Full guide, contact details & sources →
City government · Sonoma

City of Sonoma — Business licensing information

City of Sonoma

Business license information — City of Sonoma (opens in a new tab)Official instructions

As part of this transition, business license renewal notices are expected to be sent out by mid-December 2024.

Service area: City of Sonoma Area details & sources

Source checked October 28, 2026

Sonoma municipal government · Sonoma — business licensing discovery (opens in a new tab)

Visible topic-specific information on the official page

As part of this transition, business license renewal notices are expected to be sent out by mid-December 2024.

Saved evidence: 9711d43c73b9ac7a · Agent source review

Renew a business license — City of Sonoma (opens in a new tab)Official instructions

As part of this transition, business license renewal notices are expected to be sent out by mid-December 2024.

Service area: City of Sonoma Area details & sources

Source checked October 28, 2026

Sonoma municipal government · Sonoma — business licensing discovery (opens in a new tab)

Visible topic-specific information on the official page

As part of this transition, business license renewal notices are expected to be sent out by mid-December 2024.

Saved evidence: 9711d43c73b9ac7a · Agent source review

Full guide, contact details & sources →

Selected agencies, with sources checked individually. See all coverage and sources.