CWCountyWikiIndependent guide to local services

California

We remember your state on this device to show its pages first.

California · find a service

Look up a business license in California

Use an official business license directory or account lookup. Check the type and area of license covered.

Compare other states →

In California, 55 city governments and 4 county departments publish 59 official links for this service, 2 of them online. Reviewed requirements cover availability notices (1). 21 counties have a page for it below.

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.

5 guides with reviewed service links · Santa Clara

Choose a county on the map

Highlighted counties have a reviewed service guide matching this selection. An agency may serve only a city or part of a county.

California58 counties

County directory Reviewed service guides available

Map for browsing; agency service areas may differ.

Map source

U.S. Census boundaries via U.S. Atlas · 2017 edition, simplified for display.

City government · Santa Clara

San Jose — Finance Department — Business Tax

City of San Jose business licensing or tax certificates.

Look up a city business tax recordOfficial instructions

Use the city business tax lookup. A tax record is not proof of all permits or approvals.

Service area: City of San Jose business activity; city programme, not county-wide licensing. Area details & sources

Source checked October 16, 2026

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

Reviewed business licensing instructions

Business Tax Lookup

Saved evidence: 8ea8427ed1e1c9aa · Agent source review

Full guide, contact details & sources →

City government · Santa Clara

City of Cupertino — Business licensing information

City of Cupertino

Business license directory or lookup — City of CupertinoOfficial instructions

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

Service area: City of Cupertino Area details & sources

Source checked October 28, 2026

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

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

Business License Search

Saved evidence: 62bc62d9756e5d62 · Agent source review

Full guide, contact details & sources →

City government · Santa Clara

City of Gilroy — Business licensing information

City of Gilroy

Business license directory or lookup — City of GilroyOfficial instructions

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

Service area: City of Gilroy Area details & sources

Source checked October 28, 2026

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

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

Lookup a Business License

Saved evidence: c5b6ccce55fd687e · Agent source review

Full guide, contact details & sources →

City government · Santa Clara

City of Morgan Hill — Business licensing information

City of Morgan Hill

Business license directory or lookup — City of Morgan HillOfficial instructions

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

Service area: City of Morgan Hill Area details & sources

Source checked October 28, 2026

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

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

Lookup a Business License

Saved evidence: 34070a01490b460a · Agent source review

Full guide, contact details & sources →

City government · Santa Clara

City of Mountain View — Business licensing information

City of Mountain View

Business license directory or lookup — City of Mountain ViewOfficial instructions

Quarterly Business License Listing

Service area: City of Mountain View Area details & sources

Source checked October 28, 2026

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

Visible topic-specific information on the official page

Quarterly Business License Listing

Saved evidence: 7053d228efca8c2c · Agent source review

Full guide, contact details & sources →

Look up a business license by county