California · find a service

Check or apply for a business license in California

Check local business license or business tax certificate requirements, the right authority and application options.

In California, 284 city governments and 55 county departments publish 399 official links for this service, 23 of them online. Reviewed requirements cover eligibility (77), documents (55), availability notices (19), payment methods (18), deadlines (11), processing time (4), appointments (3), languages (2) and accessibility (1). 53 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.

2 guides with reviewed service links · Merced

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County government · Merced

Community & Economic Development — business licensing

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

Unincorporated Merced County business-license requirementsOfficial instructions

Check local land-use approvals and apply through the county Licensing & Permitting Portal. Renewals, ownership changes and location changes have different requirements.

Service area: Businesses physically located and/or conducting business in unincorporated Merced County. Area details & sources

Source checked October 16, 2026

Merced County official website · Merced County — business licensing discovery (opens in a new tab)

Reviewed business licensing instructions

All businesses either physically located and/or conducting business within the unincorporated areas of Merced County must apply for and obtain a Merced County Business License. Business license applications may be submitted by visiting the Licensing & Permitting Portal.

Saved evidence: d98ba61162fded0d · Agent source review

Apply through Merced County Licensing & Permitting PortalOfficial online service

Official county application portal. Staff review land use and any additional agency approvals before issuing the license.

Service area: County business-license applications for businesses located or operating in the unincorporated area. Area details & sources

Source checked October 16, 2026

Merced County official website · Merced County — business licensing discovery (opens in a new tab)

Reviewed business licensing instructions