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.

5 guides with reviewed service links · Monterey

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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

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Map source

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

County government · Monterey

Tax Collector

Business licensing

County business licenses for lodging, vacation rentals and commercial cannabisOfficial instructions

Use the current Treasurer-Tax Collector requirements for the specified business categories. The county license is additional to Housing and Community Development permits, and does not replace city licensing.

Service area: The specified lodging, vacation-rental and commercial cannabis activities in unincorporated Monterey County. Area details & sources

Source checked October 16, 2026

Monterey County official website · Monterey County Treasurer-Tax Collector business-license requirements (opens in a new tab)

Reviewed business licensing instructions

A business license is an annual license issued by the Monterey County Treasurer-Tax Collector for the privilege of conducting business within the unincorporated area of Monterey County.

Saved evidence: b8e40f15252f8ec2 · Agent source review

Start a county business-license applicationOfficial online service

Official county application portal for the listed licensed activities. Apply before beginning business and check any separate permit approvals.

Service area: County applications for the specified businesses in unincorporated Monterey County. Area details & sources

Source checked October 16, 2026

Monterey County official website · Monterey County Treasurer-Tax Collector business-license requirements (opens in a new tab)

Reviewed business licensing instructions

You may apply online here: https://hdlweb.co.monterey.ca.us/PrimeWeb/Apply/Apply1/BusinessLicense

Saved evidence: b8e40f15252f8ec2 · Agent source review

Full guide, contact details & sources →

City government · Monterey

City of Gonzales — Business licensing information

City of Gonzales

Business license information — City of GonzalesOfficial instructions

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

Service area: City of Gonzales Area details & sources

Source checked October 28, 2026

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

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

Business License

Saved evidence: 245e778dd0412981 · Agent source review

Full guide, contact details & sources →

City government · Monterey

City of Marina — Business licensing information

City of Marina

Business license information — City of MarinaOfficial instructions

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

Service area: City of Marina Area details & sources

Source checked October 28, 2026

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

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

Business License

Saved evidence: 271f511afbb9896b · Agent source review

Full guide, contact details & sources →

City government · Monterey

City of Salinas — Business licensing information

City of Salinas

Business license information — City of SalinasOfficial instructions

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

Service area: City of Salinas Area details & sources

Source checked October 28, 2026

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

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