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.

23 guides with reviewed service links · Orange

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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.

Showing 23 guides as a short list. Choose your county or type a city above to see each guide’s instructions, conditions and sources here.

City government · Orange

Anaheim — Planning & Building — Business License Division

City of Anaheim business licensing or tax certificates.

Check Anaheim business-license requirements

Service area: City of Anaheim business activity; city programme, not county-wide licensing.

Choose the city business-license application category

Service area: City of Anaheim business activity; city programme, not county-wide licensing.

Open the city-referred new-contractor licensing portal

Service area: City of Anaheim business activity; city programme, not county-wide licensing.

1 more service link

Review the city SB 205 compliance form

Service area: City of Anaheim business activity; city programme, not county-wide licensing.

Check or apply for a business license in California

Check or apply for a business license by county