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 · Shasta

Clear filters

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 · Shasta

Redding — City Clerk's Office — business licenses

City of Redding business licensing or tax certificates.

Check city business-license requirementsOfficial instructions

Check licensing for business activity within Redding, including activity by businesses based elsewhere. Other permits and zoning approvals remain separate.

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

Source checked October 16, 2026

Redding city service · Redding — business-license FAQ (opens in a new tab)

Reviewed business licensing instructions

A business license is an annual tax for doing business within the incorporated area of the City of Redding (City).

Saved evidence: c1f52a0230d55579 · Agent source review

Apply for a city business license by mail or in personOfficial instructions

Use the city’s paper application instructions and submit the signed application and payment. Call before visiting because the office warns of possible lunch closure.

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

Service availability

The office warns of possible lunch closure; call before visiting.

Official information checked October 16, 2026 · Details & sources

Source checked October 16, 2026

Redding government · Redding — City Clerk business licenses (opens in a new tab)

Reviewed business licensing instructions

If you would like to apply for a business license, download our online Business License Application and mail it in with your payment or visit our office Monday through Friday, 8am - 5pm.

Saved evidence: 942bbabb194ac2bb · Agent source review

Review city business categories and tax componentsOfficial instructions

Select the applicable business category, average employee count or premises measure. Component amounts and alternative periods are not a combined total.

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

Source checked October 16, 2026

Redding city service · Redding — business-license FAQ (opens in a new tab)

Reviewed business licensing instructions

There are seven categories of businesses. The amount you pay is based on the type of business.

Saved evidence: c1f52a0230d55579 · Agent source review

Full guide, contact details & sources →

City government · Shasta

City of Shasta Lake — Business licensing information

City of Shasta Lake

Business license information — City of Shasta LakeOfficial instructions

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

Service area: City of Shasta Lake Area details & sources

Source checked October 28, 2026

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

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

Business Licenses

Saved evidence: 9d9168e76ad739a4 · Agent source review

Full guide, contact details & sources →

Check or apply for a business license in California

Redding — City Clerk's Office — business licenses

City of Shasta Lake — Business licensing information

Check or apply for a business license by county