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.

7 guides with reviewed service links · Stanislaus

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.

County government · Stanislaus

Tax Collector

Business licensing

County new business-license applications and dedicated Business Services contactsOfficial instructions

Contact Business Services for a new county license. Existing county-license renewals and activity-specific permits have separate instructions; incorporated-city licensing belongs to the appropriate city.

Source checked October 16, 2026

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

Reviewed business licensing instructions

New Business Licenses are handled by the Business Services Division of the Treasurer Tax Collector Department, located on the 5th floor at 1010 10th St., Suite 5700, Modesto, CA 95354.

Saved evidence: 95b2be8a773e8339 · Agent source review

Get the Stanislaus County business-license applicationOfficial instructions

Official county referral to the application PDF. Read its current instructions and confirm the business location and fees before submitting.

Source checked October 16, 2026

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

Reviewed business licensing instructions

Business License Applications and instructions (requirements) are available on the internet.

Saved evidence: 95b2be8a773e8339 · Agent source review

Full guide, contact details & sources →

City government · Stanislaus

City of Ceres — Business licensing information

City of Ceres

Business license information — City of CeresOfficial instructions

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

Service area: City of Ceres Area details & sources

Source checked October 28, 2026

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

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

Business Licenses

Saved evidence: 22484491c9cf8209 · Agent source review

Full guide, contact details & sources →

City government · Stanislaus

City of Modesto — Business licensing information

City of Modesto

Business license information — City of ModestoOfficial instructions

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

Service area: City of Modesto Area details & sources

Source checked October 28, 2026

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

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