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.

4 guides with reviewed service links · Yolo

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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

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

County government · Yolo

Community Services — Planning Division business licenses

Business licensing

Unincorporated Yolo County business-license application requirementsOfficial instructions

Use Planning’s county application instructions for an unincorporated location. City businesses use their municipal authority; home-based and environmental-health review can require additional materials.

Service area: Businesses located in unincorporated Yolo County; the county page provides separate city referrals. Area details & sources

Source checked October 16, 2026

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

Reviewed business licensing instructions

If your business is located in unincorporated Yolo County please submit your Business License Application form to Business.License@yolocounty.gov

Saved evidence: 3d4fa0c7c260298c · Agent source review

Get the county business-license applicationOfficial instructions

Complete the official county application and follow the designated licensing mailbox instructions. Additional home-business or environmental-health documents can apply.

Service area: Yolo County business-license application for an unincorporated-area location. Area details & sources

Source checked October 16, 2026

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

Reviewed business licensing instructions