Official local service finder

Business licenses & tax certificates

Check the local authority, requirements, applications, renewal, changes and public license searches for your business.

Check or apply for a business license Renew a business license Close or update a business license Look up a business license Register a business for stormwater compliance

Before you start

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.

1 guide with reviewed service links · Los Angeles · “City of Santa Clarita”

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County government · Los Angeles

Tax Collector

Business licensing

Check county business-license jurisdiction and licensed activitiesOfficial instructions

Use the county District Locator and confirm the activity is licensed by the county before applying. The county handles unincorporated locations and the three named contract cities.

Service area: Certain county-licensed activities in unincorporated Los Angeles County and Malibu, Santa Clarita or Westlake Village. Area details & sources

Business-license assistance

Use the Business License Section contact, not the telephone numbers shown in District Locator results.

Official information checked October 16, 2026 · Details & sources

Source checked October 16, 2026

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

Reviewed business licensing instructions

We license certain business activities in the “unincorporated areas” of Los Angeles County (County) and contract cities of Malibu, Santa Clarita, and Westlake Village. We do not process business license applications other than within these jurisdictions.

Saved evidence: 1688bcd7fcd1070b · Agent source review

Start a Los Angeles County business-license applicationOfficial online service

Official county referral to the application portal. Check jurisdiction and the licensable activity list first.

Service area: Specified county-licensed activities in unincorporated areas and Malibu, Santa Clarita or Westlake Village. Area details & sources

Source checked October 16, 2026

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

Reviewed business licensing instructions

We license certain business activities in the “unincorporated areas” of Los Angeles County (County) and contract cities of Malibu, Santa Clarita, and Westlake Village. We do not process business license applications other than within these jurisdictions.

Saved evidence: 1688bcd7fcd1070b · Agent source review

Find county instructions for an existing business-license searchOfficial instructions

Official county referral for looking up an existing county business license. Read the page for search instructions and scope.

Service area: Records of county licenses for specified activities in unincorporated areas and Malibu, Santa Clarita or Westlake Village. Area details & sources

Source checked October 16, 2026

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

Reviewed business licensing instructions

Search Existing Business License

Saved evidence: 1688bcd7fcd1070b · Agent source review

Full guide, contact details & sources →

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