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 · Reviewed local guides · “City of Carlsbad”

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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.

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

County government · San Diego

County of San Diego — business-license and permit guidance

Official county guidance and municipality referrals; this page is not a license-issuing department.

Unincorporated-area business rules and city license referralsOfficial instructions

The county states no business license is needed in its unincorporated areas, while other permit rules may still apply. Use the county page to find city licensing and county permit departments.

Source checked October 16, 2026

San Diego County official website · San Diego County business-license guidance (opens in a new tab)

Reviewed business licensing instructions

You do not need a business license in unincorporated areas of San Diego County. However, you may need to follow other rules and permit requirements.

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