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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 Fresno”

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City government · Fresno

Fresno — Finance Department — Business Tax Division

City of Fresno business licensing or tax certificates.

Check city business-tax certificate and activity permitsOfficial instructions

Check the city certificate requirement and additional permits for your activity. County FBN, professional licensing and state tax registration are separate processes.

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

Source checked October 16, 2026

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

Reviewed business licensing instructions

Owners and persons having ownership interest in businesses operating in the City of Fresno are required by the Fresno Municipal Code to obtain a Business Tax Certificate.

Saved evidence: 7d40264f5eb79f58 · Agent source review

Apply for a city business tax certificateOfficial online service

Obtain approved Zone Clearance first. Submit the approved clearance with the business-tax application online, by mail or at the Business Tax Division counter.

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

Source checked October 16, 2026

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

Reviewed business licensing instructions

You may apply for your business tax certificate online or by mail with our printable Business License & Tax Certificate Application.

Saved evidence: 7d40264f5eb79f58 · Agent source review

Pay a city business-tax renewal onlineOfficial online service

Use the city-referred payment portal for the business-tax account. Processor charges depend on the payment method.

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

Source checked October 16, 2026

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

Reviewed business licensing instructions

Online Business Tax Payment

Saved evidence: 7d40264f5eb79f58 · Agent source review

Search the city business directoryOfficial instructions

Use the city business directory. It is not a certificate of all regulatory approvals.

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

Source checked October 16, 2026

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

Reviewed business licensing instructions

Business Directory

Saved evidence: 7d40264f5eb79f58 · Agent source review

Get help updating a city business-tax accountOfficial instructions

Call Business Tax customer service about account changes. Some transactions require your presence; this page does not establish a universal online closure procedure.

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

Source checked October 16, 2026

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

Reviewed business licensing instructions

How do I update my tax records or get information? Most transactions can be accomplished by phone (559) 621-6880.

Saved evidence: 7d40264f5eb79f58 · Agent source review

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