Check local business license or business tax certificate requirements, the right authority and application options.
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.
69 guides with reviewed service links · Reviewed local guides
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
Check county licensing requirements before applying. Businesses operating within incorporated city limits must use their city authority.
Service area: Alameda County business licensing is for the unincorporated area; use city licensing within incorporated city limits. Area details & sources
You must obtain a business license from Alameda County only if you are conducting any type of business, including leasing residential and commercial property, or your business is based in an unincorporated area of Alameda County. DO NOT APPLY TO ALAMEDA COUNTY IF YOU OPERATE A BUSINESS WITHIN CITY LIMITS.
Check where the business operates, including work in the unincorporated area by an outside business. Obtain required land-use approval before applying. Confirm fees and renewal timing with the county.
Service area: Business conducted in unincorporated Contra Costa County, including covered outside businesses and contractors. Area details & sources
The County Ordinance requires that you obtain a license for conducting business within the unincorporated areas, even if your business is located outside county limits or you hold a business license from another city.
Use the official online application and attach the land-use approval notice when required. The Planning office at Muir Road is separate from the Tax Collector counter.
Service area: County application for the covered unincorporated-area business activity; check city and outside-contractor requirements separately. Area details & sources
If your business is located in an unincorporated area of the County, you will first need to contact the Department of Conservation and Development at 925-655-2700 or visit them at 30 Muir Road, Martinez, CA 94553, for zoning and planning requirements and permits. Once zoning and planning approval is secured, you may complete the online Business License application and attach the approval notice.
The County Clerk does not issue business licenses and refers readers to the local city or town. This does not prove that every other county department or unincorporated business is exempt.
Check whether San Francisco business tax registration applies, the stated exemptions, required information and the applicable fee band. This is separate from forming a legal entity or obtaining activity permits.
Service area: City and County of San Francisco business tax registration; the detailed activity and exemption tests apply. Area details & sources
San Francisco’s Business and Tax Regulations Code generally requires that every person engaging in business within the City, regardless of whether the business or person is subject to taxation, must register within 30 days after commencing business within the City.
Apply for activity permits with their regulatory departments. The Treasurer collects the subsequent annual regulatory license bill; it is separate from business-registration renewal.
Service area: San Francisco regulatory permits and license-fee billing; each issuing agency determines its programme requirements. Area details & sources
Businesses apply for permits directly with the department(s). If an inspection is necessary, the business owner will be contacted by the department to schedule an appointment. Usually, a business must pass an inspection to be approved.
Review the current eligibility, timing, funding limit and exclusions before relying on a waiver. Registration and participating permitting agencies determine eligibility; it is not a blanket zero-cost business license.
Service area: San Francisco First Year Free programme for qualifying new businesses or locations; eligibility and funding conditions apply. Area details & sources
Current programme extension; funding-limited
The city states the programme runs throughJune 30, 2027 or until the appropriated waiver funds are exhausted, whichever comes first.
The program waives the cost of initial registration fees, initial license fees, first-year permit, and other applicable fees for qualifying businesses.
Confirm whether the business category needs a county license before applying. The Business License Board and Planning/Building review applications; other license or event fees can apply.
Service area: Certain businesses in unincorporated San Mateo County; the source does not require every business to obtain this license. Area details & sources
Confirm applicability before paying
Planning and Tax Collector have separate contact options for checking whether the license is required.
Business Licenses are issued only for certain businesses located in unincorporated San Mateo County. All Business License Applications are reviewed and approved by the County’s Business License Board with the Planning and Building.
The Clerk-Recorder does not issue business licenses and directs readers to the city or town where the business is located. Unincorporated-area and activity-specific requirements still need separate confirmation.
The Clerk-Recorder's Office does not issue business licenses. For business licensing information, please contact the city or town government office where your business is located.
Check unincorporated-area activity, the specific exceptions and City of Angels arrangements. Other activity approvals are separate.
Service area: County business licensing for covered activity in unincorporated Calaveras County; check the listed exceptions and City of Angels arrangements. Area details & sources
Check Chapter 10 for businesses requiring a county license outside incorporated city limits. The county provides standard, temporary and transfer application resources.
Service area: Businesses licensed under Colusa County Code Chapter 10 outside incorporated city limits. Area details & sources
It shall be unlawful for any person to maintain, conduct, carry on, or commence to maintain, conduct or carry on within the county, and outside the limits of any incorporated city thereof, any business for which a license is required by Colusa County Code Chapter 10, without first having obtained a license to do so as provided in Chapter 10.
For the stated unincorporated-area vacation rental/Airbnb case, the county says a business license is not currently required. Planning review and a separate transient-occupancy-tax certificate may still be required.
Service area: Guidance only for vacation rental/Airbnb room rental in unincorporated Del Norte County; not a general exemption for other businesses. Area details & sources
Do I have to have a business license to operate a vacation rental (or Airbnb room rental) in the unincorporated areas of Del Norte County? Not required at this time.
Use the official county application, home-business checklist and departmental approval instructions. A business-license receipt does not replace other required permits.
Service area: County licenses for businesses located or operating in unincorporated El Dorado County; check the stated exemptions. Area details & sources
Official county referral to the new business-license application. Follow the county’s required approvals.
Service area: County licenses for businesses located or operating in unincorporated El Dorado County; check the stated exemptions. Area details & sources
Check the business location and Title 6 activity requirements, then obtain zoning clearance before submitting a county application. Incorporated-city businesses use their city authority.
Service area: Unincorporated Fresno County, for activities requiring a county license under Title 6. Area details & sources
In-person application
The county also accepts in-person applications at Hall of Records, Room 105.
Choose the category that matches the location and activity. Storefront, mobile, special, cannabis and short-term-rental requirements differ.
Service area: Humboldt County business-license guidance for unincorporated areas; separate county-vendor rules are described in the source. Area details & sources
Business Licenses for Unincorporated Humboldt County The purpose of this page is to provide basic forms and information necessary to begin the business license application process as well as answer some of the more commonly asked questions.
Review the appropriate licensing category and contact the licensing division for the application. General business, adult-entertainment and swap-meet categories are separate. Confirm applicability before applying.
Miscellaneous Licenses License County Ordinance General Business Licenses Chapter 5.01 Adult Entertainment Establishments Chapter 5.06 Swap Meets Chapter 5.60 The ordinance language is available for viewing by selecting the appropriate chapter shown above. For specific questions regarding any of these ordinances, or to obtain an application please contact our licensing division at (442) 265-1250.
The county does not issue business licenses and directs city businesses to the relevant city. An FBN filing and any activity permits are separate; this statement is not a waiver of other approvals.
The County does not issue Business Licenses. If you are operating your business within a city you may also need, in addition to a FBN, a Business License. You must contact the city in which the business will be located to determine their requirements.
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.
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.
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.
Community & Economic Development reviews the application before final Tax Collector approval and license maintenance. Confirm the business location and required documents with the county.
Service availability
Community & Economic Development reviews first; the Tax Collector gives final approval and maintains the license.
After the application has been approved by the Madera County Community & Economic Development, the Madera County Tax Collector will receive the application for final approval. The Tax Collector will send a certificate to the applicant and will maintain the license thereafter.
Use Planning and Building for a fixed commercial or home location in the unincorporated area. The Tax Collector handles the described out-of-county, mobile and non-fixed cases, then issues approved county licenses.
Service availability
The receiving department reviews the application; the Tax Collector issues it after approval.
How you apply for a Mendocino County Business License depends on where your business operates and the type of business you are applying for. Use the guide below to ensure your application is submitted to the correct department to help avoid delays.
Official referral to the Tax Collector application for the described business types. Confirm the operating jurisdiction and submit to the Tax Collector as instructed.
IF your business is out-of-county, a mobile business (food truck, mobile services, vendor, etc.) or you do not operate from a fixed location in the unincorporated area of the county, then you need to apply through the Treasurer-Tax Collector’s office, with the Out-of-County Applicant Business License Application linked below,
Review the application packet, business-location requirements and renewal instructions. Confirm municipal and activity requirements with the county before applying.
License fee period
The posted fee period is July 1–June 30; it is separate from the August 5 renewal return date.
Use the current Treasurer-Tax Collector requirements for the specified business categories. The county license is additional to Housing and Community Development permits, and does not replace city licensing.
Service area: The specified lodging, vacation-rental and commercial cannabis activities in unincorporated Monterey County. Area details & sources
A business license is an annual license issued by the Monterey County Treasurer-Tax Collector for the privilege of conducting business within the unincorporated area of Monterey County.
Check the location and general/special license category. Businesses operating only inside a city use that city’s authority.
Service area: Businesses operating in unincorporated Placer County, including nonresident operators; city-only activity has separate requirements. Area details & sources
This county programme covers the defined itinerant vendors. Check the definition, application and activity-specific approvals; it is not proof that every business needs a general county license.
Review county applicability and exemptions. The county designates the HdL Business Support Center for application, payment and license-issuance support.
Service area: San Benito County business licensing for covered activity in the unincorporated area; stated exemptions may apply. Area details & sources
Businesses operating in the unincorporated area of the County are required to have a Business License on display at their principal location of operation, unless the business qualifies for an exemption.
Use the county-designated portal’s Start Now process. The processing center reviews the application and supplies payment information before mailing or emailing the license.
Service area: San Benito County business-license applications for covered unincorporated-area business activity. Area details & sources
Consult Community Development before applying. The Treasurer-Tax Collector issues the county license after approval; incorporated cities handle their own licenses.
Service area: San Joaquin County business licensing for locations or business activity in the unincorporated area. Area details & sources
Businesses located in or conducting business in the unincorporated areas of San Joaquin County are required to be licensed. Business licenses are issued by the Treasurer-Tax Collector and must be renewed annually.
To apply for a new business license, applicants should consult with the Community Development Department first. An application must be completed and the applicable fees must be paid.
Choose the general, cannabis or vacation-rental process. General applications require the applicable Planning and Building clearance and any other agency approvals.
Service area: San Luis Obispo County business licensing for businesses operating in the unincorporated area; license categories and exceptions differ. Area details & sources
The Auditor-Controller-Treasurer-Tax Collector (ACTTC) is responsible for issuing general County Business Licenses, Cannabis Business Licenses, and Vacation Rental Licenses for businesses operating in the unincorporated areas of San Luis Obispo County.
Use the official application resource and follow the county’s submission and required approval instructions. Contact ACTTC to confirm submission options.
Service area: General county business-license applications for the unincorporated area; use separate specialty processes where applicable. Area details & sources
The county Tax Collector describes licences for covered businesses in unincorporated areas, including general business, massage, taxis and vending machines. Confirm the activity and other approvals required.
Service area: Covered business activity in unincorporated Santa Barbara County; incorporated-city licensing remains separate. Area details & sources
Submit in person. Staff assist with the application and collect a non-refundable application fee; the amount and category-specific requirements need confirmation.
Service area: County in-person licensing for the stated unincorporated-area programme, not city licensing. Area details & sources
Check the county license requirements and stated exemptions for business in the unincorporated area. The county mails renewal notices before the renewal month.
Service area: Business activities in unincorporated Siskiyou County, subject to the county’s license exemptions. Area details & sources
The Business License Tax Unit of the Treasurer-Tax Collector's Office is primarily responsible for enforcing collection of business license fees and issuing licenses to persons engaged in business activities in the unincorporated areas of Siskiyou County as prescribed by the County of Siskiyou Ordinance Chapter 3.04.
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.
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.
Check the county ordinance and select the application for the actual business activity. This source describes certain regulated activities in the unincorporated area, rather than a general license required from every business.
Service area: Specified business activities in unincorporated Tulare County under the stated county ordinance. Area details & sources
The Business License Unit of the Treasurer-Tax Collector's Office is primarily responsible for enforcing collection of business license fees and issuing licenses to persons engaged in certain business activities in the unincorporated areas of Tulare County as prescribed by the Tulare County Ordinance Chapter 6-03-1000.
The county programme concerns business conducted in unincorporated areas, including specified activity there by city-based businesses. Check the business activity and separate permit approvals.
Service area: County business activity in unincorporated Ventura County; includes city-based businesses that conduct covered activity there. A city-only location does not establish county applicability. Area details & sources
All businesses, professions, trades, vocations, enterprises, establishments, occupations and callings being conducted in the UNINCORPORATED areas of the county must obtain a Business Tax Certificate and/or Business License.
Review the separate Planning home-occupation clearance and the Tax Collector certificate. Planning accepts the stated counter or Citizen Access submission; tax-certificate issuance is a separate step.
Service area: County business-tax certificate portion of the home-business process for activity conducted in unincorporated Ventura County; Planning clearance is a separate approval. Area details & sources
Review the county’s listed business categories and ordinance before applying. Other business types currently have no county business license on offer, while other departments, state rules and city licensing can still apply.
Service area: Listed business-license or permit categories operating in unincorporated Yuba County; city rules and other activity requirements are separate. Area details & sources
If you are planning to open/operate a business in the unincorporated area of Yuba County for one of the following business types, you are required by County ordinance to apply for, obtain, and maintain a valid business license or permit:
The county states it has never adopted a business license. Its Clerk distinguishes city business licensing from a county FBN filing; activity permits and city requirements still need separate checks.
The Clerk’s checklist directs businesses within Susanville city limits to the city for a license and distinguishes zoning review. It does not establish a countywide license requirement or exemption.
Service area: County Clerk referral for a business located within the City of Susanville; the city is the licensing authority. Area details & sources
If your business location is within city limits: Obtain a Business License from the City of Susanville, 66 North Lassen Street, Susanville, CA 96130 530-257-1000.
The Clerk’s business-information sheet distinguishes the four cities from the unincorporated county. Check activity permits and zoning separately; cannabis licensing is a distinct programme.
Businesses located in or conducting a portion of their business within any of the four (4) cities in Santa Cruz County should contact that city regarding the requirements for a business license. The County of Santa Cruz does not require a business license within the unincorporated area of the county
The county states business-license permits are not currently required in its unincorporated area. Use the separate department links to check planning, building, environmental health and other activity requirements.
For a business operating from fixed premises in unincorporated Mendocino County, use the Planning and Building application and submit the application and payment there. Tax Collector issuance follows approval.
Service area: Fixed commercial or home premises operating in unincorporated Mendocino County; intake is Planning and Building. Area details & sources
IF your business operates in the unincorporated area of the county and you have a physical location (commercial or home base) in unincorporated Mendocino County, then Visit, Mendocino County Planning and Building (Planning and Building Services Department Application) Submit your application and payment to Planning and Building
Check the business address and activity. General licenses, special licenses, tobacco retailer licenses and short-term-rental licensing follow different requirements.
Service area: Sacramento County licensing for the specified activities or premises in the unincorporated area; incorporated cities have separate authorities. Area details & sources
Business-license call center
The county FAQ lists weekday call-center hours of 9 am–4 pm; these are separate from counter intake hours.
Sacramento County regulates businesses operating in the areas of the County not located within city limits (the unincorporated area of the County) to promote improved enforcement of ordinances that protect the public and prevent nuisances and neighborhood disturbances.
Short-term rentals use the separately designated portal. The county does not accept these applications through its ordinary business-license counter, mail or general online application.
Service area: County short-term-rental licensing; confirm the unincorporated-area address and programme requirements. Area details & sources
Short-term rentals only
Use RentalScape for the STR permit, business license and TOT; the ordinary county application channels do not accept STR license applications.
Are you interested in operating a Short-Term Rental? Please visit RentalScape to apply for a Permit, Business License, and pay Transient Occupancy Tax. We no longer accept Business License applications in our office, through the mail or the Sacramento County Online Business License application.
The Clerk of the Board no longer issues the described unincorporated-area business licenses. Use the county referrals for activity-specific permits and the municipality for city licensing. This is a guidance entry.
County licensing transition
The county Assessor FAQ dates the Clerk of the Board licensing change to 2025. It does not establish an exemption from other permits.
The Clerk of the Board does not issue licenses for businesses operating in the unincorporated area of the County. Businesses operating within an incorporated city should contact that city for specific licensing requirements. San Bernardino County does not issue a business license that covers the entire County.
Butte County does not issue a general business license in the unincorporated area. Use this official guide for other county permits and municipal licensing referrals.
Unincorporated Butte County
The county does not issue a general business license for the unincorporated area. Other permits may still apply.
Butte County does not issue business licenses for businesses operating in or conducting sales in the unincorporated area. Other permits may apply, see below for more information.
Check the county business-license category and the business location. Receipt-based taxes and special flat-fee categories differ; short-term-rental approvals are separate.
Service area: Business licensing for businesses engaging in business in unincorporated Marin County. Area details & sources
Check local land-use approvals and apply through the county Licensing & Permitting Portal. Renewals, ownership changes and location changes have different requirements.
Service area: Businesses physically located and/or conducting business in unincorporated Merced County. Area details & sources
All businesses either physically located and/or conducting business within the unincorporated areas of Merced County must apply for and obtain a Merced County Business License. Business license applications may be submitted by visiting the Licensing & Permitting Portal.
Mariposa County does not require a general business license. Check Planning and the applicable health, building, access or other permits for the proposed activity.
Service availability
There is no general county business-license requirement in this source; other agency permits may still apply.
Use the official Economic Development guide to find activity-specific building, environmental health, fire and other permit resources. The page does not establish a general county license requirement or exemption.
Kern County requires some businesses to obtain permits to conduct their operations. These requirements vary based on location, type of service provided and whether construction is involved.
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.
Choose the municipality where the business will be located to find its licensing information. Verify that municipality’s current requirements; the county directory alone does not prove that a license is required or waived.
Riverside County states it has no general business-license programme. A separate stormwater registration applies to covered business activity in the unincorporated area; cities and other permits have their own requirements.
Welcome to Business (Stormwater) Registration for the Stormwater Compliance Program. Although the County of Riverside does not have a business license program, if you are conducting business as defined in Ordinance No. 857 within the unincorporated areas of the County of Riverside you are required to register for a Business (Stormwater) Registration for stormwater compliance.
Check the county code and stated exemptions, then obtain Planning’s zoning clearance before the business-license application can be accepted. Incorporated-city businesses use their city authority.
Service area: Businesses located in unincorporated Solano County; the stated service-provider and agricultural exemptions need to be checked. Area details & sources
Create or use the county portal account and choose Planning, then Business License Zoning Clearance Form. This first step is zoning clearance; the coordinator provides the license application after approval.
Service area: Zoning-clearance intake for businesses seeking a Solano County license in the unincorporated area. Area details & sources
Scheduling the zoning-clearance site inspection
After submitting zoning clearance, call Planning Services to schedule the site inspection; the stated 8:30 am–4 pmwindow is for scheduling, not general counter hours.
Before a new Business License application can be accepted, an approved Business License Zoning Clearance by the Planning Services Division is required.
The Economic Development page states the county does not require business licenses and directs readers to check municipal, permit and zoning requirements. Other registration and tax rules are separate.
The county toolkit distinguishes Sonora city licensing from its unincorporated-area no-business-license statement. Check activity permits, zoning, state licensing and tax requirements separately.
If you are conducting business within the incorporated City of Sonora, a business license is required. Find more information at here. If you are conducting business in the unincorporated area of Tuolumne County, a business license is not required.
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
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
The Planning Division now handles county business-license renewal and payments. Use the current Community Development forms and contact details, rather than the old Finance form address.
Service availability
Beginning in 2026, licensing renewal and payments move from Finance to Community Development’s Planning Division.
Starting in 2026, the Planning Division of the Alpine County Community Development Department will manage Business License renewal and payments that were formerly processed by the Finance Department.
Glenn Grows refers business owners to Agriculture, Air Pollution Control, Planning & Community Development and Clerk-Recorder. This page does not establish whether a general county business license is required.
Review the specific county cannabis programme and application resources. Current availability by zone and type still needs confirmation; this is not a general business-license guide.
Use the county cannabis checklist, application and supporting form directory. This review does not establish an open allocation for your zone or completion of all permits.
The county guidance distinguishes unincorporated Lake County from Clearlake and Lakeport. Other departments may still require activity or development approvals.
Starting a business in the unincorporated areas of Lake County does not require a business license. Businesses located in Clearlake and Lakeport require a business license from the municipality.
The county EDC distinguishes the nine cities from unincorporated Sonoma County. Its non-issuance guidance does not waive zoning, activity permits or separate business registrations.
If your business is located or operating in unincorporated Sonoma County (outside a city boundary), the County of Sonoma does not require a business license or tax certificate.
Community Development points businesses to applicable zoning and activity permits. The reviewed page does not establish a general county license requirement or exemption.
Due to the rural nature of Trinity County, home based businesses are a common source of income and depending on the nature of businesses and zoning, additional regulations may apply.
The city refers registration and business-tax payment or renewal to its Office of Finance. Follow the official Finance site for the applicable procedure.
Service area: City of Los Angeles business activity; city programme, not county-wide licensing. Area details & sources
Check registration and tax requirements for business activity in San Jose. The certificate records payment; zoning, fire, occupancy and other approvals remain separate.
Service area: City of San Jose business activity; city programme, not county-wide licensing. Area details & sources
Use the city registration page, then check the amount due and pay the business tax. A registration or tax receipt does not establish other permit approval.
Service area: City of San Jose business activity; city programme, not county-wide licensing. Area details & sources
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
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.
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
Requirements follow business activity in Chula Vista, including some out-of-city contractors, deliveries and temporary presence. A home business also needs a Home Occupation Permit.
Service area: City of Chula Vista business activity; city programme, not county-wide licensing. Area details & sources
Anyone conducting business in the City of Chula Vista must have a business license. Doing business in the city is defined as being located in or entering into the city to conduct business.
Follow the city’s official referral to the online application. Mail and Finance front-counter submission are also listed. Prepare the required business information and any Home Occupation Permit.
Service area: City of Chula Vista business activity; city programme, not county-wide licensing. Area details & sources
The city issues a Business Tax Certificate as acknowledgement of tax payment. Check other required zoning, police, health, state and activity approvals separately.
Service area: City of San Diego business activity; city programme, not county-wide licensing. Area details & sources
Use the current city-referred application portal. Registration is required for the online service; mail and in-person channels are also described on the city instructions page.
Service area: City of San Diego business activity; city programme, not county-wide licensing. Area details & sources
Check employee-count categories, the additional state and minimum-wage-enforcement charges, late penalties and district assessments. These components do not calculate your final bill.
Service area: City of San Diego business activity; city programme, not county-wide licensing. Area details & sources
Check separate telephone hours, lobby walk-in days and appointments before visiting. Mailing instructions differ across the city pages; confirm the destination with the programme.
Service area: City of San Diego business activity; city programme, not county-wide licensing. Area details & sources
Check licensing for business activity within Redding, including activity by businesses based elsewhere. Other permits and zoning approvals remain separate.
Service area: City of Redding business activity; city programme, not county-wide licensing. Area details & sources
Use the city’s paper application instructions and submit the signed application and payment. Call before visiting because the office warns of possible lunch closure.
Service area: City of Redding business activity; city programme, not county-wide licensing. Area details & sources
Service availability
The office warns of possible lunch closure; call before visiting.
If you would like to apply for a business license, download our online Business License Application and mail it in with your payment or visit our office Monday through Friday, 8am - 5pm.
Select the applicable business category, average employee count or premises measure. Component amounts and alternative periods are not a combined total.
Service area: City of Redding business activity; city programme, not county-wide licensing. Area details & sources
The city requires a Business Operations Tax certificate rather than a general business licence. Special business permits and home-occupation approval can still apply.
Service area: City of Sacramento business activity; city programme, not county-wide licensing. Area details & sources
The City of Sacramento does not issue a general business license. Sacramento City Code Chapter 3.08 does require all businesses that operate in the City of Sacramento to obtain a Business Operations Tax certificate.
Use the city-referred portal or the other application channels in the city instructions. A home business must also submit its Home Occupation Permit application.
Service area: City of Sacramento business activity; city programme, not county-wide licensing. Area details & sources
Check the city certificate procedure and any separate Zoning Clearance or seller-permit requirements. The city’s current prose referral uses the HdL portal.
Service area: City of Oakland business activity; city programme, not county-wide licensing. Area details & sources
Check your business activity and each location. Other city departments may need to approve the application, and an online application is available only for eligible business types.
Service area: City of Long Beach business activity; city programme, not county-wide licensing. Area details & sources
Check the eligible business types first. In-person applications are available for all business types; the city also describes mail or email for out-of-city businesses.
Service area: City of Long Beach business activity; city programme, not county-wide licensing. Area details & sources
Service availability
Submitting the application is not an issued license or permission to begin operating.
The linked rate table applies July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027. Base, employee, state, district and permit charges are separate; these items do not calculate a total bill.
Service area: City of Long Beach business activity; city programme, not county-wide licensing. Area details & sources
Tax exemption and obtaining the license are separate. Read the official eligibility and documentation, and confirm the business activity with the division.
Service area: City of Long Beach business activity; city programme, not county-wide licensing. Area details & sources
City licensing can apply to businesses based outside Anaheim when they conduct business in the city. Check the activity and application category before applying.
Service area: City of Anaheim business activity; city programme, not county-wide licensing. Area details & sources
Choose in-city commercial, home-based or outside-city forms. The city offers in-person issuance; arrive by 3pm and confirm hours because its pages give different counter closing times.
Service area: City of Anaheim business activity; city programme, not county-wide licensing. Area details & sources
Submit the city compliance form and check whether the activity actually needs an NPDES permit. Completing the form does not mean every business needs that permit.
Service area: City of Anaheim business activity; city programme, not county-wide licensing. Area details & sources
The city includes self-employed persons and independent contractors. A separate location needs a separate certificate; other permit and zoning requirements remain separate.
Service area: City of Stockton business activity; city programme, not county-wide licensing. Area details & sources
Download and complete the official application, then use a listed submission channel. Availability of a PDF online does not mean online electronic submission is available.
Service area: City of Stockton business activity; city programme, not county-wide licensing. Area details & sources
A business license application may be submitted by mail, email, or in person at Stockton's City Hall, located at 501 W. Weber Avenue, Building 2, First Floor Stockton, CA 95203.
An annual registration tax applies for each license, and, depending on the business activity, each business will also pay a mill tax, flat rate, or a combination of both.
Requirements depend on activity conducted in the City of Riverside, including some businesses based outside the city. City business tax is separate from county stormwater registration and other permits.
Service area: City of Riverside business activity; city programme, not county-wide licensing. Area details & sources
If you are planning to conduct business in the City of Riverside you must obtain a City of Riverside business license, also referred to as a business tax.
Use the city-referred Business License portal. After processing, the programme bills the amount due. A separate TOT or UUT portal is for a different tax.
Service area: City of Riverside business activity; city programme, not county-wide licensing. Area details & sources
This city-linked PDF explicitly covers November 1, 2025 through October 31, 2026 and says rates adjust each November 1. Check the applicable current period before relying on an amount.
Service area: City of Riverside business activity; city programme, not county-wide licensing. Area details & sources
Check zoning before signing a lease, prepare business IDs and applicable credentials, and review the city’s posted transition notice before trying an online service.
Service area: City of Irvine business activity; city programme, not county-wide licensing. Area details & sources
The city posts an October 5–19 interruption and an October 19 PRISM launch. Confirm the current arrangements with the licensing team; this guide does not promise that the old application or a future portal is currently available.
Service area: City of Irvine business activity; city programme, not county-wide licensing. Area details & sources
Service availability
The city posts a planned October 5–19 licensing-service interruption. The notice does not print a year here; confirm current service availability.
Choose the employee-count category. The printed new and renewal amounts include the mandatory $4 state ADA charge; they are not an amount to which that same charge should be added again.
Service area: City of Irvine business activity; city programme, not county-wide licensing. Area details & sources
The city requires a license and annual business-license tax; the tax year and activity category vary. Ownership, branches, home-business approvals and other permits have separate rules.
Service area: City of Santa Ana business activity; city programme, not county-wide licensing. Area details & sources
The Santa Ana Municipal Code requires a license for all businesses operating within the City limits to pay an annual business license tax whether or not the business is carried on for profit or not.
Complete the official application and follow the city’s email or in-person instructions. Confirm counter hours first: the same city page gives inconsistent hours and Friday availability.
Service area: City of Santa Ana business activity; city programme, not county-wide licensing. Area details & sources
Choose the schedule matching the business classification. Document-page dates and 2024 URL slugs do not establish the period printed inside the linked PDFs.
Service area: City of Santa Ana business activity; city programme, not county-wide licensing. Area details & sources