Find a service by task

Look up a business license

Use an official business license directory or account lookup. Check the type and area of license covered.

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.

2 guides with reviewed service links · Sacramento

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

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

County government · Sacramento

Finance — Business License Unit

Business licensing

Find instructions for searching county business licensesOfficial instructions

Use the county instructions for the current business-license search tool, or contact the Business License Unit. This is a records lookup, not a license application.

Service area: Records of Sacramento County business licenses for the county licensing jurisdiction. Area details & sources

Source checked October 16, 2026

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

Reviewed business licensing instructions

Instructions on How to Use the Search Tool

Saved evidence: 96510546973e4556 · Agent source review

Full guide, contact details & sources →

City government · Sacramento

Sacramento — Finance — Revenue Division Business Operations Tax

City of Sacramento business licensing or tax certificates.

Search the city Business Operations Tax databaseOfficial instructions

Use the city’s business-name or description search. The page warns that only the first twenty-five accounts are shown.

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

Service availability

Only the first twenty-five matching accounts are displayed; a limited result set is not proof that no other account exists.

Official information checked October 16, 2026 · Details & sources

Source checked October 16, 2026

Sacramento city service · Sacramento — business search information (opens in a new tab)

Reviewed business licensing instructions

Looking for a business within the City of Sacramento? Use the search tool below to search for a business by the business name or description.

Saved evidence: 6e590c1fde9b0b04 · Agent source review

Full guide, contact details & sources →