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Check or apply for a business license

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.

2 guides with reviewed service links · Alameda

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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.

California58 counties

County directory Reviewed service guides available

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

County government · Alameda

Treasurer-Tax Collector

Business licensing

County business-license requirements — unincorporated areasOfficial instructions

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

Source checked October 16, 2026

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

Reviewed business licensing instructions

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.

Saved evidence: d7ce99ba824a47a6 · Agent source review

Start a new Alameda County business-license applicationOfficial online service

Official county referral to the business-license application portal. Confirm the jurisdiction first.

Service area: County business-license application for the unincorporated area, not incorporated cities. Area details & sources

Source checked October 16, 2026

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

Reviewed business licensing instructions

New Alameda County Business License

Saved evidence: d7ce99ba824a47a6 · Agent source review

Full guide, contact details & sources →

City government · Alameda

Oakland — Finance — Revenue Management Bureau Business Tax

City of Oakland business licensing or tax certificates.

Check city Business Tax Certificate requirementsOfficial instructions

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

Source checked October 16, 2026

Oakland government · Oakland — Finance business license certificate (opens in a new tab)

Reviewed business licensing instructions

Oakland based businesses should obtain Zoning Clearance prior to applying for a Business Tax Certificate.

Saved evidence: 6b52570b2ded23b9 · Agent source review

Submit a new city Business Tax applicationOfficial online service

Use the exact city-referred Business Tax application link. Other licences, zoning and state tax requirements remain separate.

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

Source checked October 16, 2026

Oakland — city-referred Revenue Management Bureau portal · Oakland — Business Tax portal activities (opens in a new tab)

Reviewed business licensing instructions

Submit NEW Business Tax Application

Saved evidence: 2ac8dcf74e716b12 · Agent source review

Full guide, contact details & sources →