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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 · Fresno

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

County government · Fresno

Tax Collector

Business licensing

Check Fresno County business licensing for regulated activitiesOfficial instructions

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.

Official information checked October 16, 2026 · Details & sources

Source checked October 16, 2026

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

Reviewed business licensing instructions

To assist in determining if your business requires a license through the Tax Collector’s Office, please refer to Title 6 of the Code of Ordinances.

Saved evidence: e7ce326238879bbc · Agent source review

Full guide, contact details & sources →

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

Full guide, contact details & sources →