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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 · Santa Clara

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California58 counties

County directory Reviewed service guides available

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Map source

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

County government · Santa Clara

County Clerk-Recorder

Business license guidance

Clerk-Recorder business-license referralOfficial instructions

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.

Source checked October 16, 2026

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

Reviewed business licensing instructions

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.

Saved evidence: 8d4783af0be7954a · Agent source review

Full guide, contact details & sources →

City government · Santa Clara

San Jose — Finance Department — Business Tax

City of San Jose business licensing or tax certificates.

Business tax certificate requirements and separate permitsOfficial instructions

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

Source checked October 16, 2026

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

Reviewed business licensing instructions

Every person or company conducting business in San José must register for a Business Tax Certificate.

Saved evidence: 8ea8427ed1e1c9aa · Agent source review

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

Source checked October 16, 2026

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

Reviewed business licensing instructions

Register for a Business Tax Certificate

Saved evidence: 8ea8427ed1e1c9aa · Agent source review

Review city business-tax ratesOfficial instructions

Check the category and calculation applicable to your business; the state administrative charge is separate from the business tax.

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

Source checked October 16, 2026

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

Reviewed business licensing instructions

Business Tax Rates

Saved evidence: 8ea8427ed1e1c9aa · Agent source review

Full guide, contact details & sources →