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Close or update a business license

Find instructions for closing a license or reporting ownership, address or business changes.

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 · Orange

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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

Map for browsing; agency service areas may differ.

Map source

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

City government · Orange

Anaheim — Planning & Building — Business License Division

City of Anaheim business licensing or tax certificates.

Request closure of a city business licenseOfficial online service

Open the city-referred closure form. A business-name, address or ownership-type change can require a new application instead of an ordinary renewal.

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

Source checked October 16, 2026

Anaheim government · Anaheim — business licensing forms (opens in a new tab)

Reviewed business licensing instructions

Request to Close Business License

Saved evidence: fbe58c918f381a22 · Agent source review

Full guide, contact details & sources →

City government · Orange

Santa Ana — Finance — Business License Tax Section

City of Santa Ana business licensing or tax certificates.

Cancel or change a city business-license tax accountOfficial instructions

Provide the account number, date operations ended or will end, and a signature. The city describes a cancellation statement or an email with a signature block. Location and ownership changes have separate application rules.

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

Source checked October 16, 2026

Santa Ana government · Santa Ana — business licensing information (opens in a new tab)

Reviewed business licensing instructions

If your business ceases operations before the license expiration date, you must notify the Business Licenses Section in writing to cancel your business license.

Saved evidence: 903c13de32cc9812 · Agent source review

Full guide, contact details & sources →