California · find a service

Check or apply for a business license in California

Check local business license or business tax certificate requirements, the right authority and application options.

In California, 284 city governments and 55 county departments publish 399 official links for this service, 23 of them online. Reviewed requirements cover eligibility (77), documents (55), availability notices (19), payment methods (18), deadlines (11), processing time (4), appointments (3), languages (2) and accessibility (1). 53 counties have a page for it below.

Before you start · 4 things to check

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.

5 guides with reviewed service links · Santa Cruz

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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

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

County government · Santa Cruz

County Clerk

Business license guidance

County business-license guidance and city/permit referralsOfficial instructions

The Clerk’s business-information sheet distinguishes the four cities from the unincorporated county. Check activity permits and zoning separately; cannabis licensing is a distinct programme.

Source checked October 16, 2026

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

PDF page 1

Businesses located in or conducting a portion of their business within any of the four (4) cities in Santa Cruz County should contact that city regarding the requirements for a business license. The County of Santa Cruz does not require a business license within the unincorporated area of the county

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City government · Santa Cruz