California · find a service

Renew a business license in California

Find local renewal instructions, account requirements and the relevant license period.

In California, 185 city governments and 16 county departments publish 203 official links for this service, 15 of them online. Reviewed requirements cover deadlines (18), documents (10), payment methods (6), eligibility (4) and processing time (2). 44 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.

3 guides with reviewed service links · Santa Cruz

Clear filters

Choose a county on the map

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 · Santa Cruz

City of Capitola — Business licensing information

City of Capitola

Renew a business license — City of CapitolaOfficial instructions

Please note: Business License Renewal Notices are sent as a courtesy only. Business licenses are valid for the calendar year only. All business licenses expire on December 31st. Business license tax for renewals must be paid by January 15th regardless of whether a renewal notice is received by the business owner. Renewal payments received (or postmarked) after the January 15th due date will be assessed an administrative late fee and penalty.

Service area: City of Capitola Area details & sources

Source checked October 28, 2026

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

Visible topic-specific information on the official page

Please note: Business License Renewal Notices are sent as a courtesy only. Business licenses are valid for the calendar year only. All business licenses expire on December 31st. Business license tax for renewals must be paid by January 15th regardless of whether a renewal notice is received by the business owner. Renewal payments received (or postmarked) after the January 15th due date will be assessed an administrative late fee and penalty.

Saved evidence: 0defb258c998f064 · Agent source review

Full guide, contact details & sources →

City government · Santa Cruz

City of Santa Cruz — Business licensing information

City of Santa Cruz

Renew a business license — City of Santa CruzOfficial instructions

In addition to the basic business license tax, applicants for a new license are charged a $35 registration fee and a $4 fee mandated by the State of California for accessibility compliance through AB 1379. Annual business license renewals are charged the business license tax, a renewal fee of $16, and the $4 state-mandated fee. These fees are authorized by Council Resolution NS-29,343(PDF, 87KB) and, except for the accessibility compliance fee, will be adjusted every January 1 for increases in the Consumer Price Index. Registration, renewal, and state-mandated fees are not prorated and not refundable.

Service area: City of Santa Cruz Area details & sources

Source checked October 28, 2026

Santa Cruz municipal government · Santa Cruz — business licensing discovery (opens in a new tab)

Visible topic-specific information on the official page

In addition to the basic business license tax, applicants for a new license are charged a $35 registration fee and a $4 fee mandated by the State of California for accessibility compliance through AB 1379. Annual business license renewals are charged the business license tax, a renewal fee of $16, and the $4 state-mandated fee. These fees are authorized by Council Resolution NS-29,343(PDF, 87KB) and, except for the accessibility compliance fee, will be adjusted every January 1 for increases in the Consumer Price Index. Registration, renewal, and state-mandated fees are not prorated and not refundable.

Saved evidence: 0bd1f1f74bb97fb6 · Agent source review

Full guide, contact details & sources →

City government · Santa Cruz

City of Scotts Valley — Business licensing information

City of Scotts Valley

Renew a business license — City of Scotts ValleyOfficial instructions

The official source lists “Click here for How to Renew a Business License”. Follow the issuing provider's instructions for requirements and availability.

Service area: City of Scotts Valley Area details & sources

Source checked October 28, 2026

Scotts Valley municipal government · Scotts Valley — business licensing discovery (opens in a new tab)

Exact named official link (entrance only; linked contents not reviewed)

Click here for How to Renew a Business License

Saved evidence: f0119c36370b1ba7 · Agent source review

Full guide, contact details & sources →

Renew a business license in California

City of Capitola — Business licensing information

City of Santa Cruz — Business licensing information

City of Scotts Valley — Business licensing information

Renew a business license by county