Business registration, licenses and professional regulation.
Find your county’s service guide 26 reviewed links · Santa Cruz
County selection Santa Cruz, California
County context for browsing. Agency service areas may differ. Check or apply for a business license → Get a professional license → Form or register a business → Renew a business license → Close or update a business license → Look up a business license → Register a business for stormwater compliance → 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.
Office guide → Source & saved evidence 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 Agent source review: October 16, 2026 · Snapshot 9e2e9c575926e53a
Review entity-specific registration, signature and termination instructions. Sole proprietors, FBNs and local permits use separate routes.
Office guide → Source & saved evidence California Secretary of State · California Secretary of State — FAQs (opens in a new tab)
Main content — Form/register, license or terminate a business entity.
Form/register, license or terminate a business entity. Agent source review: October 16, 2026 · Snapshot 3aa5c9f2ebe3a3c8
Use the LLC filing directory for Articles of Organization, the $70 filing fee and entity maintenance forms.
Office guide → Source & saved evidence California Secretary of State · California Secretary of State — Limited Liability Companies - California (Domestic) (opens in a new tab)
Main content — Formation - Articles of Organization
Formation - Articles of Organization Agent source review: October 16, 2026 · Snapshot c9e2c049e4cd2fef
Choose the correct stock, professional or nonprofit form. Fees and additional filings depend on entity type.
Office guide → Source & saved evidence California Secretary of State · California Secretary of State — Corporations - California (Domestic) (opens in a new tab)
Main content — Articles of Incorporation - General Stock
Articles of Incorporation - General Stock Agent source review: October 16, 2026 · Snapshot 60a2187cf4c453dc
Choose LP, GP or LLP forms. Registering a partnership is separate from obtaining a local business license.
Office guide → Source & saved evidence California Secretary of State · California Secretary of State — Forms, Samples & Fees (opens in a new tab)
Main content — Forms, Samples and Fees
Forms, Samples and Fees Agent source review: October 16, 2026 · Snapshot 4cb9304af84a2777
Check the initial and recurring deadline for your entity. Online filings require established User Access under the August 2026 update.
Office guide → Source & saved evidence California Secretary of State · California Secretary of State — Statements of Information (opens in a new tab)
Main content — User Access Update
User Access Update Agent source review: October 16, 2026 · Snapshot e7b8fafaaad6bc43
Name reservations last 60 days and do not establish trademark rights or guarantee final filing acceptance.
Office guide → Source & saved evidence California Secretary of State · California Secretary of State — Name Reservations (opens in a new tab)
Main content — Reserving a Name
Reserving a Name Agent source review: October 16, 2026 · Snapshot e7ebfad93644c3f6
Find business records, certified copies and status certificates; some entity types and No Record requests require paper.
Office guide → Source & saved evidence California Secretary of State · California Secretary of State — Launch service: Get copies of business entity documents (opens in a new tab)
Main content — Certificates, Copies, Status Reports and Processing Times
Certificates, Copies, Status Reports and Processing Times Agent source review: October 16, 2026 · Snapshot c1684ee2eb5e5eee
Choose the appropriate amendment, dissolution or cancellation form. Online termination requires Basic/Full Access.
Office guide → Source & saved evidence California Secretary of State · California Secretary of State — Limited Liability Companies - California (Domestic) (opens in a new tab)
Main content — Termination
Termination Agent source review: October 16, 2026 · Snapshot c9e2c049e4cd2fef
Compare Sacramento handling and expedite charges, cutoffs and preclearance requirements. A timed response can still be a rejection.
Office guide → Source & saved evidence California Secretary of State · California Secretary of State — Service Options (opens in a new tab)
Main content — Drop-Off Service (Special Handling Service)
Drop-Off Service (Special Handling Service) Agent source review: October 16, 2026 · Snapshot 369de00f6b8cae5f
Use the current processing-date page when planning a filing; a general form-table estimate is not an approval promise.
Office guide → Source & saved evidence California Secretary of State · California Secretary of State — processing dates for Business Entities (opens in a new tab)
Main content — Processing Dates
Processing Dates Agent source review: October 16, 2026 · Snapshot 7d86a4dc6c010978
Choose the actual board or bureau, then confirm its license type, application, materials, fees and eligibility.
Office guide → Source & saved evidence California Department of Consumer Affairs · California Department of Consumer Affairs — contact them directly through our directory (opens in a new tab)
Main content — Links to DCA Boards and Bureaus
Links to DCA Boards and Bureaus Agent source review: October 16, 2026 · Snapshot ad99e539ab83c959
Follow DCA’s requirements directory to the profession-specific rules. A directory listing does not establish your individual eligibility.
Office guide → Source & saved evidence California Department of Consumer Affairs · California Department of Consumer Affairs — Licensees (opens in a new tab)
Main content — Licensing Requirements
Licensing Requirements Agent source review: October 16, 2026 · Snapshot 1b9d8c26de1dff52
Some participating boards allow certain license applications and renewals through BreEZe. Use the correct board’s current instructions.
Office guide → Source & saved evidence California Department of Consumer Affairs · California Department of Consumer Affairs — About BreEZe page (opens in a new tab)
Main content — What online services does BreEZe allow?
What online services does BreEZe allow? Agent source review: October 16, 2026 · Snapshot e6c78f65dd090550
Follow official license-search instructions. Some boards have a separate search; select the responsible profession and check license status.
Office guide → Source & saved evidence California Department of Consumer Affairs · California Department of Consumer Affairs — Licensees (opens in a new tab)
Main content — License Search
License Search Agent source review: October 16, 2026 · Snapshot 1b9d8c26de1dff52
The official source lists “Business Licenses”. Follow the issuing provider's instructions for requirements and availability.
Office guide → Source & saved evidence Capitola municipal government · Capitola — business licensing discovery (opens in a new tab)
Exact named official link (entrance only; linked contents not reviewed)
Business Licenses Agent source review: October 28, 2026 · Snapshot 0defb258c998f064
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.
Office guide → Source & saved evidence 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. Agent source review: October 28, 2026 · Snapshot 0defb258c998f064
The official source lists “Click here for the Business License Discontinuance Form”. Follow the issuing provider's instructions for requirements and availability.
Office guide → Source & saved evidence Capitola municipal government · Capitola — business licensing discovery (opens in a new tab)
Exact named official link (entrance only; linked contents not reviewed)
Click here for the Business License Discontinuance Form Agent source review: October 28, 2026 · Snapshot 0defb258c998f064
The official source lists “Business Licenses and Permits”. Follow the issuing provider's instructions for requirements and availability.
Office guide → Source & saved evidence Santa Cruz municipal government · Santa Cruz — business licensing discovery (opens in a new tab)
Exact named official link (entrance only; linked contents not reviewed)
Business Licenses and Permits Agent source review: October 28, 2026 · Snapshot 0bd1f1f74bb97fb6
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.
Office guide → Source & saved evidence 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. Agent source review: October 28, 2026 · Snapshot 0bd1f1f74bb97fb6
Business License Discontinuance Form(PDF, 129KB) - Submit this form if you are no longer doing business in the City of Santa Cruz.
Office guide → Source & saved evidence Santa Cruz municipal government · Santa Cruz — business licensing discovery (opens in a new tab)
Visible topic-specific information on the official page
Business License Discontinuance Form(PDF, 129KB) - Submit this form if you are no longer doing business in the City of Santa Cruz. Agent source review: October 28, 2026 · Snapshot 0bd1f1f74bb97fb6
Check Status or Search Business License Database - Our Search Feature is Currently Unavailable. For Status, Please call (831)420-5070 or email revenue@santacruzca.gov
Office guide → Source & saved evidence Santa Cruz municipal government · Santa Cruz — business licensing discovery (opens in a new tab)
Visible topic-specific information on the official page
Check Status or Search Business License Database - Our Search Feature is Currently Unavailable. For Status, Please call (831)420-5070 or email revenue@santacruzca.gov Agent source review: October 28, 2026 · Snapshot 0bd1f1f74bb97fb6
The official source lists “Business Licenses”. Follow the issuing provider's instructions for requirements and availability.
Office guide → Source & saved evidence Scotts Valley municipal government · Scotts Valley — business licensing discovery (opens in a new tab)
Exact named official link (entrance only; linked contents not reviewed)
Business Licenses Agent source review: October 28, 2026 · Snapshot f0119c36370b1ba7
The official source lists “Click here for How to Renew a Business License”. Follow the issuing provider's instructions for requirements and availability.
Office guide → Source & saved evidence 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 Agent source review: October 28, 2026 · Snapshot f0119c36370b1ba7
The official source lists “Click here to search for a Business License”. Follow the issuing provider's instructions for requirements and availability.
Office guide → Source & saved evidence 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 to search for a Business License Agent source review: October 28, 2026 · Snapshot f0119c36370b1ba7
The official source lists “Business License”. Follow the issuing provider's instructions for requirements and availability.
Office guide → Source & saved evidence Watsonville municipal government · Watsonville — business licensing discovery (opens in a new tab)
Exact named official link (entrance only; linked contents not reviewed)
Business License Agent source review: October 28, 2026 · Snapshot 9eb6bc49c631d656
Official state service profiles These 45 profiles are classified under this topic by California’s official state service directory. The county filter above does not establish local eligibility for them. Confirm availability and requirements on the official profile.
Cannabis Control Appeals Panel · Official directory link
Source & saved evidence State of California · California state service profiles (opens in a new tab)
CA.gov service 1146 listed under department 306
Appeal a cannabis license decision Agent source review: October 13, 2026 · Snapshot 82bb7fdc7a81da6a
Cannabis Control, Department of · Official directory link
Source & saved evidence State of California · California state service profiles (opens in a new tab)
CA.gov service 1281 listed under department 100
Apply for a cannabis license Agent source review: October 13, 2026 · Snapshot 82bb7fdc7a81da6a
Horse Racing Board, California · Official directory link
Source & saved evidence State of California · California state service profiles (opens in a new tab)
CA.gov service 1144 listed under department 185
Apply for a horse racing license Agent source review: October 13, 2026 · Snapshot 82bb7fdc7a81da6a
Tax and Fee Administration, California Department of · Official directory link
Source & saved evidence State of California · California state service profiles (opens in a new tab)
CA.gov service 26 listed under department 287
Apply for a seller’s permit Agent source review: October 13, 2026 · Snapshot 82bb7fdc7a81da6a
Business and Economic Development, Governor's Office of · Official directory link
Source & saved evidence State of California · California state service profiles (opens in a new tab)
CA.gov service 1126 listed under department 237
Business incentives Agent source review: October 13, 2026 · Snapshot 82bb7fdc7a81da6a
Business and Economic Development, Governor's Office of · Official directory link
Source & saved evidence State of California · California state service profiles (opens in a new tab)
CA.gov service 1127 listed under department 237
Business permits and licensing help Agent source review: October 13, 2026 · Snapshot 82bb7fdc7a81da6a
Air Resources Board · Official directory link
Source & saved evidence State of California · California state service profiles (opens in a new tab)
CA.gov service 1199 listed under department 135
CA Clean Truck Check Agent source review: October 13, 2026 · Snapshot 82bb7fdc7a81da6a
Business and Economic Development, Governor's Office of · Official directory link
Source & saved evidence State of California · California state service profiles (opens in a new tab)
CA.gov service 1128 listed under department 237
Community data and statistics Agent source review: October 13, 2026 · Snapshot 82bb7fdc7a81da6a
Contractors State License Board · Official directory link
Source & saved evidence State of California · California state service profiles (opens in a new tab)
CA.gov service 10 listed under department 299
Check contractor application Agent source review: October 13, 2026 · Snapshot 82bb7fdc7a81da6a
Industrial Relations, Department of · Official directory link
Source & saved evidence State of California · California state service profiles (opens in a new tab)
CA.gov service 1208 listed under department 91
Certified Payroll Reporting Agent source review: October 13, 2026 · Snapshot 82bb7fdc7a81da6a
General Services, Department of · Official directory link
Source & saved evidence State of California · California state service profiles (opens in a new tab)
CA.gov service 1149 listed under department 216
Doing business with California state Agent source review: October 13, 2026 · Snapshot 82bb7fdc7a81da6a
Employment Development Department · Official directory link
Source & saved evidence State of California · California state service profiles (opens in a new tab)
CA.gov service 1193 listed under department 229
Enroll in EDD employer services Agent source review: October 13, 2026 · Snapshot 82bb7fdc7a81da6a
Business and Economic Development, Governor's Office of · Official directory link
Source & saved evidence State of California · California state service profiles (opens in a new tab)
CA.gov service 77 listed under department 237
Find business resources Agent source review: October 13, 2026 · Snapshot 82bb7fdc7a81da6a
Consumer Affairs, Department of · Official directory link
Source & saved evidence State of California · California state service profiles (opens in a new tab)
CA.gov service 1133 listed under department 210
Find a consumer affairs license Agent source review: October 13, 2026 · Snapshot 82bb7fdc7a81da6a
Consumer Affairs, Department of · Official directory link
Source & saved evidence State of California · California state service profiles (opens in a new tab)
CA.gov service 1134 listed under department 210
File complaint against a professional or business Agent source review: October 13, 2026 · Snapshot 82bb7fdc7a81da6a
Contractors State License Board · Official directory link
Source & saved evidence State of California · California state service profiles (opens in a new tab)
CA.gov service 11 listed under department 299
File complaint against contractor Agent source review: October 13, 2026 · Snapshot 82bb7fdc7a81da6a
Food and Agriculture, Department of · Official directory link
Source & saved evidence State of California · California state service profiles (opens in a new tab)
CA.gov service 73 listed under department 173
Find a fair Agent source review: October 13, 2026 · Snapshot 82bb7fdc7a81da6a
General Services, Department of · Official directory link
Source & saved evidence State of California · California state service profiles (opens in a new tab)
CA.gov service 1162 listed under department 216
Find procurement and acquisition services Agent source review: October 13, 2026 · Snapshot 82bb7fdc7a81da6a
Secretary of State · Official directory link
Source & saved evidence State of California · California state service profiles (opens in a new tab)
CA.gov service 55 listed under department 275
Form a business Agent source review: October 13, 2026 · Snapshot 82bb7fdc7a81da6a
State Fire Marshal, Office of the · Official directory link
Source & saved evidence State of California · California state service profiles (opens in a new tab)
CA.gov service 1248 listed under department 301
Fire safety licenses and permits Agent source review: October 13, 2026 · Snapshot 82bb7fdc7a81da6a
Fish and Wildlife, Department of · Official directory link
Source & saved evidence State of California · California state service profiles (opens in a new tab)
CA.gov service 29 listed under department 174
Get a fishing or hunting license Agent source review: October 13, 2026 · Snapshot 82bb7fdc7a81da6a
Secretary of State · Official directory link
Source & saved evidence State of California · California state service profiles (opens in a new tab)
CA.gov service 56 listed under department 275
Get copies of business entity documents Agent source review: October 13, 2026 · Snapshot 82bb7fdc7a81da6a
Toxic Substances Control, Department of · Official directory link
Source & saved evidence State of California · California state service profiles (opens in a new tab)
CA.gov service 1205 listed under department 227
Hazardous Waste Tracking System Agent source review: October 13, 2026 · Snapshot 82bb7fdc7a81da6a
Toxic Substances Control, Department of · Official directory link
Source & saved evidence State of California · California state service profiles (opens in a new tab)
CA.gov service 1251 listed under department 227
Hazardous waste Regulatory Assistance Office Agent source review: October 13, 2026 · Snapshot 82bb7fdc7a81da6a
Alcoholic Beverage Control, Department of · Official directory link
Source & saved evidence State of California · California state service profiles (opens in a new tab)
CA.gov service 1198 listed under department 131
Look up an alcohol license Agent source review: October 13, 2026 · Snapshot 82bb7fdc7a81da6a
Contractors State License Board · Official directory link
Source & saved evidence State of California · California state service profiles (opens in a new tab)
CA.gov service 12 listed under department 299
Look up contractor license Agent source review: October 13, 2026 · Snapshot 82bb7fdc7a81da6a
Public Health, California Department of · Official directory link
Source & saved evidence State of California · California state service profiles (opens in a new tab)
CA.gov service 1210 listed under department 176
Look up licenses for clinical laboratory personnel Agent source review: October 13, 2026 · Snapshot 82bb7fdc7a81da6a
Tax and Fee Administration, California Department of · Official directory link
Source & saved evidence State of California · California state service profiles (opens in a new tab)
CA.gov service 24 listed under department 287
Look up sales tax rates Agent source review: October 13, 2026 · Snapshot 82bb7fdc7a81da6a
Real Estate, Department of · Official directory link
Source & saved evidence State of California · California state service profiles (opens in a new tab)
CA.gov service 1130 listed under department 40
Manage your California real estate license Agent source review: October 13, 2026 · Snapshot 82bb7fdc7a81da6a
Civil Rights Department · Official directory link
Source & saved evidence State of California · California state service profiles (opens in a new tab)
CA.gov service 1315 listed under department 215
Pay data reporting Agent source review: October 13, 2026 · Snapshot 82bb7fdc7a81da6a
Bureau of Real Estate Appraisers · Official directory link
Source & saved evidence State of California · California state service profiles (opens in a new tab)
CA.gov service 1125 listed under department 300
Renew appraiser license Agent source review: October 13, 2026 · Snapshot 82bb7fdc7a81da6a
Cannabis Control Appeals Panel · Official directory link
Source & saved evidence State of California · California state service profiles (opens in a new tab)
CA.gov service 1145 listed under department 306
Review of cannabis licensing decisions Agent source review: October 13, 2026 · Snapshot 82bb7fdc7a81da6a
Consumer Affairs, Department of · Official directory link
Source & saved evidence State of California · California state service profiles (opens in a new tab)
CA.gov service 1135 listed under department 210
Renew your professional license Agent source review: October 13, 2026 · Snapshot 82bb7fdc7a81da6a
Controller's Office, State · Official directory link
Source & saved evidence State of California · California state service profiles (opens in a new tab)
CA.gov service 1147 listed under department 268
Report unclaimed property Agent source review: October 13, 2026 · Snapshot 82bb7fdc7a81da6a
General Services, Department of · Official directory link
Source & saved evidence State of California · California state service profiles (opens in a new tab)
CA.gov service 1158 listed under department 216
Risk and insurance management Agent source review: October 13, 2026 · Snapshot 82bb7fdc7a81da6a
Motor Vehicles, Department of · Official directory link
Source & saved evidence State of California · California state service profiles (opens in a new tab)
CA.gov service 1211 listed under department 220
Report auto fraud Agent source review: October 13, 2026 · Snapshot 82bb7fdc7a81da6a
State of California · Official directory link
Source & saved evidence State of California · California state service profiles (opens in a new tab)
CA.gov service 1286 listed under department 317
Recovery services finder Agent source review: October 13, 2026 · Snapshot 82bb7fdc7a81da6a
Business and Economic Development, Governor's Office of · Official directory link
Source & saved evidence State of California · California state service profiles (opens in a new tab)
CA.gov service 1184 listed under department 237
Small Business Assistance Centers Agent source review: October 13, 2026 · Snapshot 82bb7fdc7a81da6a
Controller's Office, State · Official directory link
Source & saved evidence State of California · California state service profiles (opens in a new tab)
CA.gov service 13 listed under department 268
Search for unclaimed property Agent source review: October 13, 2026 · Snapshot 82bb7fdc7a81da6a
General Services, Department of · Official directory link
Source & saved evidence State of California · California state service profiles (opens in a new tab)
CA.gov service 1155 listed under department 216
School design and construction oversight Agent source review: October 13, 2026 · Snapshot 82bb7fdc7a81da6a
San Francisco Bay Conservation and Development Commission · Official directory link
Source & saved evidence State of California · California state service profiles (opens in a new tab)
CA.gov service 1229 listed under department 138
San Francisco Bay conservation and development permits Agent source review: October 13, 2026 · Snapshot 82bb7fdc7a81da6a
Tax and Fee Administration, California Department of · Official directory link
Source & saved evidence State of California · California state service profiles (opens in a new tab)
CA.gov service 25 listed under department 287
Sales and use tax permits, licenses, or accounts Agent source review: October 13, 2026 · Snapshot 82bb7fdc7a81da6a
Motor Vehicles, Department of · Official directory link
Source & saved evidence State of California · California state service profiles (opens in a new tab)
CA.gov service 48 listed under department 220
Update information (address, name, gender) Agent source review: October 13, 2026 · Snapshot 82bb7fdc7a81da6a
Industrial Relations, Department of · Official directory link
Source & saved evidence State of California · California state service profiles (opens in a new tab)
CA.gov service 1279 listed under department 91
Worker safety, wildfire cleanup, and rebuilding Agent source review: October 13, 2026 · Snapshot 82bb7fdc7a81da6a
Industrial Relations, Department of · Official directory link
Source & saved evidence State of California · California state service profiles (opens in a new tab)
CA.gov service 1280 listed under department 91
Worker rights and employer responsibilities Agent source review: October 13, 2026 · Snapshot 82bb7fdc7a81da6a